Not all ginger shots are equal. Sugar content varies from 1g to 40g per 100ml. Some contain turmeric, most don't. Almost none include the ingredient that makes curcumin actually work: black pepper (piperine). Here's an evidence-based buying guide.
The 5 Critical Criteria
| # | Criterion | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sugar content | Sugar >5g/100ml activates NF-κB inflammation | <5g/100ml ideal, <2g/100ml optimal |
| 2 | Turmeric/curcumin | Synergistic NF-κB inhibition with ginger | Listed as active ingredient, not flavouring |
| 3 | Black pepper/piperine | Increases curcumin bioavailability by 2000% | Must be included if turmeric is present |
| 4 | Organic certification | Concentrated extracts concentrate pesticides | EU organic, USDA organic, or equivalent |
| 5 | Concentration | Diluted = more water, less active compounds | Concentrated > ready-to-drink |
Red Flags to Avoid
- "Natural flavouring" instead of actual ginger/turmeric extract
- Apple juice as first ingredient — you're buying diluted juice, not a ginger shot
- "Turmeric" without black pepper — bioavailability below 1% (Shoba et al., 1998)
- Added vitamins to compensate — if the shot needs vitamin C added, the ginger content is low
- Ingredient list longer than 6 items — more fillers than active compounds
How INTI Scores on Each Criterion
| Criterion | INTI Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | ✅ 1.19g/100ml | No NF-κB activation, no insulin spike |
| Turmeric | ✅ Active ingredient | Curcumin as primary component |
| Piperine | ✅ Black pepper included | 2000% enhanced absorption |
| Organic | ✅ Certified organic | EU organic certification |
| Concentration | ✅ Concentrated format | Dilutable, higher value per serve |
FAQ
What should I look for in a ginger shot?
Low sugar (<5g/100ml), turmeric with black pepper for bioavailability, organic certification, and concentrated format. These five criteria determine whether you're getting pharmacological benefit or flavoured sugar water.
Why does black pepper matter in a ginger shot?
If the shot contains turmeric, black pepper (piperine) increases curcumin absorption by 2000% (Shoba et al., 1998). Without it, less than 1% of curcumin reaches your bloodstream.
Are expensive ginger shots worth it?
Price alone doesn't indicate quality. Compare price per active ingredient serve, not per bottle. A £15 concentrated bottle providing 15 serves at £1/serve beats a £3 single-serve with added sugar.
By Loïc De Vrye — founder of INTI, Me Time Scomm.
INTI — organic ginger + turmeric + black pepper, 1.19g sugar per 100ml. Passes all 5 criteria.