What is Ginger Beer?
Ginger Beer is a fermented or carbonated ginger drink, popular as a mixer (Moscow Mule) or a non-alcoholic beverage. There are two categories:
- Artisanal Ginger Beer: Naturally fermented, may contain alcohol (0-4%), variable ginger content
- Industrial Ginger Beer (Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, Crabbie's): Pasteurized, added sugar, flavors
Nutritional Comparison: INTI vs Ginger Beer
| Criterion | INTI Essence | Ginger Beer (e.g., Fever-Tree) | Artisanal Ginger Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar/100ml | 1.1g natural | 8-10g (added) | 6-12g |
| Calories/100ml | 16 Kcal | 36-50 Kcal | 30-55 Kcal |
| Active Ginger | Intact gingerols (cold press) | Pasteurized (degraded gingerols) | Variable (fermented) |
| Turmeric | Yes (fresh) | No | No |
| Certified Organic | 100% Ecocert | No (most) | Sometimes |
| Alcohol | 0% | 0% | 0-4% |
| Origin | Meise, Belgium | UK / global industry | Variable |
Why pasteurized ginger loses its health benefits
Pasteurization (> 60°C) transforms gingerols into shogaols — compounds with different and less bioavailable properties. Specifically:
- The antiviral property of gingerols (rhinovirus inhibition -68%) disappears with pasteurization (Chang 2013)
- Anti-nausea activity is reduced by 60-70%
- The bronchodilator effect is lost
This is why a ginger tea is not equivalent to cold-pressed INTI.
Ginger Beer as a mixer: beware of sugar
A classic Moscow Mule (50ml vodka + 150ml Ginger Beer) contains about 15g of sugar. With INTI as an alternative: 50ml vodka + 30ml INTI + sparkling water = less than 2g of sugar + active gingerols.
In summary
- Ginger Beer: 8-10g sugar/100ml, gingerols degraded by pasteurization
- INTI: 1.1g natural sugar/100ml, intact cold-pressed gingerols
- Ginger Beer = pleasure, not a health supplement
- INTI = functional health drink with real benefits
- For a healthy Moscow Mule: replace Ginger Beer with INTI + sparkling water
FAQ
Is artisanal fermented Ginger Beer better than industrial?
It contains natural probiotics (if unfiltered), which is an advantage. But its sugar content remains high (6-12g/100ml) and its gingerols are less concentrated than INTI.
Can I use INTI as a cocktail mixer?
Yes — it's a perfect healthy mixer. Dilute 20-30ml INTI in a glass with sparkling water + fresh lemon. The intense ginger taste pairs well with gin, vodka, or rum.
Related articles
To learn more, also read:
- GIMBER health review: is it really good for your health? The complete analysis
- INTI Ginger: All Questions About Sugar, Price, and Composition
- INTI vs GIMBER: Which Ginger to Choose if You Are Diabetic or Pre-diabetic?
- Hidden sugar in ginger shots in ginger drinks: What the Labels Say (2025)
- Best ginger drink for weight loss in Belgium: the 2025 ranking with sugar analysis
- How many calories in GIMBER? The complete analysis of Belgium's sweetest shot
- INTI vs Red Bull vs Monster: which ginger energy drink is the healthiest in Belgium?
- INTI vs Gimber vs Ginger People: which ginger shot to choose in 2026?
🍊 Discover INTI — Europe's #1 organic ginger shot
Fresh ginger + turmeric + black pepper. No added sugar, no preservatives. Order at inti-drink.com →