Woman Sues Canada Dry Alleging Ginger Ale Contains No Actual Ginger

Canada Dry is being sued by a customer who claims that there is no real ginger used in the brand's ginger ale. New Yorker Julie Fletcher filed a federal lawsuit against Dr Pepper Snapple Group for false advertising. The beverage frequently given to people with upset stomachs claims on its packaging to be "made with real ginger"; however, Fletcher's suit argues that it's not and that these claims caused her economic harm. 

"Ms. Fletcher believed this meant that Canada Dry was made using ginger root and was, as a result, a healthier alternative to regular sodas," her lawyer wrote in the filing, according to The Buffalo News [story behind paywall]. "Ms. Fletcher knew that ginger root can calm an upset stomach and she purchased Canada Dry when her children were sick, believing that the ginger root in the beverage would soothe their stomach aches."

The actual ingredients listed on the drink label include carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate, natural flavors, and caramel colors. According to The Buffalo News report, the lawsuit alleges that only a "miniscule" amount of ginger is present in the soda, as the natural flavor is derived from other sources.

According to the paper, the lawsuit also claims that the "made with real ginger" claim arose in 2007, at a time when soda drinks were being criticized on health grounds, and that a 2011 ad implied a direct link between the soda and a fictional "ginger farm."

According to The Washington Post, Fletcher's suit is hardly the only one to allege false advertising in food — others have complained that Froot Loops contain no fruit, that Subway's foot-long subs are only 11 inches, and that Chobani's Greek yogurt is made in the United States.

Regardless of advertising, most people know by now that there is nothing healthy in any sort of soda beverage. In case you don't, here are 18 facts about soda that might finally make you stop drinking it.