Is Canada Dry Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Gingery Truth

May 4, 2023

Trying to work out whether Canada Dry is safe for vegans to consume can be a bit difficult.

Ginger ale often contains many ingredients and some of them may be derived from animals.

To make sure that you are only eating food and drinking soft drinks that align with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Canada Dry.

Here’s what I found.

Is Canada Dry Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry is vegan.

Canada Dry is a carbonated soft drink that is flavored with ginger and citrus.

The ingredients in Canada Dry are carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate, natural flavors, and caramel color.

None of these ingredients are animal derived.

Many other soft drink brands use sugar that has been filtered with bone char, but Canada Dry uses high fructose corn syrup instead.

This is good news for vegans who are looking for a tasty and refreshing beverage that they can enjoy without worrying about whether or not they’re consuming animal products.

Is Canada Dry Cruelty Free?

It depends on the product. Canada Dry is not a 100% cruelty-free brand.

They don’t test their products on animals at any step of production, but they do use artificial colors in some of their products. The Canada Dry Ginger Ale original flavor does not contain any ingredients that are tested on animals, but the cranberry and blackberry flavors contain the food coloring Red 40, which is routinely tested on animals.

Artificial colors are often tested on animals before they are used in products to ensure that they are safe for human consumption.

Animal testing is a gruesome and unnecessary practice that often tortures, disfigures, maims, and kills innocent animals.

There are many alternatives to artificial colors that are not tested on animals, so there is no excuse for Canada Dry to continue using them.

What Is Canada Dry Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Canada Dry Ginger Ale:

  • Carbonated water
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Ginger extract
  • Natural flavors
  • Citric acid
  • Sodium benzoate (preservative)
  • Caramel color

Let’s break down each ingredient of Canada Dry:

Carbonated water

Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas. It’s what gives sodas their fizzy texture. Carbonated water is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

High fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn. It’s often used in processed foods and drinks because it’s cheaper than sugar. High fructose corn syrup is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Ginger extract

Ginger extract is a concentrated form of ginger that is used to add flavor. Ginger is used in many cuisines and has many health benefits. Ginger extract is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Natural flavors

Natural flavors are plant- or animal-derived substances that are used to add flavor. In the case of Canada Dry, the natural flavors are likely plant derived and therefore vegan friendly.

Citric acid

Citric acid is a sour flavoring agent that is found in citrus fruits. It’s often used as a preservative because it prevents the growth of mold and bacteria. Citric acid is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Sodium benzoate (preservative)

Sodium benzoate is a preservative that is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. It’s often used in processed foods and drinks. Sodium benzoate is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Caramel color

Caramel color is a food coloring made by heating carbohydrates. Caramel color is used to add color to food and drinks. Caramel color is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Why Is Canada Dry Vegan?

Canada Dry is vegan because it is completely free of animal products and by-products. All of the ingredients in Canada Dry are either synthetic or plant based. This makes Canada Dry a great choice for vegans and vegetarians.

Is Canada Dry Raspberry Sparkling Seltzer Water Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Raspberry Sparkling Seltzer Water is vegan. There are no animal-derived ingredients present in this product.

This soda beverage is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water is vegan. This product does not contain animal-derived ingredients and only contains vegan-friendly natural flavors.

This soda beverage is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Tonic Water Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Tonic Water is vegan. There are no non-vegan ingredients present in this product.

This soda beverage is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Club Soda Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Club Soda is vegan. This product only contains vegan-friendly ingredients.

This soda beverage is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Blackberry Ginger Ale Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Blackberry Ginger Ale is vegan. It does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Blackberry Ginger Ale does, however, contain Red 40, which is tested on animals. If animal testing is a deal breaker for you, avoid this product. 

This soda is safe for vegan consumption but is not cruelty free.

Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade Zero Sugar Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade Zero Sugar is vegan because it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.

This soda is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry’s Ginger Ale and Lemonade is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

This soda is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale Zero Sugar Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry’s Ginger Ale Zero Sugar is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

This soda is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Bold Ginger Ale Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Bold Ginger Ale is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

This soda is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

This carbonated water is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale Zero Sugar Vegan?

Yes! Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale Zero Sugar is vegan because it contains no animal-derived ingredients. This product does, however, contain Red 40, which is tested on animals. If animal testing is a deal breaker for you, avoid this product. 

This carbonated water is safe for vegan consumption but is not cruelty free.

What About Other Ginger Ale Brands?

Most ginger ale brands, like Schweppes Ginger Ale and Zevia Ginger Ale, are also vegan. Like Canada Dry, these soda brands are also free of animal products and are gluten free, so for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, these drinks are a great option!

Final Words

So, there you have it! Canada Dry is one of the ginger ale brands that are vegan friendly! You can enjoy their products without having to worry about any animal-derived ingredients. 

But as always, be sure to check the labels of any product before you consume it, just to be safe! Cheers!