The popular ginger ale brand Canada Dry has removed its “Made with Real Ginger” claim from U.S. cans, leaving some consumers questioning the authenticity of the product on both sides of the border. In Canada, the claim remains, but U.S. cans have been revised since a 2019 class-action lawsuit. The ingredient differences and lack of transparency have drawn criticism from consumers, leading to a broader conversation about misleading food labels.
Emily Scott, a consumer with a Caribbean background, shared her disappointment after tasting Canada Dry Ginger Ale, expecting the robust flavor she associates with real ginger. Instead, she found the flavor lacking, and a review of the ingredients revealed no mention of ginger in Canadian cans—an oversight she describes as misleading.
Canada Dry responded by explaining that ginger oleoresin, a concentrated extract derived from ginger root, qualifies as “real ginger.” However, food expert Amy Proulx notes that oleoresin is a highly processed form of ginger, used in very small quantities to maintain intense flavor. This practice, while common, often leaves consumers with misconceptions about what’s actually in their drinks.
Canadian regulators, like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), have investigated Canada Dry’s labeling. Despite consumer confusion, the CFIA confirmed that the product complies with labeling requirements, as ginger oleoresin is technically derived from ginger root.
This issue isn’t limited to beverages. Marketplace recently revealed other questionable labels, including IronKids Multi-Vitamins, which lacks any iron, and Kiju Organic Pomegranate Cherry juice, which primarily contains apple juice despite featuring pomegranate and cherry on the label. Both cases highlight a need for stricter labeling regulations to ensure clarity for consumers.
Food expert Dr. Paul Oh advocates for clearer packaging standards, suggesting that more accurate labeling could prevent consumer confusion. As labeling concerns grow, the CFIA encourages consumers to report any misleading claims, aiming for improved transparency in food products moving forward.
Source: Swifteradio.com
