3 Best Ginger Shots | UK Nutritionist Reviewed

Yes, we know this is an article about ginger shots, but did you know that ginger powders can give you just as potent a ginger hit as shots can? Good quality ginger powders are super healthy, very pure products that often feature ginger in the same quantity as ginger shots.

Ginger powders either come as concentrated ginger shot powder or as an all-round ginger powder that can work as a shot but goes best in smoothies, juices or tea. The two benefits of powder over shots are their extended shelf-life and lower price per serving which is why so many ginger enthusiasts are turning to powders for their morning fix. 

The downside to powders is, as healthy and economical as they are, they never quite seem to replicate that same gingery freshness of a bona fide ginger shot. Seeing as ginger shots come ready to roll in premix bottles, this also makes them super convenient to grab from the fridge, down in one and get on with your day.

Unfortunately, not all ginger goes into the bottles equally. The derivative of ginger and its percentage are two of the most important aspects to consider if you're searching for the good stuff. 

Look for ginger that's listed as a whole ingredient, ginger root, or ginger root extract to ensure yourself a premium ginger drink. If the ginger content is listed as ginger juice or purée, then this is a very good indication that, although it'll still taste a lot like ginger, the associated health benefits of the drink will be greatly diminished. 

This is because ginger juice is typically more watered down, making it less concentrated. Naturally, the ginger percentage is also pretty important, with high-grade shots having at least 25% ginger while cheaper shots can sometimes have as little as 5%. 

Seeing as there's rarely more than 1/3 ginger in even the most ginger-filled shots, you may be wondering what exactly makes up the rest? It's a good question, but one that can't be answered with a blanket rule, as most drinks are flavoured differently. 

However, this is also what makes ginger shots so damn delicious, as each of us can find a shot to love that tailors toward our specific tastes. Two of the most common suspects that you'll find in ginger shots are apple and lemon, as they complement the flavour and counterbalance the intensity of ginger for an easier-on-the-palate drink. 

Other ingredients that you're likely to find include honey, other fruits and water to soften the ginger blow. Spices like turmeric and cayenne pepper also feature in some shots to give them a fiery edge and an even greater profile of health properties that'll boost your immune system and keep any winter chills at bay. 

Another indicator of quality within the ginger shot market is how each drink has been processed. Cold pressing is the premium production method as it enables ginger shots to hold onto their full spectrum of antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and taste.

However, keeping temperatures low also gives rise to the potential for bacteria to grow, typically giving cold-pressed shots a much shorter shelf life. It also raises the price point quite significantly. High-pressure processing (HHP) is another accepted way of processing juice while keeping temperatures low.

This is the preferred method for companies who desire a longer shelf life but don't want their shots to be pasteurised into a diminished nutrient state. Using pressure instead of the heat associated with pasteurisation can kill off a similar amount of bacteria while holding onto more of the good stuff. 

One way to make your morning boost of ginger count is to search for organic ginger shots. If eating organic interests you, be sure to look for a ginger shot that comes 100% certified by a recognised organic certifier like EcoCert or the Soil Association.

Certified organic means that each ingredient in the ginger shot has been farmed processed, and packaged in a stringent way that's in accordance with the organic certifiers guidance. Organic ginger and other fruit farming practices include farming without herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. 

These nasties can have a negative impact on both the environment and our health. By eliminating the less than desirable aspects of farming, you're guaranteed a super high-quality shot that's good for the environment and has the potential to taste even better!