Hospital Ditches Ginger Ale, Patients Lament Loss

The Civic campus of The Ottawa Hospital has stopped offering ginger ale to patients, a decision made last fall. Hospital spokesperson Rebecca Abelson stated that the beverage was removed as part of an ongoing review focused on health-promoting food and drink options. She cited ginger ale's high sugar content and limited nutritional value as reasons for its discontinuation.

This change has been met with disappointment from some patients, including Travis Iverson, who found the absence of his usual comforting drink surprising. He noted its presence was typically standard with meal trays.

While some agree with the hospital's health-focused approach, others, like Cynthia Holmes, believe ginger ale offers comfort and a sense of being cared for, a tradition she has maintained with her own children. However, experts like Suzie Zick from the University of Michigan suggest that most commercial ginger ales contain minimal or artificial ginger, questioning their actual medicinal benefits for nausea.

The Ottawa Hospital has been actively working to improve its patient menus, collaborating with restaurateur Stephen Beckta on new dishes. These new menu items were tested in late 2024 and early 2025 and are being considered for permanent inclusion as the hospital continues its food service model revamp, aiming to reduce ultra-processed foods and added sugars.