The main difference in a ginger vs turmeric shot is flavor and the key compound behind it. Ginger shots are sharp and spicy, with flavor from compounds called gingerols, while turmeric shots are earthy and golden, colored by curcumin. Research on both is limited and mostly based on supplements, and each has its own cautions, so the better pick comes down to taste and your own health situation.
For more on shots in general, visit our Wellness Shots Guide.
Ginger vs. Turmeric Shots at a Glance
| Ginger shot | Turmeric shot | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Sharp, spicy, warming | Earthy, slightly bitter, mellow |
| Key compound | Gingerols | Curcumin |
| Most studied for | Nausea and vomiting, including in pregnancy | Knee osteoarthritis and several other conditions |
| Where the research stands | May help nausea and vomiting in pregnancy; mostly not helpful for motion sickness | Not enough evidence to conclude it helps any health purpose |
| Common side effects | Heartburn, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, mouth and throat irritation (source) | Nausea, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation (source) |
| Often paired with | Lemon, pineapple, cayenne | Black pepper, ginger, pineapple |
Research on each is covered, with sources, in the sections below.
Flavor: Heat vs. Earthiness
Ginger is the louder of the two. A ginger shot hits fast, with a spicy, warming burn. Turmeric is quieter: earthy, a little bitter and slightly peppery. Because turmeric can taste flat on its own, turmeric shots usually lean on ginger, citrus or pineapple for brightness, and black pepper for a sharper edge.
Key Compounds: Gingerols vs. Curcumin
Ginger’s strong aroma and flavor come from gingerols, and gingerols, shogaols and paradols are its three major active components (source).
Turmeric’s signature compound is curcumin, which gives the spice its yellow color. The NCCIH says turmeric’s health activities are commonly attributed to curcuminoids, including curcumin (source). Curcumin is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth (source), and combining it with piperine from black pepper is one way to improve bioavailability (source). That is why you often see black pepper in turmeric shots.
For a fuller rundown of the other ingredients, see what’s in a wellness shot.
What the Research Says
Ginger
According to the NCCIH, ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. Most studies of ginger for motion sickness have not shown it to be helpful, and it is uncertain whether ginger helps with nausea from chemotherapy or after surgery. Most of the studies tested dietary supplements rather than foods (source). Our article on ginger shots covers this research in more depth.
Turmeric
Turmeric and curcumin have been studied for knee osteoarthritis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, high cholesterol and other conditions. For osteoarthritis, the NCCIH calls the initial evidence positive but says higher-quality evidence is needed. Its overall summary: we don’t know enough to definitively conclude whether turmeric or curcumin is beneficial for any health purpose (source).
The bottom line for both: a small shot is a flavorful food, not a treatment. We take an honest look at that question in are wellness shots worth it?
Who Should Be Careful
- Blood thinners. Ginger can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, and it may inhibit platelet aggregation, so it should be used with caution alongside antiplatelet medicines (source). Turmeric shots often contain ginger too. The NCCIH advises anyone taking medicine to talk with a provider before using turmeric or other herbal products (source).
- Gallbladder issues. Ginger increases bile acid secretion, which can aggravate gallstone formation (source). If you have gallstones or gallbladder disease, ask your provider before drinking ginger or turmeric shots.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The NCCIH says ginger supplements may be safe during pregnancy with a provider’s guidance (source), while turmeric supplements may be unsafe during pregnancy (source). Little is known about either while breastfeeding.
- Upcoming surgery. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding or change your response to anesthesia (source). Tell your surgical team about any herbal products you use.
- Liver concerns. Highly bioavailable curcumin formulations may harm the liver. Stop turmeric products and contact your provider if you notice fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or jaundice (source).
- Diabetes medication. Ginger can increase the risk of low blood sugar with oral diabetes medicines (source).
How Meraki’s Ginger Tonic, Turmeric Tonic and Wellness Shot Differ
All three Meraki tonics share pineapple, ginger and lemon. What changes is whether turmeric is in the bottle and what accent comes with it.
| Tonic | Size and price | Ingredients | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger Tonic | 3 oz, $4.95 | Pineapple, ginger, lemon, cayenne | Ginger and cayenne, no turmeric |
| Turmeric Tonic | 3 oz, $5.50 | Turmeric extract, pineapple, lemon, ginger, cayenne | Turmeric extract listed first, plus ginger and cayenne |
| Meraki Wellness Shot | 3 oz, $5.95 | Pineapple, ginger, turmeric, oregano oil, lemon, black pepper | Ginger and turmeric with oregano oil and black pepper, no cayenne |
- Ginger Tonic is the pure ginger choice: no turmeric, with cayenne for extra heat.
- Turmeric Tonic leads with turmeric extract and still includes ginger and cayenne, so it is earthy with a spicy finish.
- Meraki Wellness Shot combines ginger and turmeric, swaps cayenne for black pepper, and adds oregano oil for an herbal note.
Which Should You Choose?
Pick ginger if you like bold, spicy flavors and want the simplest ingredient list. Pick turmeric if you prefer something earthier and more mellow. If you want both roots in one bottle, the Wellness Shot is the middle ground. And if any of the cautions above apply to you, talk with your provider before choosing either.
FAQ
Is a ginger shot or a turmeric shot spicier?
Usually ginger. Turmeric on its own is earthy rather than hot, though many turmeric shots add ginger, cayenne or black pepper for heat.
Can I have a ginger and a turmeric shot together?
Many shots already combine them, including the Meraki Wellness Shot. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medication or have gallbladder concerns, check with your provider first.
Why do turmeric shots include black pepper?
Piperine from black pepper is one way to improve how well curcumin is absorbed (source). It also sharpens the flavor.
Does Meraki’s Turmeric Tonic contain ginger?
Yes. It lists turmeric extract, pineapple, lemon, ginger and cayenne.
Order Meraki’s Ginger and Turmeric Tonics
Try the Ginger Tonic ($4.95), the Turmeric Tonic ($5.50) or the Meraki Wellness Shot ($5.95), each in a 3 oz bottle. To taste the difference for yourself, the Tonic Bundle ($15) includes one 2 oz Ginger Tonic, one 2 oz Turmeric Tonic and one 2 oz Wellness Shot.
Our tonics are made in a 100% plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free kitchen in West Palm Beach, with organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Online orders ship nationwide Monday through Wednesday.
Keep reading: explore every article in our Wellness Shots Guide.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your health care provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.