America's Choice ginger ale: Good enough for America's champs?

Even if the Texas Rangers don't come from behind to beat the San Francisco Giants in the 2010 World Series, the ginger ale industry will have reason to revel in this year's baseball Fall Classic. That's because the Rangers organization has opted for ginger ale over traditional champagne in its two series celebrations so far in the postseason. The move is a show of solidarity and support for Josh Hamilton, the team's All-Star centerfielder who is recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.

Canada Dry has been the brand of choice for the Ranger's victory soakings. That's not surprising, since Canada Dry is produced by the Texas-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group. But if this World Series storyline has you hankering for your own glass of ginger ale, you might consider a less expensive name brand. In our latest comparison of store brands and name brands, America's Choice (A&P) ginger ale, 97 cents per bottle, and Canada Dry ginger ale, $1.76 per bottle, were similar enough in quality and taste that most people couldn't tell them apart. (See the video above for more head-to-head matchups between ballpark staples like hot dogs, ketchups and potato chips, as well as 17 other popular supermarket items.)

Chances are the two ginger ales would spray similarly from a shaken bottle—just in case the Rangers do stage a series comeback.

—Daniel DiClerico