Crystallized ginger looks appealing as the sugars glisten and glimmer and catch the light, but be careful with how much you eat of it. However, there are potential benefits to eating this ginger. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and as a culinary spice for thousands of years. The most common use of ginger is to treat upset stomachs. When eating crystallized ginger, always do so in moderation and remember its high sugar content. Sugar Content According the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data Laboratory: 1 ounce of ginger root contains only 22 calories and under 1 gram of sugar. One ounce of crystallized ginger has 100 calories and 21 grams of sugar. Candied ginger typically contains 5 grams more sugar per serving than gummy candies.