Are Slushies Healthy for You? The Truth Behind the Icy Treat

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to recent studies in the UK and Ireland, slushies containing the sugar substitute glycerol have been linked to serious health risks in young children, including loss of consciousness and low blood sugar. The question, 'are slushies healthy for you?' has become more urgent than ever, especially for parents concerned about these icy drinks.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the ingredients in commercial slushies, differentiating between traditional sugar-based options and those containing glycerol. It details the specific health concerns associated with these ingredients, particularly for children, and provides guidance on making safer, healthier homemade alternatives to avoid high sugar content and potentially harmful additives.

Key Points

Commercial vs. Homemade: Commercial slushies contain high levels of sugar or potentially dangerous glycerol, while homemade versions use natural fruit for a healthier, safer treat.
Glycerol Risks for Children: Recent studies have linked glycerol in sugar-free slushies to serious health issues, including low blood sugar and loss of consciousness, in young children.
Excessive Sugar Intake: The high sugar content in traditional slushies contributes to obesity, diabetes risk, and tooth decay.
Nutritional Void: Commercial slushies provide empty calories and artificial additives with no nutritional benefits, unlike homemade alternatives packed with vitamins and fiber.
Control Your Ingredients: Making your own slushie at home allows you to control the type and amount of sweeteners, ensuring a delicious and healthy outcome.

A Closer Look at Commercial Slushie Ingredients

Commercial slushies are not all created equal, but most share a common denominator: they are largely composed of water, artificial flavors, and sweeteners. The two main types of slushies found on the market use either large amounts of traditional sugar or, more recently, sugar substitutes like glycerol, also known as glycerin (E422), to achieve their signature texture.

The High Sugar Problem

Traditional slushies are notoriously high in sugar. For example, a single large serving from a popular chain can contain over 100 grams of sugar, far exceeding the daily recommended limit of 50 grams for someone on a 2,000-calorie diet. This massive intake of sugar offers no nutritional value and can contribute to several health issues, including:

Weight gain and obesity
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Dental decay and cavities
Short-term energy spikes followed by a crash, often referred to as a "sugar rush" and crash

The Glycerol Concern in Sugar-Free Versions

As consumer awareness about sugar has grown, many manufacturers have switched to sugar alternatives like glycerol to create 'sugar-free' or 'low-sugar' options. While this reduces the sugar load, it introduces a different set of risks, particularly for young children.

Recent medical case reviews in the UK and Ireland found that glycerol in slushies can cause a serious condition called "glycerol intoxication syndrome" in children under eight. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and even loss of consciousness. Regulatory agencies like the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) now strongly advise against giving these drinks to young children and recommend limiting consumption for older kids.

Potential Health Risks from Regular Consumption

Beyond the primary sweeteners, commercial slushies contain a cocktail of artificial additives. These include flavorings and brightly colored dyes, which have been linked to hyperactivity in some children and generally offer no nutritional benefit. The overall lack of nutrients, fiber, and vitamins means commercial slushies are simply empty calories that can displace more nutritious food and drink choices.

The Hidden Danger of Brain Freeze

While not a serious health risk, the infamous 'brain freeze' or sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia is a painful reality for fast slushie drinkers. This occurs when the cold substance hits the roof of the mouth, causing blood vessels to constrict and then rapidly swell, triggering a nerve response that feels like a jolt of pain in the head. It's a temporary discomfort, but it serves as a reminder to moderate consumption and enjoy slowly.

Comparison: Commercial vs. Homemade Slushies

Here's a breakdown comparing the nutritional profiles and health implications of commercial and homemade slushies.


Feature	Commercial Slushie	Homemade Slushie
Sweeteners	High Fructose Corn Syrup, Glycerol, Artificial Sweeteners	Natural fruit sugars, optional honey or maple syrup
Ingredients	Water, sugar or glycerol, artificial colors, artificial flavors	Frozen fruits (watermelon, berries, mango), water, juice, optional natural sweetener
Nutritional Value	Essentially zero, provides only empty calories	High in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from real fruit
Additives	Artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40, Blue 1), preservatives	None, unless you add them yourself
Risk Factor	High sugar, potential glycerol toxicity in children	Very low, depending on ingredients chosen
Cost	Relatively inexpensive for a single serving	Initial cost for ingredients, but often more cost-effective over time

Making Your Own Healthy Slushies at Home

Creating a healthy slushie is simple and allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a nutritious and safe treat. All you need is a blender and some healthy components. Here is a simple guideline:

Choose your fruit base: Freeze your favorite fruit, such as watermelon cubes, berries, mango chunks, or pineapple. This eliminates the need for ice and adds natural sweetness.
Add a liquid: Use a small amount of water, coconut water, or 100% fruit juice (in moderation) to help the blending process.
Enhance with boosters: For added health benefits, consider a spoonful of chia seeds, some fresh mint or basil, or a scoop of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Optional natural sweetener: If needed, add a touch of honey or maple syrup, but often the frozen fruit is sweet enough on its own.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices

So, are slushies healthy for you? The short answer is: commercial slushies are generally not healthy and come with significant risks, particularly for children, due to high sugar content or potentially harmful additives like glycerol. However, this doesn't mean you must give up the refreshing, icy treat entirely. By choosing to make homemade slushies with real, frozen fruit and other natural ingredients, you can enjoy all the flavor and icy texture without any of the negative health consequences. This approach turns a potentially harmful indulgence into a nutrient-rich and delicious beverage for the whole family.

Here is a reputable source from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) regarding the risks of glycerol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glycerol is a sugar substitute and additive (E422) used in some commercial slushies, particularly sugar-free versions, to prevent the liquid from freezing solid and maintain the drink's slushy texture.

A child's smaller body size and developing metabolism can make it difficult to process large amounts of glycerol. This can interfere with glucose metabolism and lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), metabolic acidosis, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

Frequent consumption of high-sugar slushies can lead to weight gain, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, dental problems, and sugar crashes. Those with glycerol can cause headaches, nausea, and low blood sugar in susceptible individuals, especially children.

While glycerol intoxication is considered rare in adults, it is a risk primarily associated with high levels of consumption, which can cause excessive water retention and digestive issues. Adults are generally less susceptible than children.

Commercial 'fruit-flavored' slushies are typically not healthier, as they often contain artificial flavorings, high amounts of sugar, and potentially glycerol, with little to no actual fruit content.

To make a healthy slushie, blend frozen fruit (like watermelon or berries) with water or 100% juice. For added flavor, you can include ingredients like fresh mint or a squeeze of lime. This avoids added sugars and artificial ingredients entirely.

If a child becomes unwell, especially showing signs of drowsiness or confusion, stop them from drinking more of the slushie and seek immediate medical attention. If symptoms are milder, giving them a sugary drink or food may help correct low blood sugar.