Decoding the Sweetness: How many calories are in one slushie?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to The ICEE Company, a 12 fl oz ICEE contains approximately 95 calories and 24 grams of sugar. The answer to how many calories are in one slushie is far from simple, as variations in size, flavor, and brand create significant differences in nutritional content, with important implications for overall health and diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie and sugar content of a single slushie varies widely by brand and size, with most commercial versions containing excessive added sugars and minimal nutrients. This article provides a nutritional analysis, compares popular brands, and offers healthier alternatives for reducing sugar intake.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a slushie is highly variable, depending heavily on the brand, flavor, and serving size, with most of the caloric content coming from added sugar.
High in Added Sugars: Commercial slushies are primarily composed of water and high-fructose corn syrup, making them a significant source of liquid calories with very little nutritional value.
Liquid Calories and Weight Gain: Because liquid calories are not as satiating as solid foods, it is easy to overconsume slushies, contributing to weight gain and obesity.
Health Risks of Excessive Sugar: Regular intake of high-sugar drinks is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and dental cavities.
Healthier Homemade Alternatives: Healthier options include homemade slushies made with frozen fruit, water, or coconut water, or sparkling water infused with fresh fruit.
Check Nutritional Information: To find specific calorie counts for fast-food slushies, consult the restaurant's official website or app for accurate nutritional details.

The Calorie and Sugar Breakdown: What's Really in Your Cup?

At its core, a commercial slushie is a combination of water, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, and a mix of artificial flavors and colors. This means that the vast majority of a slushie's calories come directly from added sugars, which offer very little nutritional value. Because these are liquid calories, they are less satiating than solid foods, making it easy to consume a large number of calories without feeling full. The rapid absorption of these simple sugars can cause blood sugar levels to spike, followed by a crash, which can lead to fatigue and cravings.

Brand and Size Variations

Looking at popular brands, the nutritional profile changes significantly based on the serving size. A smaller 12 oz cup from one chain may contain fewer calories than a 16 oz or 'fishbowl' size from another, but this doesn't tell the whole story. The concentration of sugar and other ingredients can also differ. For those seeking precise information, the best strategy is to check the nutritional information provided by the specific restaurant chain on their website or app.

Health Implications of High Sugar Intake

Consuming high amounts of added sugar from beverages like slushies can have numerous negative effects on health over time. Regular consumption has been linked to a number of chronic health issues.

Weight Gain: Sugary drinks are a significant source of empty calories and a major contributor to rising obesity rates. Excessive fructose intake, in particular, may lead to resistance to leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, promoting overeating and weight gain.
Type 2 Diabetes: High sugar intake can cause insulin resistance, where the body's cells stop responding to insulin properly. Over time, this can lead to elevated blood sugar and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease: High-sugar diets can increase inflammation, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Studies show a correlation between frequent consumption of sugary beverages and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Liver Disease: When large quantities of fructose are consumed, the liver can become overloaded and convert the excess sugar into fat, potentially leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and acids in these beverages provides an ideal environment for oral bacteria, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.

Comparison of Common Slushie Options

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of some popular options. Note that nutritional information can change, so always verify with the official source.


Brand/Source	Size	Approximate Calories	Approximate Sugar (g)	Key Ingredients	Source
ICEE (frozen product)	12 fl oz	95	24	High Fructose Corn Syrup, sugar
7-Eleven Slurpee (Coca-Cola Classic)	16 oz	110	N/A	Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup
Generic Slush Frozen Drink (Spelt.com)	Unspecified	185	51	Sugar
Homemade Fruit Slushie (The Kitchn)	Per serving	74	0.1	Fruit (berries), ice

Healthier Alternatives to a Slushie

For those who enjoy a cold, refreshing treat without the excessive sugar, several healthier options exist. These alternatives use whole fruits or low-calorie bases to provide flavor and hydration without the negative health effects.

Homemade Fruit Slushie: Blend frozen fruits like berries, mango, or watermelon with a liquid base like water or coconut water. The natural sweetness and fiber from the fruit make it a far more nutritious option.
Flavored Sparkling Water: Enjoy the fizziness of a soft drink by adding freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, or infused with mint leaves and berries. This provides hydration without the added sugar or artificial sweeteners found in many commercial products.
Iced Tea or Coffee: For a low-sugar frozen drink, consider blending cooled tea or coffee with ice and a small amount of low-calorie, natural sweetener like stevia.
Whipped Frozen Lemonade: A simple blend of fresh lemon juice, coconut milk, and ice can create a creamy, tart, and surprisingly low-sugar treat.

How to Make a Healthy, Delicious Slushie at Home

Creating a refreshing and healthy slushie at home is simple and puts you in control of the ingredients and sugar content. Here's a basic recipe using common ingredients:

Ingredients: 1 cup frozen berries (or other frozen fruit of choice), 1/2 to 1 cup of cold water or coconut water, 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional), and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for brightness.
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a blender. Start with a smaller amount of liquid and add more as needed to reach your desired slushie consistency.
Serve: Blend until smooth, pour into a glass, and enjoy immediately.

Navigating Fast Food Menus

While making drinks at home is the healthiest option, you may sometimes find yourself at a fast-food chain. In the United States and other countries, large chains are required to provide nutritional information on their menus or websites. When ordering, check the website or use an app to look up the calories. Some fast-food chains might offer smaller, diet, or low-sugar options, but these can still contain artificial sweeteners that carry their own potential health risks. Always opt for the smallest size available and consider limiting these to an occasional treat rather than a regular habit.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Determining how many calories are in one slushie reveals a wide range, but the common factor is a high concentration of added sugars. While enjoying an icy treat is a part of many diets, regular consumption of these sugary beverages can lead to significant health issues over time, including weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes. By understanding the nutritional impact and choosing healthier, homemade alternatives, you can satisfy your craving for a cold drink without compromising your health goals. A conscious choice to reduce added sugar intake is a powerful step toward a more nutritious diet and better overall well-being. For more information on the health risks of sugary drinks, visit the CDC's "Rethink Your Drink" page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most commercial slushies are considered unhealthy due to their high content of added sugars, minimal nutritional value, and the fact that liquid calories do not promote satiety, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

The primary source of calories in a standard slushie is added sugar, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. A typical slushie contains almost no other nutrients, like fiber or protein.

You can find the calorie count for a specific fast-food slushie by checking the restaurant's website, mobile app, or by looking at the nutritional information displayed on the menu board, which is often required by law for larger chains.

Yes, larger serving sizes can contain significantly more calories and sugar. The difference isn't always linear, and specialty 'fishbowl' sizes can contain a very high amount of sugar and calories.

Diet or low-sugar slushies can contain artificial sweeteners, which have their own potential health concerns, including effects on metabolism and the gut microbiome. While they are lower in calories, it is still best to opt for a truly healthy, natural alternative when possible.

A healthy homemade alternative is a fruit slushie made by blending frozen fruit, such as watermelon or berries, with water or coconut water. This version provides natural sweetness, fiber, and nutrients without excessive added sugar.

Yes, because of their high added sugar content, slushies can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a subsequent crash. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and increased sugar cravings.