Do Slushies Have a Lot of Sugar in Them? The Shocking Truth

According to reports from health agencies, a single 'mega' sized slushie can contain upwards of 20 teaspoons of sugar, potentially representing almost a week's worth of a person's recommended added sugar intake. So, do slushies have a lot of sugar in them? The shocking answer is overwhelmingly yes.

Quick Summary

Slushies are notoriously high in added sugar, with a single large serving often containing several days' worth of the recommended limit, contributing to significant health risks. This high sugar content is crucial for achieving the semi-frozen texture, but sugar-free versions use a chemical substitute called glycerol, which poses different health concerns, especially for young children.

Key Points

• Hidden Sweetener: Slushies often contain excessive added sugar, sometimes far exceeding soda, with a single large serving potentially holding several times the daily recommended limit.

• The Antifreeze Factor: A high concentration of sugar is essential for achieving the slushie's signature semi-frozen texture, preventing the mixture from freezing solid like regular ice.

• Glycerol Risks in Sugar-Free Options: To avoid sugar, some manufacturers use glycerol, which has been linked to health problems, including glycerol intoxication, especially in young children.

• Significant Health Risks: The high sugar content can contribute to a range of health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental decay.

• Homemade Alternatives are Safer: Creating your own slushie with frozen fruit and natural sweeteners allows for better control over ingredients and health risks, providing a healthier and equally delicious option.

• Moderation is Crucial: Due to the concentrated sugars and potential additives, commercial slushies should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a regular beverage.

The Sweet Science Behind the Slush

To understand why a slushie contains so much sugar, it's essential to look at the science behind its unique texture. The perfect slushie isn't a block of solid ice; it's a smooth, semi-frozen, crystalline slurry. To achieve this, manufacturers must control the freezing point of the liquid, and sugar is the key ingredient that does this.

The Antifreeze Effect of Sugar

When sugar is dissolved in water, it lowers the freezing point. This is known as freezing-point depression. A slushie machine stirs and cools a mixture of water and flavored syrup. The high concentration of sugar (typically 12-22% by weight) prevents the water from freezing completely. This continuous churning, combined with the antifreeze properties of the sugar, creates the signature soft, granular ice crystals. Without this large quantity of sugar, the mixture would simply turn into a hard, unpourable block of flavored ice.

How Much Sugar Is Really in a Slushie?

The amount of sugar in a slushie varies dramatically based on its size and brand, but the figures are consistently high. These quantities often far exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of no more than six teaspoons (about 25 grams) of added sugar per day. Below are some eye-opening examples based on data from various sources:

• A large 28 oz. Coke Slurpee (7-Eleven): Contains 63 grams of sugar, equivalent to over 15 teaspoons.
• A Mega Slurpee (7-Eleven Australia): Has been reported to contain as much as 195.5 grams of sugar, or nearly 49 teaspoons.
• KFC Mountain Dew Freeze: A serving contains 52.8 grams of sugar, or about 13 teaspoons.

The Health Implications of High Sugar Intake

Consuming these amounts of added sugar has serious health consequences. The excessive intake of sugary drinks is linked to a variety of metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. While a single occasional treat might not be harmful, regular consumption can contribute to a cascade of health issues.

Risks of Excessive Sugar Consumption

• Weight Gain and Obesity: Sugary drinks are a source of 'empty calories' that are not very filling, making it easy to consume an excessive amount of calories without realizing it.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Consistently high blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance over time, which is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Disease: Excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising blood pressure and blood fat levels, such as triglycerides and LDL ('bad') cholesterol.
• Dental Problems: The sugars feed bacteria in the mouth, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities and decay.
• Fatty Liver Disease: The liver can convert excess sugars, especially fructose, into fat. This can accumulate in the liver and lead to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The Surprising Truth About Sugar-Free Slushies

In recent years, many companies have introduced sugar-free slushie options, often to appeal to health-conscious consumers and to avoid sugar taxes. However, these aren't without their own risks. To maintain the correct frozen consistency without sugar, many sugar-free recipes substitute glycerol, a sugar alcohol.

In March 2025, a study highlighted cases where children in the UK and Ireland experienced serious illness after drinking slushies containing glycerol. The study reported 'glycerol intoxication syndrome,' which can cause side effects including low blood sugar, loss of consciousness, headaches, and sickness, especially in younger children who cannot process the chemical as effectively. The UK's Food Standards Agency has issued guidance that children aged four and under should not consume slushies containing glycerol.

Healthier Homemade Slushie Alternatives

For those who love the icy texture but want to avoid the health risks associated with high sugar or glycerol content, homemade alternatives offer a delicious and safe solution. By using natural sweeteners and whole fruits, you can control the ingredients and avoid additives.

Here's how to create your own healthier slushie at home:

• Use frozen fruit: Blend frozen fruit like berries, watermelon, or pineapple with a liquid base. The frozen fruit creates a natural icy texture and provides sweetness without added sugar.
• Naturally sweetened options: Use coconut water or 100% fruit juice as a base. For extra sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup, but be mindful of the sugar content.
• Add some fizz: Combine frozen fruit with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy, slushy experience without the sugar load of commercial soda.
• Try low-glycemic sweeteners: Use allulose or stevia in combination with water and ice for a completely sugar-free drink that still achieves a slushy consistency.

Comparison of Common Frozen Drinks

Drink	Serving Size	Sugar (g)	Teaspoons of Sugar	Notes
7-Eleven Mega Slurpee	~1 liter	~195.5 g	~49 tsp	Extremely high sugar content.
7-Eleven Large Coke Slurpee	28 oz.	63 g	~15.75 tsp	One of the most popular sugary slushie drinks.
McDonald's Large Frozen Coke	Large	45.5 g	~11.4 tsp	Still very high in sugar for a fast-food frozen drink.
KFC Mountain Dew Freeze	One size	52.8 g	~13.2 tsp	Another example of a high-sugar commercial slushie.
Standard 12 oz. Cola	12 oz.	~39 g	~9.75 tsp	Often compared to slushies, but some slushies are far worse.
Homemade Watermelon Slushie	1 serving	~10-15 g	~2.5-3.75 tsp	Uses natural fruit sugar and no artificial additives.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

The simple answer to the question, 'do slushies have a lot of sugar in them?' is a definitive yes. Commercial slushies are packed with added sugars to achieve their iconic texture, often containing several times the daily recommended limit in a single serving. This comes with significant health risks, from obesity and diabetes to dental issues. Even sugar-free versions can pose a threat, particularly for young children, due to the use of glycerol. For those who enjoy a refreshing frozen treat, the healthiest approach is to make your own at home using natural, whole ingredients. This allows you to control the sugar content and avoid potentially harmful additives, giving you a safe and delicious option for a hot day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do slushies need so much sugar?

Sugar acts as an antifreeze, lowering the freezing point of the liquid mixture. This prevents it from freezing into a solid block of ice and creates the signature semi-frozen, crystalline texture.

How many teaspoons of sugar are in a large slushie?

A large commercial slushie, like a 28 oz. Coke Slurpee, contains around 15.75 teaspoons of sugar, but larger sizes can contain significantly more, with some reported at almost 49 teaspoons.

Are sugar-free slushies healthier than regular ones?

Not necessarily. While they lack sugar, many sugar-free slushies use glycerol as a substitute, which has been linked to health risks in young children, including glycerol intoxication and loss of consciousness.

What are the main health risks of consuming high-sugar slushies?

Regular consumption of high-sugar slushies can increase your risk of weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems.

Is it okay to have a slushie once in a while?

Occasional indulgence in a standard-sized slushie is unlikely to cause serious harm for an adult. The key is moderation, as regular and excessive consumption is where the health risks accumulate.

What can I use to make a healthy, sugar-free slushie at home?

You can make a healthy slushie at home by blending frozen fruit, such as watermelon or berries, with a liquid like coconut water, unsweetened juice, or even club soda for a bit of fizz.

How does the sugar content in a slushie compare to soda?

Some large slushies contain far more sugar than a can of soda. For example, a mega slushie can have significantly more sugar than a standard soft drink.

Should children drink slushies with glycerol?

No. Health guidance from agencies like the UK's Food Standards Agency advises that children under four should not consume slushies containing glycerol due to health risks. Researchers have even suggested extending this warning to children under eight.

Can homemade slushies be just as good as store-bought ones?

Yes, by using frozen fruit and controlling the level of natural sweetness, homemade slushies can be just as delicious and refreshing, but without the extreme sugar load or additives of commercial options.

Does the cold temperature of a slushie affect how sugar is absorbed?

The cold temperature doesn't significantly change how the body processes sugar. The digestive system still breaks down and absorbs the high sugar content, leading to the same metabolic consequences.

Citations

• Rethink Sugary Drink: https://www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au/media/sweet-nothings-frozen-drinks-contain-up-to-49-teaspoons-sugar.html
• 7-Eleven Australia - Slurpee Nutrition: https://www.7eleven.com.au/products/drinks/slurpee.html
• Medical News Today - Effects of Too Much Sugar: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-too-much-sugar
• Food Standards Agency - Glycerol Advice: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-additives
• LiveLighter - Dont Be Sucked In Campaign: https://livelighter.com.au/news/dont-be-sucked-in--the-ridiculous-amount-of-sugar-in-frozen-drinks
• BBC News - Children and Glycerol: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l196l2k8ko
• Better Health Channel - Sugar: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sugar
• The New York Times - Your Body on Sugar: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/10/30/well/eat/sugar-health-effects-risks.html
• Wikipedia - Slushy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slushy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do slushies need so much sugar?

Slushies need a high concentration of sugar (12-22%) to lower the freezing point of the water. This prevents the mixture from turning into a solid block of ice and allows it to maintain its semi-frozen, slushy consistency.

How many teaspoons of sugar are in a typical large slushie?

A typical large 28 oz. Coke Slurpee contains around 15.75 teaspoons of sugar, far exceeding the daily recommended limit. A 'mega' version has been reported to contain nearly 49 teaspoons.

Are sugar-free slushies a safe alternative?

Not for everyone. Many sugar-free slushies use glycerol instead of sugar, which can cause health problems like glycerol intoxication, especially in young children. Health agencies advise young children to avoid these drinks.

What are the health risks of consuming high-sugar slushies?

Regularly consuming high-sugar slushies contributes to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and dental decay due to the excessive calorie and sugar intake.

How can I make a healthy slushie at home?

Blend frozen fruit (like watermelon or berries) with a small amount of liquid, such as water, coconut water, or 100% fruit juice. You can also add a natural sweetener like honey or stevia for taste.

Does the cold temperature affect sugar absorption?

The cold temperature does not prevent your body from absorbing the sugar. The high sugar content is still processed, leading to the same metabolic consequences as sugary drinks served at room temperature.

Is a slushie worse than a soft drink?

Some large or 'mega' sized slushies can be significantly worse than a soft drink in terms of sugar content. For example, a mega slushie can have multiple times the amount of sugar found in a standard can of soda.