Do Slushies Have Caffeine in Them? The Surprising Truth About Your Frozen Drink

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

While many assume all frozen beverages are caffeine-free, some slushies, especially those derived from popular sodas, can contain as much caffeine as a small can of cola. The presence of caffeine in a slushie is not universal and depends on the specific flavor and brand, making it essential to check the ingredients before consuming.

Quick Summary

The caffeine content in slushies varies significantly by brand and flavor. While most fruit-based options are caffeine-free, those made from caffeinated sodas or energy drinks contain stimulants. Specific brands like Slurpee and McDonald's offer caffeinated options, while others like Slush Puppie are typically caffeine-free. Always confirm the ingredients for each specific drink.

Key Points

Not All Slushies Are the Same: Caffeine content varies significantly by brand and flavor, so don't assume any slushie is caffeine-free.
Check the Flavor Base: Slushies based on caffeinated sodas (like cola) or energy drinks will contain caffeine.
Brand Matters: Some brands, like Slush Puppie, are typically caffeine-free, while others, like Slurpee, offer both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options.
Look Beyond Caffeine: Most commercial slushies are also very high in sugar, which poses other health risks, especially with excessive consumption.
Always Verify: If you need to be certain, check the nutritional information on the packaging or the brand's website before ordering.

Do Slushies Have Caffeine in Them? The Surprising Truth

For many, a slushie is a nostalgic, simple, and sugary treat, free from the stimulants found in coffee or energy drinks. However, this assumption can be misleading. The truth is that whether a slushie contains caffeine depends entirely on its base ingredients, which can vary dramatically from one machine to another. Some popular flavors and brands are indeed caffeinated, while others remain a safe, stimulant-free option.

Which Slushie Flavors and Brands Contain Caffeine?

The primary indicator of a slushie's caffeine content is its source flavor. If the frozen beverage is based on a caffeinated soda or an energy drink, it will contain caffeine. Here is a breakdown of common options:

7-Eleven Slurpee: This iconic brand offers a wide range of flavors, some of which are caffeinated. Flavors like Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew, and specific energy drink variations are known to contain caffeine. For example, a 12-ounce Coca-Cola Slurpee may have around 22 mg of caffeine, and a Mountain Dew Slurpee can have 30 mg for the same size. Energy-drink based flavors like Quake Energy Berry Blast can be significantly higher.
ICEE: While ICEE offers many caffeine-free fruit flavors, it is important to check the specific product. The company’s FAQ states that most flavors are caffeine-free, but some do contain caffeine. This is particularly true for cola-based flavors.
McDonald's Frozen Drinks: McDonald's offers frozen versions of its caffeinated beverages, including Frozen Coca-Cola and coffee-based frappes. The Frozen Coca-Cola contains caffeine from its soda base. Coffee frappes also contain coffee extract, which provides a notable dose of caffeine.
Energy Drink Slushies: Many convenience stores and fast-food chains offer slushies based on popular energy drinks. These products are specifically designed to provide a caffeine boost and will be labeled as such.
Slush Puppie: Unlike many other brands, the original Slush Puppie is explicitly marketed as a non-carbonated, caffeine-free frozen beverage, making it a reliable option for those avoiding stimulants.

How to Identify Caffeine in Your Frozen Drink

To ensure you know what you're drinking, follow these simple steps before you take a sip:

Read the Nutritional Information: The most reliable way to check for caffeine is to find the nutritional facts, which are often available on the store’s website or a nearby dispenser sign. Most companies list caffeine content clearly.
Know Your Flavors: If the slushie flavor is a direct copy of a caffeinated soft drink (e.g., Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew), assume it has caffeine. Conversely, classic fruit flavors like strawberry, blue raspberry, and cherry are almost always caffeine-free unless otherwise stated.
Look for Special Labeling: Brands sometimes use special labels like "energy blast" or other marketing language to indicate a caffeinated version of a classic flavor.

Comparison Table: Caffeine Content in Common Slushie Flavors


Brand/Flavor	Typical Caffeine Content (per 12 fl oz)	Notes
7-Eleven Coca-Cola Slurpee	~22 mg	Slightly less caffeine than regular soda.
7-Eleven MTN Dew Slurpee	~30 mg	Contains caffeine from the soda base.
ICEE (Fruit Flavors)	0 mg	Most fruit flavors are caffeine-free.
McDonald's Frozen Coke	~34 mg	Similar to standard Coca-Cola.
Slush Puppie (All Flavors)	0 mg	Brand is explicitly caffeine-free.
Starbucks Frozen Tropical Citrus Iced Energy	~140-205 mg	A specialized, high-caffeine option.

Beyond Caffeine: Other Nutritional Concerns

While caffeine is one consideration, it's crucial to remember that slushies are often high in sugar and calories. The World Health Organization recommends limiting added sugar intake, and a single large slushie can contain a massive amount. This can contribute to health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay, especially with regular consumption.

For those seeking a healthier, caffeine-free alternative, consider making your own slushie at home. Homemade versions, using simple ingredients like fruit, ice, and a blender, offer a refreshing treat without the excessive sugar, artificial colors, or stimulants found in commercial products. You can find inspiration and ideas for homemade slushies on sites like Trend Hunter, which showcases different types of frozen drinks, including some healthier options.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "Do slushies have caffeine in them?" is a definitive "sometimes." While many of the classic fruit-flavored versions are safe for children and those sensitive to caffeine, certain flavors—particularly those replicating soda or energy drinks—are not. As with any food or beverage, a little awareness can go a long way. Always check the brand, flavor, and nutritional information to make an informed choice, and consider healthier homemade alternatives for a simple, tasty, and caffeine-free treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all slushies contain caffeine. Whether a slushie has caffeine depends on its flavor and the brand. Many fruit-based slushies are caffeine-free, while others derived from sodas or energy drinks are not.

You should be aware of slushie flavors that replicate popular sodas like Coca-Cola or Mountain Dew, as these will likely contain caffeine. Any slushie explicitly marketed as an 'energy' drink will also be caffeinated.

Some Slurpee flavors are caffeinated. Specifically, those based on sodas like Coca-Cola and Mountain Dew contain caffeine. However, many fruit flavors remain caffeine-free.

Most ICEE flavors are caffeine-free, but not all of them. The company advises checking their website for nutritional facts, as some specific flavors, likely the cola ones, do contain caffeine.

A homemade slushie will only contain caffeine if you use a caffeinated liquid as a base, such as a soda or coffee. If you use fruit juice, Kool-aid powder, or other non-caffeinated ingredients, it will be caffeine-free.

For a standard 12-ounce caffeinated slushie from brands like 7-Eleven, the caffeine content is often around 30 milligrams, but this can vary by flavor. Energy drink-based options can contain significantly more.

Yes, the original Slush Puppie brand is specifically marketed as a non-carbonated, caffeine-free frozen beverage.