Does a Slushie Have a Lot of Calories? The Complete Calorie Guide

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

With an 8-ounce slushie containing up to 40 grams of sugar, it's a common concern among health-conscious consumers: does a slushie have a lot of calories? The short answer is yes, and the total can vary dramatically depending on the size and ingredients.

Quick Summary

Slushies are high in calories due to their significant sugar content, with larger sizes delivering an even greater sugar and calorie load. Healthier, low-sugar versions and homemade options exist for those seeking a less indulgent frozen treat.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Slushies are mainly water and sugar, with sugar levels often exceeding the daily recommended limit in a single serving.
Size Matters Greatly: Calorie counts increase dramatically with larger cup sizes, turning a small treat into a significant calorie load.
No Nutritional Value: The calories in a slushie come purely from carbohydrates (sugar), offering no nutritional benefits like protein or fiber.
Glycerol Risks for Kids: Some sugar-free slushies use glycerol as a sweetener, which can cause illness in young children and is not a safe alternative for them.
Healthy Homemade Options: Creating slushies at home using fresh or frozen fruit, water, and sugar-free sweeteners offers a low-calorie, nutrient-rich alternative.
Not a Balanced Diet Item: Experts agree that all slush ice drinks, whether high in sugar or using substitutes, offer no health benefits and are not part of a healthy, balanced diet for any age.

Understanding Slushie Calories

When we think of a refreshing, icy drink on a hot day, a slushie is often the first thing that comes to mind. But what exactly are you consuming with that brightly colored, sugary delight? The core ingredients of a standard commercial slushie are simple: water, sugar, and artificial flavors. The high concentration of sugar is not just for taste; it's a functional ingredient that prevents the water from freezing solid, allowing the machine to create the iconic slushy texture. It is this high sugar content, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, that is the primary source of calories.

A small 8-ounce serving from popular brands can range from 70 to 170 calories, while larger sizes can easily push into the hundreds. The calories derived from these sugars provide quick energy but lack any other nutritional benefits like fiber, protein, or vitamins. Nutritionists and health experts caution that these drinks have no health benefits and should not be considered part of a healthy diet.

How Size and Brand Affect Calorie Count

One of the biggest factors influencing the number of calories in a slushie is the serving size. Most people don't stop at an 8-ounce cup, opting for larger containers that significantly increase the overall sugar and calorie intake. Additionally, different brands and flavors have varying formulations that affect their nutritional profile.

Size-Based Calorie Differences

To illustrate the impact of size, consider the following examples based on nutritional data from popular frozen drink brands:

7-Eleven Coca Cola Classic Slurpee
- 8 fl oz (Extra Small): 70 calories
- 12 fl oz (Small): 105 calories
- 22 fl oz (Medium): 192 calories
- 28 fl oz (Large): 244 calories
- 40 fl oz (Extra Large): 349 calories
Sonic Cherry Slush
- Large: 460 calories

As seen from the data, upgrading from a small to a large size can more than double your calorie intake. An extra-large 40 oz drink from 7-Eleven contains nearly 350 calories, the equivalent of a small meal, all from sugar.

Comparison Table: Popular Slushie Options


Brand	Flavor	Serving Size	Calories	Sugar Content	Notes
7-Eleven Slurpee	Coca-Cola	12 oz (small)	105	~27g	Calories rise steeply with size.
ICEE	Blue Raspberry	8 oz	170	31g	Contains no fat or protein.
Sonic Drive-In	Cherry Slush	Large	460	122g	Very high sugar content for the large size.
Icee.com Product	Cherry	12 fl oz	95	24g	Example from a specific product line.

The Problem with Sugar and Sugar Substitutes

The high amount of added sugar in a typical slushie poses several health concerns. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to weight gain, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues. For children, the risks are particularly noteworthy. For slushies that use sugar alternatives like glycerol, new concerns have emerged.

The Glycerol Warning

Recent research highlighted by the Food Standards Agency in the UK has issued warnings regarding glycerol-containing slushies. Glycerol, an EU-approved additive, is sometimes used instead of sugar to reduce calorie content. However, excessive consumption can lead to "glycerol intoxication syndrome" in young children, causing symptoms like headaches, vomiting, and dangerously low blood sugar. Health agencies now recommend that children under a certain age (often 7 or 8) avoid these drinks and that vendors limit refills for older children.

How to Enjoy a Guilt-Free Slushie

For those who love frozen treats but want to avoid the high sugar and calorie load of commercial products, making a homemade version is the best solution. Homemade slushies allow you to control the ingredients and sweetness level, offering a healthier way to cool down.

Homemade, Low-Calorie Slushie Ideas

Fresh Fruit Blends: Combine frozen fruit like berries, mangoes, or pineapples with water and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Blend until slushy for a refreshing, nutrient-rich treat.
Sugar-Free Jell-O Slushie: Use a packet of sugar-free Jell-O, boiling water, and a zero-calorie soda to create a flavor-packed, low-calorie frozen drink.
Protein Powder Slushie: For a slushie that's also a protein boost, blend ice, water or almond milk, and your favorite protein powder.
Flavored Tea Slushie: Freeze unsweetened black or green tea, blend with ice and lemon juice for a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich slushie.

Conclusion

So, does a slushie have a lot of calories? The answer is unequivocally yes, especially for larger, store-bought varieties. The significant calorie count is almost entirely derived from high levels of added sugar, offering very little nutritional value in return. While sugar-free versions exist, they may contain sugar substitutes like glycerol that pose risks for young children. For a truly guilt-free and healthier frozen beverage, the best option is to create your own at home using whole fruits or sugar-free alternatives. By being mindful of serving sizes and ingredients, you can enjoy a cool treat without the excessive calories and sugar.

WebMD provides additional context on the health implications of high-sugar frozen desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calories in a small slushie can vary by brand and flavor, but an average 8 to 12-ounce serving contains between 70 and 170 calories, nearly all from sugar.

Not necessarily. While some sources suggest slushies can be lower in calories ounce-for-ounce compared to some sodas, the high sugar content remains a significant health concern. The primary issue with both is the empty calories from sugar.

The sugar content is very high, as it's a key ingredient for the slushy texture. An 8-ounce slushie can contain over 30 grams of sugar, while larger sizes can have well over 100 grams.

Yes. Beyond the risks of high sugar intake, some sugar-free slushies contain glycerol, which can cause illness in young children if consumed in excess. Recent health warnings advise limiting these for children under 10.

Yes, it's easy to make a healthier version at home. You can blend frozen fruit with water and a natural, calorie-free sweetener, or use sugar-free drink mixes and ice.

No, commercial slushies typically provide no nutritional benefits. They are composed almost entirely of sugar, water, and artificial flavors, offering no protein, fiber, or essential vitamins.

Adding ice cream or other dairy products drastically increases the calorie, fat, and sugar content. For example, a large Sonic Cherry Ice Cream Slush can contain over 1000 calories.

A truly healthy slushie would be homemade using only fresh, whole ingredients. Blending frozen fruit, water, and perhaps some yogurt or natural juice provides vitamins and fiber without the excess sugar.