How many calories are in a 12 oz slushie? Your Calorie Guide

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

A 12 oz Coca-Cola Slurpee from 7-Eleven contains approximately 105 calories, but the calorie count for a 12 oz slushie can vary significantly based on the brand, flavor, and specific ingredients. These frozen treats are often filled with sugar, which is the primary source of their caloric content, but some healthier options do exist.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 12 oz slushie can range from under 100 to over 200, depending on the flavor, brand, and sugar content. Most of the calories come from carbohydrates, specifically added sugars. Comparisons to soda and healthier alternatives are also discussed.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A 12 oz slushie's calorie content varies significantly by brand, flavor, and ingredients, with a typical range of 100 to 190 calories.
Primary Calorie Source: The majority of a standard slushie's calories come from sugar, often high fructose corn syrup.
Different Brand, Different Count: A 12 oz ICEE contains approximately 95 calories, whereas a 12 oz Fosters Freeze Cherry Slush has about 190 calories.
Lower Calorie than Soda: A slushie can sometimes be lower in calories than an equivalent size of regular soda, but it's important to check the sugar content.
No Nutritional Value: Standard slushies provide no significant health benefits and are not considered part of a healthy diet.
Healthier Alternatives: Homemade slushies using frozen fruit, juice, or water are excellent, lower-sugar alternatives.
Glycerol Concerns: Some slush mixes contain glycerol, which can cause adverse health effects like headaches and nausea, particularly in children.

Calorie Breakdown by Brand and Flavor

The number of calories in a 12 oz slushie is not a one-size-fits-all answer. The precise nutritional value is highly dependent on who is making it and what flavor they are using. For example, a basic, unflavored ice slush will have virtually no calories, but the standard, flavored versions found at convenience stores and fast-food chains are a different story. The primary caloric component is sugar, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup.

7-Eleven Slurpee

Coke Slurpee (12 oz): Roughly 105 calories.
Other Standard Flavors: Other flavors like the Pepsi Slurpee have similar calorie counts, around 110 calories for a 16 oz, which would be proportionally lower for 12 oz.

ICEE

Average ICEE (12 oz): On average, a 12 fl oz ICEE contains about 95 calories.
Specific Flavors: Looking at flavors like Blue Raspberry and Cherry, the calorie content for a 12 fl oz serving is also around 95 calories, with approximately 24 grams of sugar.

Fosters Freeze

Cherry Slush (12 oz): At 190 calories, this is one of the higher-end options, nearly double the calories of some other brands. It is also primarily all carbohydrates, with 50 grams of carbs.

Calorie Comparison: 12 oz Slushie vs. Other Drinks

Understanding a slushie's calorie impact is easier when comparing it to other common beverages. As demonstrated below, slushies aren't always the worst offender, but their nutritional void of vitamins and fiber makes them less desirable than other options.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Approximate Sugar	Notes
Convenience Store Slushie	12 oz	100–190	24–50g	Varies significantly by brand and flavor. Primarily empty carbs.
Regular Soda	12 oz	~150	~40g	Standard can of Coke contains 140 calories and 39g sugar. Can be higher or lower depending on brand.
100% Fruit Juice	12 oz	160–180	~35g	Contains natural sugars and some vitamins, but still a source of concentrated sugar.
Watermelon Slushie (Homemade)	12 oz	<150	Lower	Made with real fruit, lower sugar, and potentially no added sugar.
Iced Coffee (Sweetened)	12 oz	100–200+	Variable	Depends on milk, sugar, and syrups added. Can be very high in calories.

The Role of Sugar and Other Ingredients

As the table shows, the main reason for a slushie's calorie count is its sugar content. Slushie mixes are essentially sugar water, often made with high fructose corn syrup for cost efficiency. Some cheaper brands may also use artificial sweeteners or additives, and newer regulations have put focus on glycerol use in some regions due to potential health concerns for younger children. There are rarely, if ever, any nutritional benefits such as protein, fiber, or healthy fats in a standard slushie.

Potential Health Risks

High Sugar Intake: A single 12 oz slushie can contain a large percentage of the recommended daily sugar intake, leading to potential issues like weight gain and dental problems.
No Health Benefits: As confirmed by health professionals, slushies offer no significant health benefits and are not part of a healthy diet.
Concerns with Glycerol: Some slush mixes use glycerol, which the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has identified as a potential health risk, particularly for younger children who might experience headaches, nausea, or diarrhea.

Healthier Alternatives to a Classic Slushie

For those who love the icy texture but want to avoid the high sugar and empty calories, several healthy alternatives exist. Making a slushie at home with real ingredients is an excellent way to control the sugar and add nutritional value. Here are some suggestions:

Homemade Fruit Slushie: Blend frozen fruit (like berries, watermelon, or peaches) with a splash of water, unsweetened fruit juice, or coconut milk. This provides natural sweetness and added vitamins.
Zero-Calorie Slushie: Use a sugar-free drink mix and ice for a guilt-free treat. While artificial sweeteners may not be for everyone, they eliminate the high sugar load.
Fruit and Herb Infused Ice Water: Infuse water with fruit and herbs (like mint or cucumber) and freeze it into cubes. Blend with a bit more water for a light, refreshing, and very low-calorie slushie.

Conclusion

The question of how many calories are in a 12 oz slushie has a complex answer, ranging from under 100 to nearly 200, depending on the specifics of the drink. While they can be a refreshing treat on a hot day, a typical convenience store slushie is an empty-calorie indulgence, loaded with added sugar and void of nutritional value. By being mindful of your intake or opting for healthier, homemade alternatives, you can still enjoy a cold, slushy treat without the significant calorie and sugar load.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12 oz Coke Slurpee from 7-Eleven contains approximately 105 calories, with most of that energy coming from carbohydrates and added sugar.

The primary source of calories in a standard slushie is sugar, often from a high fructose corn syrup mixture that is frozen and blended.

No, slushie calorie counts vary widely. While some, like the 12 oz ICEE, are under 100 calories, others, like the Fosters Freeze Cherry Slush, can be nearly 200 calories for the same size.

Not necessarily. While a slushie can have fewer calories than a comparably sized soda, it is still mostly sugar and water without any real nutritional benefit. Both should be consumed in moderation.

To make a low-calorie slushie, blend frozen fruit with water or unsweetened juice. You can also use a sugar-free drink mix and ice for a zero-calorie version.

Standard convenience store slushies typically contain no significant vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber. They are essentially empty calories.

Some slush mixes use additives like glycerol, which has been linked to adverse health effects such as headaches, nausea, and diarrhea, particularly in young children.

While slushies contain water and can contribute to fluid intake, their high sugar content makes them a poor choice for hydration compared to water. Some studies suggest a cooling effect from ice slush, but regular water is the better option for general hydration.

Calorie differences are due to variations in the syrup-to-ice ratio and the sugar concentration of the syrup used by different brands. Flavors also play a role, depending on the ingredients used in their specific formulations.