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How many calories are in a slushie from Speedway?

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a small 7-Eleven Slurpee (a brand often comparable to Speedway's offerings) contains around 90 calories. The number of calories in a slushie from Speedway varies significantly depending on both the flavor and, most importantly, the size you choose. A small might contain under 100 calories, while a large or double XL can easily have several hundred, largely due to the high sugar content.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Speedway slushie is highly dependent on size and flavor. Larger sizes and certain flavors contain substantially more calories and sugar than smaller portions. A small can be under 100 calories, while larger options can exceed 400 calories.

Key Points

  • Calories vary by size and flavor: A small Speedway slushie can have under 100 calories, while a Double XL can contain over 400 calories, depending on the flavor.

  • High sugar content: The majority of the calories in a Speedway slushie come from high levels of sugar, with some large sizes exceeding 100 grams.

  • Nutritional poverty: These frozen drinks offer little to no nutritional value, containing zero protein or fiber.

  • Primary ingredients: Speedway slushies are made from flavored syrup, carbonated water, and sometimes glycerol to prevent solid freezing.

  • Mindful consumption is key: To manage calorie and sugar intake, consumers should opt for the smallest size or treat a larger slushie as an occasional indulgence.

In This Article

Speedway Slushie Calorie Breakdown by Size and Flavor

The calories in a Speedway slushie are not a single, fixed number but range significantly across different serving sizes and flavors. This is similar to most fountain beverages, where larger cups contain more liquid and, consequently, more sugar and calories. Speedway offers a range of sizes, and flavors have different base formulations which affects the final nutritional content. Typically, the primary macronutrient is sugar, which contributes most of the calories, with virtually no protein or fat.

Typical Calorie Ranges and Sugar Content

To understand the caloric impact, it's helpful to review representative data from similar products like the Speedway Slurpee Drinks and Speedy Freezes, available via nutrition trackers and resources.

Example Calories by Size and Flavor:

  • Small: Flavors like Blue Raspberry or Cherry often fall in the 90-100 calorie range for a small cup.
  • Medium: A medium serving of many flavors, including Big Red or Blue Raspberry, typically contains around 150 calories.
  • Large: A large slushie, such as Cherry or Big Red, usually has 220-230 calories.
  • Double XL: For those who opt for the largest size, like a Double XL Cherry, the calories can jump to 380, while a Coca-Cola Double XL can reach 410 calories.

The Impact of Size and Sugar

The direct relationship between size, sugar, and calories is the most critical factor. The frozen, sugary syrup is what gives the drink its flavor and energy. For instance, a 52 oz Coca-Cola Speedy Freeze is listed with 420 calories and a staggering 115g of sugar. In contrast, a small Blue Raspberry slushie might have just 22g of sugar. This dramatic difference underscores why portion control is vital when considering the nutritional impact of a slushie.

How Speedway Slushies are Made

Speedway slushies, like most frozen carbonated beverages, are made by mixing a concentrated flavor syrup with carbonated water in a specialized freezing machine. The key ingredient for the signature texture is typically glycerol, a sugar alcohol that prevents the liquid from completely freezing into a solid block of ice. This provides the soft, pliable texture that defines a slushie. However, it is the added sugar in the syrup that provides the vast majority of the calories.

Comparison Table: Speedway Slushie vs. Other Drinks

Drink Type Small (Approx. Size) Large (Approx. Size) Key Nutritional Data (Large)
Speedway Slushie 90-100 calories 220-420+ calories High sugar, 0g fat, 0g protein
Regular Soda ~100 calories (12oz can) ~200 calories (20oz bottle) High sugar, similar carb content but not frozen
Bottled Water 0 calories 0 calories 0g sugar, 0g carbohydrates, 0g protein
Unsweetened Iced Tea 0 calories 0 calories 0g sugar, 0g carbohydrates
Fruit Smoothie (Chain) ~250-350 calories 400-600+ calories Varies widely; can contain fiber, protein, and significant sugars

This table illustrates that while small slushies can be a relatively low-calorie indulgence, larger sizes can contain more calories than a standard soft drink and approach the higher end of dessert-like beverages. Making a conscious choice based on size is key.

Making a Smarter Slushie Choice

For those watching their caloric or sugar intake, there are several ways to enjoy a slushie treat without overdoing it:

  • Opt for the Smallest Size: The most straightforward method is to always choose the smallest cup available. This significantly reduces both calories and sugar.
  • Share a Larger Size: If you want a larger portion, consider sharing it with a friend or family member to reduce your individual intake.
  • Consider a 'Half and Half': Some people mix their slushie with unflavored, carbonated water to cut the sugar content. While not available at the fountain, you can fill your cup with a mix of the slushie and a splash of plain fountain soda water to dilute the sweetness and calories.
  • Save it for a Special Occasion: View a large slushie as a special treat rather than a regular purchase. This helps keep it from becoming a major factor in your regular diet.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a slushie from Speedway depends almost entirely on the size and flavor selected. A small cup can be a reasonable treat at under 100 calories, but the calories and sugar escalate dramatically with larger sizes. Given that most of the calories come from sugar and the drinks offer no nutritional value like fiber or protein, they should be enjoyed in moderation. By choosing smaller sizes or sharing, consumers can manage their intake and still enjoy a cool, flavorful frozen beverage.

Sources

  • Nutritionix
  • Eat This Much
  • MyFoodDiary
  • Speedway Official Site

Related Topics

  • The health effects of high sugar intake
  • Moderating consumption of empty calories
  • Comparing frozen drink options

Frequently Asked Questions

Speedway slushies are not inherently fattening, but their high sugar and calorie count means overconsumption, especially of larger sizes, can contribute to weight gain if not balanced with overall dietary intake.

Generally, the lowest calorie option is the smallest size available, with flavors like Blue Raspberry often having one of the lowest counts, around 90 calories for a small serving.

A large Speedway slushie can contain a significant amount of sugar. For instance, a large Coca-Cola slushie can have around 67 grams of sugar, equivalent to roughly 17 teaspoons.

The ingredient list for many slushie brands, including those at Speedway, often includes natural flavorings and sugars. Some may contain glycerol to improve texture, but specific artificial sweetener use can vary by flavor.

While lower in calories than larger sizes, a small slushie is still primarily sugar and water, with minimal to no nutritional benefits. It is not considered a healthy option but can be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

No, calorie counts vary by flavor even within the same size. For example, a Coca-Cola slushie may differ slightly in calories from a Cherry or Blue Raspberry flavor.

A large Speedway slushie can have comparable, or even higher, calories and sugar than a large bottle of regular soda, making it important to be mindful of serving size.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.