How many calories are in an average slushie?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that a 16-ounce slushie can sometimes contain fewer calories than a regular can of soda? Understanding how many calories are in an average slushie is a crucial step for managing your sugar intake without sacrificing a cool, refreshing treat on a hot day.

Quick Summary

This guide details the typical calorie content of popular slushie brands, explaining how size and flavor impact the total. It also explores the high sugar levels and highlights healthier, homemade alternatives.

Key Points

Average Calories: A standard 8 fl oz slushie has approximately 110 calories, primarily from high sugar content.
Size Matters Most: Calorie and sugar intake increase significantly with larger serving sizes; an X-Large (40 oz) can contain over 80 grams of sugar.
Sugar is the Main Source: Slushies are high in sugar, typically from high fructose corn syrup, and provide little to no nutritional value beyond quick energy.
Flavor Variation: While most standard flavors are similar, check specific brand nutrition labels for variations, especially with specialty or creamy options.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opt for homemade slushies using 100% fruit juice, or seek out sugar-free versions sweetened with alternatives like erythritol or stevia.
Moderate Consumption: Due to high sugar content, regular consumption can contribute to health risks like obesity and diabetes, so moderation is recommended.

Deciphering the Average Slushie Calorie Count

When you're craving a frozen, flavored ice beverage, the last thing on your mind is often its nutritional content. However, for those monitoring their diet, the question of how many calories are in an average slushie is a common one. The answer isn't a single number, but rather a range that depends heavily on the specific brand, flavor, and serving size. A good starting point is understanding that a standard 8 fl oz (1 cup) serving of a popular slushie brand like ICEE or a generic slushie is typically in the range of 107 to 110 calories.

This core calorie figure is primarily derived from the high sugar content, which comes from ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. The slushie's low-fat composition means virtually all its energy comes from carbohydrates, specifically sugars.

Factors That Influence Slushie Calories

The average calorie count can be significantly altered by several key factors:

Serving Size: This is arguably the most impactful factor. What starts as a moderate 8 oz serving quickly becomes a high-calorie indulgence at larger sizes. For example, a medium (22 oz) Slurpee contains roughly 44 grams of sugar, while an X-Large (40 oz) can contain up to 80 grams. The calorie count scales proportionally with the size, moving from a mild treat to a significant caloric event.
Flavor: While many standard, fruit-flavored slushie syrups have similar nutritional profiles, variations exist. Special seasonal flavors, creamy additions, or branded options may have different calorie and sugar levels. It is always best to check specific brand websites for the most accurate information.
Added Ingredients: Some vendors may offer mix-ins or additional syrups. These extra ingredients can quickly add hidden calories and sugar. For instance, a creamy slushie will have a different profile than a purely icy, fruit-flavored one.
Sugar-Free Alternatives: The market for low-sugar and sugar-free options is growing, with manufacturers using alternative sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. These products offer a much lower calorie alternative, though some customers may notice a difference in texture or aftertaste.

Comparison of Slushie Calories vs. Other Drinks

To put the average slushie calorie count into perspective, it's useful to compare it with other common beverages.


Beverage	Serving Size (approx.)	Typical Calories	Notes
Average Slushie	8 fl oz (1 cup)	110 kcal	Low-fat, high sugar
Regular Soda	16 fl oz	200 kcal	Can be significantly higher than a same-sized slushie
Fruit Juice	8 fl oz	100-150 kcal	Varies greatly; can be rich in vitamins
Starbucks Matcha Latte	16 fl oz	240 kcal	Higher than most slushies due to milk/syrup
Water	-	0 kcal	The ultimate healthy, calorie-free alternative

As the table shows, a smaller slushie can be a lower-calorie option than a regular soda, while a larger one can easily surpass the calories found in other common drinks.

Creating Your Own Lower-Calorie Slushie

For those who want to enjoy a frozen treat without the added sugar, making your own slushie at home is a simple and rewarding process. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to significantly reduce the calorie and sugar content. Here are some options:

100% Fruit Juice: Use 100% fruit juice, freeze it in a pan, and rake it with a fork every half hour to get the right slushy texture. This provides a hydrating, vitamin-rich drink.
Flavored Water: Mix a calorie-free, flavored water packet with water and ice for a zero-sugar option. Some manufacturers offer low-calorie flavor concentrates designed for this purpose.
Xanthan Gum: For those wanting a thicker texture without sugar, adding a small amount of xanthan gum can help achieve that classic slushy consistency.
Natural Sweeteners: If you still want some sweetness, natural sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit can be used to flavor your homemade concoction.

Potential Health Concerns with Slushies

While a slushie is fine for an occasional treat, regular consumption of high-sugar versions can contribute to several health issues. High sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Furthermore, health agencies have raised concerns about the ingredient glycerol, sometimes used as a sugar substitute, especially when consumed in large quantities by children.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

So, how many calories are in an average slushie? For a standard 8-ounce cup, you can expect around 110 calories. However, this number rises sharply with larger sizes and varies by brand and flavor. The vast majority of these calories come from sugar, which carries health risks in large quantities. For the health-conscious consumer, moderation is key. Opting for smaller sizes, or better yet, exploring healthier homemade alternatives or sugar-free versions, allows you to enjoy the cool, refreshing taste without the significant calorie and sugar burden. Making informed choices ensures you can enjoy your treat while staying on track with your nutritional goals.

For specific brand information, such as nutrition facts for ICEE flavors, you can consult their official product pages. Check out the ICEE flavors here.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 16-ounce slushie can sometimes contain fewer calories than a 16-ounce soda, making it potentially lower in calories for the same volume. However, both drinks are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

The calorie count for a large slushie varies significantly by brand and size. For example, an X-Large 40-ounce Slurpee can have over 80 grams of sugar and a corresponding high calorie count, far exceeding smaller sizes.

The vast majority of calories in a standard slushie come from sugar, often from high fructose corn syrup used to create the flavor and texture.

Yes, many brands now offer 'diet' or 'sugar-free' slushies that use low-calorie sugar substitutes like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. These provide a much lower calorie alternative.

To make a healthier slushie, freeze 100% fruit juice in a pan and stir it with a fork as it freezes. You can also use flavored water or natural sweeteners like stevia.

For most major brands, standard flavors often have a similar calorie count for the same serving size. However, special or creamy flavors may differ, so it is best to check the nutritional information for the specific product.

Glycerol is a sugar substitute sometimes used in slushies to prevent them from freezing solid. While generally of low toxicity, health agencies have raised concerns about potential side effects like headaches and sickness, especially for young children who consume it in excess.