How Many Calories Do Slushies Have? Your Guide to Frozen Drink Nutrition

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While a small 8 fl oz ICEE averages around 110 calories, the total calorie count for a slushie varies dramatically depending on the size, brand, and flavor. These frozen treats are primarily a mix of flavored syrup and ice, meaning most of their calories come directly from sugar.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for slushies differs significantly across brands, flavors, and serving sizes due to varying sugar content. Commercial brands typically range from 100 to over 600 calories. Learn about the primary caloric sources, explore brand-specific nutrition information, and find simple recipes for low-calorie homemade versions.

Key Points

Variable Calories: Slushie calories vary widely, typically ranging from around 100 to over 600 depending on the brand, size, and flavor.
High Sugar Content: The majority of a slushie's calories come from sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, with little to no nutritional value.
Glycerol Risks for Children: Some slushies use glycerol as a sugar substitute, which can cause health issues like low blood sugar in young children.
DIY is Healthier: Homemade slushies using frozen fruit, water, and natural sweeteners are a significantly healthier, low-calorie alternative.
Read Labels: Always check nutritional information and ingredients, as sugar-free labels can mask the presence of other concerning sweeteners.
Mindful Consumption: Treat commercial slushies as an occasional indulgence due to their high sugar and calorie load, and opt for homemade versions more often.

A Closer Look at the Calorie Breakdown

At their core, most commercially available slushies contain three primary ingredients: water, high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, and artificial or natural flavorings. The vast majority of the calories in a slushie come from the sugary syrups used to create the flavor. Fat and protein content are virtually non-existent, making them a source of empty calories with little nutritional value. For instance, a basic 8 fl oz ICEE contains approximately 110 calories, all from carbohydrates. This demonstrates that even a smaller serving can contribute a significant amount of sugar and calories to your daily intake.

The Impact of Size and Brand

The serving size is a major factor in the final calorie count. A small cup from one brand can have fewer calories than a medium from another. Furthermore, brands may use different sweeteners. Some use sugar, while others opt for alternatives like glycerol, which recent studies show can pose health risks to young children in high quantities. A larger serving size from a popular chain can easily contain the equivalent of a small meal in calories, paired with a huge amount of sugar.

Calorie Comparison: Popular Slushie Brands

This table illustrates the wide range of calorie counts for different sizes and flavors from popular brands based on available nutrition information.


Brand	Flavor	Size (fl oz)	Approximate Calories
Slurpee (7-Eleven)	Coca-Cola	12	160
Slurpee (7-Eleven)	Crush Blue Raspberry	32	400
Sonic Drive-In	Plain Slush	12	180
Sonic Drive-In	Medium Cherry Slush	21	290
ICEE	Average Varieties	8	110
Slush Puppie	Blue Raspberry	12	210
Dairy Queen	Misty® Slush Cherry	12	200

Health Implications Beyond the Calorie Count

While knowing how many calories a slushie has is important for weight management, it's just part of the story. The high sugar content is a primary concern for overall health. A standard slushie can contain well over the recommended daily sugar intake. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to health issues such as weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems.

Additionally, some brands use sugar substitutes like glycerol. While helpful for creating the slushy texture, recent research from Children's Health Ireland identified cases of “glycerol intoxication syndrome” in young children, leading to symptoms like headaches, nausea, and potentially more serious conditions like hypoglycemia. Health authorities in some regions now advise that children under a certain age avoid these drinks entirely and that consumption by older children be limited. This highlights the importance of checking ingredients, not just calories, especially for drinks intended for children.

Healthy and Low-Calorie Slushie Alternatives

Craving a cold, refreshing treat without the excessive sugar and calories? Making your own slushie at home is simple and offers complete control over the ingredients. Below are some ideas for healthier, homemade alternatives:

Fruit-based slushie: Blend frozen fruit (like berries, mango, or pineapple), water, and a splash of lime juice for a naturally sweet and flavorful drink.
Tea or coffee slushie: Blend strongly brewed and cooled tea or coffee with ice and a natural sweetener like stevia for a refreshing, caffeinated beverage.
Sparkling water slushie: Use a blender to combine ice, sparkling water, fresh lemon or lime juice, and a sugar-free sweetener for a fizzy, guilt-free treat.
Protein slushie: For a more filling option, blend ice, water or milk, and your favorite protein powder for a cool, post-workout recovery drink.

Simple DIY Slushie Recipe

Making a homemade fruit slushie is incredibly easy and healthy. Here's how:

Gather Ingredients: 1 ½ cups frozen fruit (e.g., strawberries, peaches), 1 cup ice cubes, ¼ cup sparkling water, and an optional sweetener if desired.
Blend: Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend until you reach your desired slushy consistency. You may need to stop and stir to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Adjust: If the slushie is too thick, add a little more water. If you want a sweeter flavor, add a small amount of honey or a natural sweetener.
Serve: Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf for an extra touch.

For more ideas on creating flavorful and healthy slushies, you can explore recipes on cooking blogs like The Kitchn.

Conclusion

While commercially produced slushies often contain a surprising number of empty calories and high levels of sugar, they are not your only option. The calorie count can range from just over 100 to over 600, influenced heavily by size and brand. For those looking to enjoy a refreshing frozen drink without the sugar crash, a homemade version using natural ingredients, fruits, and sugar-free alternatives offers a delicious and significantly healthier solution. By being mindful of ingredients and portions, you can enjoy a chilly treat without compromising your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of calories in most commercial slushies is the high-fructose corn syrup or sugar found in the flavored syrups.

While lower in calories, 'sugar-free' slushies may contain sweeteners like glycerol, which can pose health risks to young children. It's best to check the ingredients.

An average 8 fl oz ICEE contains approximately 110 calories.

Yes, you can make a delicious, low-calorie slushie at home by blending frozen fruit with water or sparkling water.

No, health authorities recommend that children under a certain age, and especially those under seven or eight, should not consume slushies containing glycerol.

Flavor can impact the calorie count, as different syrups and brands have varying formulations. For example, a medium Sonic cherry slush has more calories than a plain slush.

Glycerol is an alcohol and sugar substitute used to prevent slushies from freezing solid, giving them their characteristic slushy texture. Its high consumption has been linked to adverse health effects in young children.