Frozen blue raspberry drinks, or slushies, are a popular refreshment, especially during warmer months. However, the exact calorie content can vary dramatically depending on where you purchase it and the size of the serving. While some smaller options are relatively modest in calories, larger sizes from certain chains can contain hundreds of calories and an excessive amount of sugar, offering little to no nutritional value. This article explores the specifics of different brands and provides healthier alternatives.
Calorie Counts by Popular Brands
The nutritional information for a frozen blue raspberry drink is not uniform. The figures below illustrate how much the calories can differ among popular food and drink vendors.
- McDonald's Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry: This drink offers a range of options. A small contains just 60 calories, a medium has 80 calories, and a large comes in at 110 calories.
- ICEE Blue Raspberry: A 12 fl oz serving of a standard ICEE has 95 calories. Some variations, like an 8 fl oz slush, have 110 calories.
- Sonic Sour Blue Raspberry Slush: One of the higher-calorie options, a large version of this drink contains 470 calories and a staggering 119 grams of sugar.
- Harvey's Blue Raspberry Slushie: A large size of this slushie contains 360 calories and 92 grams of sugar.
- Crush Blue Raspberry Frozen Carbonated Beverage: A 12 fl oz serving contains 100 calories and 25 grams of sugar.
Why are they so high in calories?
The primary source of calories in these drinks comes from their high sugar content. Most frozen blue raspberry drinks are primarily made of water, high fructose corn syrup or sugar, and artificial flavorings and colorings. Unlike beverages made with real fruit, they contain virtually no vitamins, fiber, or protein, meaning the calories are "empty calories" derived almost entirely from carbohydrates.
Common Ingredients in Frozen Blue Raspberry Drinks
A typical list of ingredients highlights the sources of calories and lack of nutritional benefit:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup or Sugar
- Water
- Artificial Flavors
- Artificial Colors (like FD&C Blue #1)
- Citric Acid
- Stabilizers and Preservatives
Comparing Frozen Blue Raspberry Drinks
This table provides a quick side-by-side look at the nutritional content of different popular frozen blue raspberry drinks, focusing on a standard or widely available large size for comparison where possible.
| Brand | Size | Calories | Sugar Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald's Frozen Fanta | Large | 110 | 29g |
| ICEE Blue Raspberry | 12 fl oz | 95 | 24g |
| Sonic Sour Blue Raspberry Slush | Large | 470 | 119g |
| Harvey's Blue Raspberry Slushie | Large | 360 | 92g |
| Slush Puppie | Flavored Slushy | Varies | 40g (for one variation) |
| Crush Frozen Carbonated Beverage | 12 fl oz | 100 | 25g |
Healthier Alternatives and DIY Recipes
For those who love the taste but want to avoid the high sugar and calories, several alternatives exist. You can opt for diet or sugar-free versions where available, but these often contain artificial sweeteners. A better option is to make a homemade version where you have full control over the ingredients. For example, a homemade slushie can be crafted using real fruit juice, a low-calorie sweetener or no added sugar at all, and ice.
Healthier DIY Options
- Blend frozen raspberries with water and a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract for a low-sugar alternative.
- Use unsweetened fruit juice and ice for a simple, naturally flavored slushie.
- Mix flavored water enhancers with crushed ice for a quick, zero-calorie treat.
- Consider using a low-calorie fruit juice concentrate mixed with sparkling water for a fizzy, fruity slush.
If you are interested in making your own, check out this Frozen Anything Slushie Recipe to get started on creating a more wholesome frozen treat.
The Bottom Line
A frozen blue raspberry drink can be a delicious and refreshing treat, but it's important to be mindful of its high calorie and sugar content, especially when purchasing larger sizes from certain fast-food chains. While small or diet versions are lower in calories, the most nutritious choice is to create your own at home using real fruit and minimal or no added sugar. This allows you to enjoy the flavor with more control over the health impact. Like many high-sugar drinks, moderation is key when indulging in a store-bought version.
