How Many Calories in a Large Raspberry Slushie? A Deep Dive into Nutrition

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

A large raspberry slushie can contain anywhere from 180 to nearly 500 calories, with one large Sonic Sour Blue Raspberry Slush containing a hefty 470 calories. This vast range and significant sugar content for a large raspberry slushie often surprise consumers seeking a refreshing treat.

Quick Summary

Large raspberry slushies from various fast-food chains differ greatly in their calorie and sugar content. These frozen drinks primarily consist of sugar and water, offering little to no nutritional benefits, but consumers have several options for creating or finding healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Counts: The number of calories in a large raspberry slushie varies significantly by brand, ranging from under 200 to nearly 500 calories.
High Sugar Content: Most large fast-food slushies contain excessive amounts of sugar, often exceeding 100 grams in a single serving.
Nutritionally Empty: Commercial slushies are primarily sugar, water, and flavorings, providing virtually no beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, or protein.
Health Risks: Regular consumption of these sugary drinks can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and increased risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Healthy Homemade Alternative: A homemade raspberry slushie made with frozen fruit, water, and natural sweeteners is a simple, low-calorie, and nutritious alternative.

The Calorie and Sugar Breakdown

While a frozen beverage might seem like a low-impact treat, a closer look at the nutritional information for a large raspberry slushie reveals a different story. The calorie count and sugar content vary significantly depending on the fast-food chain. The primary ingredients are water, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavorings, meaning the nutritional value is minimal at best. The vast majority of calories come from sugar, which contributes nothing of substance like fiber, protein, or essential vitamins.

Brand-Specific Calorie Information

Sonic Large Sour Blue Raspberry Slush: One of the highest, a large serving from Sonic packs 470 calories and a staggering 119 grams of sugar. This represents a significant portion of a typical person's daily recommended calorie intake and far exceeds recommended sugar limits.
McDonald's Large Blue Raspberry Slushie: This large size contains 340 calories and 89 grams of sugar. While lower than Sonic's, this is still a substantial amount of sugar for a single drink.
Harvey's Large Blue Raspberry Slushie: At 360 calories and 92 grams of sugar, this is comparable to the McDonald's offering in terms of high sugar content.
7-Eleven Large Raspberry Slurpee (Australia): This variant is significantly lower in calories, with 189 calories and 44.9 grams of sugar per 650ml serving. This is a good example of how nutritional values can vary dramatically by region and product formulation.

Comparison of Large Raspberry Slushies

This table highlights the nutritional differences between large-sized raspberry-flavored slushies from popular fast-food chains. These figures demonstrate how widely calorie and sugar counts can differ, even for similarly described products.


Brand	Serving Size	Calories	Sugar (g)	Key Macronutrient	Notes
Sonic	Large	470	119	All Carbohydrates	Highest calorie and sugar count listed.
McDonald's	Large	340	89	All Carbohydrates	Significant sugar, but lower than Sonic.
Harvey's	Large (500ml)	360	92	All Carbohydrates	High sugar, comparable to McDonald's.
7-Eleven (Australia)	Large (650ml)	189	44.9	All Carbohydrates	Lower-calorie option, but regional availability.

The Health Implications of High Sugar Intake

The high sugar content in these drinks can have several negative health impacts when consumed regularly. A single large slushie can contain multiple times the amount of sugar the American Heart Association recommends for an entire day. This is a serious consideration for anyone concerned about their long-term health.

Risks of Excess Sugar Consumption

Weight Gain and Obesity: High-calorie, sugar-sweetened beverages are a major contributor to weight gain. The body processes liquid sugar differently than solid food, leading to an increase in overall calorie consumption.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.
Dental Issues: The combination of sugar and high acidity can be detrimental to dental health, increasing the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.
Cardiovascular Strain: Research suggests that high sugar intake can lead to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.
Blood Sugar Spikes: The rapid absorption of liquid sugar causes a sharp spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash, which can lead to fatigue and cravings for more sugar.

Healthier Homemade Slushie Alternatives

For those who love the refreshing taste of a raspberry slushie but want to avoid the health risks associated with fast-food versions, making a homemade alternative is a simple and delicious solution. By using whole fruits and natural sweeteners, you can create a slushie that is low in calories and high in nutrients.

Easy Homemade Raspberry Slushie Recipe

Ingredients: 1 cup frozen raspberries, 1/2 cup water, 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (or sugar substitute like stevia), and 1/2 cup of ice cubes.
Instructions: In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until you reach your desired slushie consistency. For a smoother texture, you can use a high-powered blender. If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can omit the added sweetener.

Conclusion

While a large raspberry slushie can offer temporary refreshment, its high caloric and sugar load presents significant health risks. A single drink can contribute a substantial number of empty calories to your diet, increasing the risk of weight gain, dental problems, and other chronic health issues. Given the wide variability in nutritional content between fast-food chains, it's always best to check the nutritional information before indulging. For a genuinely healthy and satisfying treat, opting for a homemade version with natural ingredients is the most sensible choice. By making this simple swap, you can still enjoy a delicious frozen beverage without compromising your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a large raspberry slushie can vary from around 180 to 470 calories, depending on the brand and specific product formulation.

The sugar content is very high, with a large Sonic Sour Blue Raspberry Slushie containing 119 grams and a large McDonald's Blue Raspberry Slushie having 89 grams.

No, commercial raspberry slushies offer minimal to no nutritional value. They are almost exclusively carbohydrates in the form of sugar and lack fiber, protein, and vitamins.

Yes, regularly consuming large, sugary beverages like raspberry slushies adds a significant number of empty calories to your diet, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

A healthy, low-calorie option is to make a homemade slushie using frozen raspberries, water, and a natural sugar substitute or minimal honey. Some brands also offer lower-calorie options, but always check the label.

You can make a healthier version by blending frozen raspberries, water, ice, and a small amount of a sweetener like stevia, honey, or agave. You can also add chia seeds for extra fiber.

No, nutritional information varies widely by brand. For instance, a large Sonic slushie has a much higher calorie and sugar count than a large 7-Eleven Slurpee in some markets.