How much sugar does a slurpee have?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a single oversized frozen drink can contain up to 30 teaspoons of sugar, a figure that far exceeds their recommended daily intake. This reveals just how much sugar does a slurpee have, especially in larger sizes, posing a significant health concern for consumers.

Quick Summary

A Slurpee's sugar content is substantial and varies dramatically by size and flavor, potentially impacting health. This guide details sugar quantities, examines ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and glycerol, and reviews sugar-free options.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: A single, large Slurpee can contain significantly more sugar than the recommended daily limit.
Varies by Size and Flavor: Sugar levels increase with cup size, with X-Large options often containing over 80g of sugar in the US.
Health Risks: High consumption is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems.
Ingredients Analysis: Slurpees are primarily sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and contain artificial flavors and colors.
Glycerol Warning: Some sugar-free slushies use glycerol, which has recently been linked to health concerns for young children.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For those looking to reduce sugar, choosing a smaller size or opting for water is the best path.

The Shocking Truth About Slurpee Sugar Content

For many, the Slurpee is a nostalgic and refreshing treat, but its sweet taste comes from an astonishingly high amount of sugar. The quantity of sugar varies significantly depending on the size of the drink and the specific flavor chosen. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to about 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for adult women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men, a benchmark that Slurpees can easily surpass in even the smallest size.

Sugar Content by Slurpee Size (US figures)

Small (12 oz): A 12-ounce Fanta Wild Cherry Slurpee contains approximately 24 grams (or 6 teaspoons) of sugar. A 12-ounce Coke Slurpee has 27 grams of sugar.
Medium (22 oz): This size contains around 44-49 grams of sugar, which is about 11 to 12 teaspoons.
Large (28 oz): A large offers 56 grams, or 14 teaspoons of sugar. Some Australian versions have even higher amounts.
X-Large (40 oz): The largest size can pack as much as 80 grams, or 20 teaspoons of sugar. Australian 'Mega' sizes have been reported to contain up to 49 teaspoons, or 195.5 grams.

The Health Impact of Excessive Sugar

Regular consumption of highly sugary drinks like Slurpees has been linked to numerous health issues. The immediate effect is a significant sugar rush, followed by a crash. Over the long term, however, the risks are more severe.

Health risks associated with high sugar intake:

Obesity: Sugary beverages are a leading driver of weight gain due to their high caloric content and lack of satiety.
Type 2 Diabetes: Consuming one or two sugary drinks a day can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%.
Heart Disease: Excessive sugar consumption contributes to chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels, all risk factors for heart disease.
Tooth Decay: The sugary liquid constantly bathes the teeth, providing fuel for bacteria that produce acid and erode enamel.
Glycerol Intoxication (in younger children): Some sugar-free slushies use glycerol as a sweetener. For children under the age of eight, large quantities of glycerol can lead to low blood sugar and loss of consciousness.

Understanding the Ingredients

Beyond the raw sugar statistics, it's worth examining the components that create the Slurpee experience. The classic version is not made from natural fruit juice but from a syrup mix, water, and often high fructose corn syrup.

High Fructose Corn Syrup: This is an inexpensive, highly processed form of sugar that is the main sweetener in many Slurpee flavors.
Natural and Artificial Flavors: These are chemicals designed to replicate fruit flavors but offer no nutritional value.
Artificial Colors: The vibrant, eye-catching colors are created using artificial dyes like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5.
Glycerol (E422): This sugar alcohol acts as an antifreeze, preventing the slushie from freezing solid. It has recently raised concerns for young children's health when consumed in large quantities.

Comparison Table: Slurpee vs. Other Treats

To put the sugar content into perspective, let's compare a few common Slurpee sizes to other popular sweet treats, based on approximate US figures. Note that sugar levels can vary by region and specific product formulation.


Slurpee Size (US)	Approximate Sugar Content (grams)	Sugar Equivalent (Teaspoons)	Comparable Sweet Treat
Small (12 oz)	24-27g	6-7 tsp	Six Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies
Medium (22 oz)	44-49g	11-12 tsp	Two packages of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Large (28 oz)	56g	14 tsp	Two Dunkin' Maple Cream Drizzle Donuts
X-Large (40 oz)	80g	20 tsp	21 Chips Ahoy! cookies

Conclusion: Savor with Caution

While the occasional Slurpee might be a pleasant indulgence, understanding the immense amount of sugar they contain is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Larger sizes can deliver a week's worth of recommended added sugar in a single serving. With the rise of health consciousness and new product formulations, it's also important to be aware of alternative sweeteners like glycerol and their potential effects on younger consumers. For those seeking a healthier frozen treat, opting for sugar-free alternatives or simply choosing a smaller size can mitigate some of the health risks. The key is to enjoy these beverages in moderation and be mindful of your overall sugar intake.

For further information on recommended dietary sugar intake, consider consulting the World Health Organization's guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

A large (28 oz) Slurpee typically contains 56 grams of sugar in the US, which is equivalent to 14 teaspoons. Australian versions and certain flavors may have even higher amounts.

Most traditional, full-sugar Slurpee flavors are high in sugar, as it is a critical ingredient for creating the slushy texture and sweet taste. However, some locations may offer sugar-free or reduced-sugar options.

Regular Slurpees use high fructose corn syrup as the primary sweetener. Sugar-free alternatives often use sweeteners like glycerol, which has recently raised health concerns, particularly for young children.

Excessive consumption can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. For young children, some formulations containing glycerol have been linked to a specific type of intoxication.

Sugar is a key component in slushies because it acts as an antifreeze. Without it, the mix of water and flavoring would freeze solid. The sugar helps create and maintain the signature slushy texture.

Yes, many Slurpee flavors are made from a syrup mix that lists high fructose corn syrup as a primary ingredient, especially in the US.

The healthiest way is to enjoy it as a rare treat rather than a regular beverage. Choosing the smallest size and drinking plenty of water otherwise can help mitigate the negative health effects.