Is a Slushie Considered Junk Food?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

A single large commercial slushie can contain upwards of 20 teaspoons of sugar, far exceeding daily recommendations. Given these shocking figures, many people are left wondering, is a slushie considered junk food?

Quick Summary

Commercial slushies are largely considered junk food due to their high sugar content, empty calories, and minimal nutritional value. Excessive consumption is linked to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental issues.

Key Points

Commercial Slushies are Junk Food: They are high in sugar, offer empty calories, and contain minimal to no nutritional value.
High Sugar Content Poses Health Risks: Excessive sugar intake from slushies can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental problems.
Glycerol Can Be Dangerous for Young Children: The Food Standards Agency has issued warnings that the additive glycerol in commercial slushies can cause health issues for children under 7, and recommends limiting intake for older children.
Homemade Slushies are a Healthy Alternative: Made with real fruit and natural sweeteners, homemade versions provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and avoid harmful additives.
Check Labels for Hidden Sugars: Commercial varieties often use high fructose corn syrup and other added sugars to maintain consistency and sweetness.
Enjoy Moderately: Due to their nutritional profile, commercial slushies should be considered an occasional treat rather than a regular beverage choice.
Opt for Real Fruit: The best way to create a healthy slushie is by blending frozen fruit with water or juice, avoiding processed syrups.

The definition of junk food is broadly understood as processed food with high calories, sugar, salt, and fat, but very little to no nutritional value like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The question of whether a slushie falls into this category requires a deeper look at its ingredients and their effects on the body.

The Anatomy of a Commercial Slushie

What’s Really Inside?

Commercial slushies are far more than just ice and flavor. The primary components are often a pre-mixed flavored syrup and water. These syrups are engineered to create the signature sweet taste and vibrant colors. Key ingredients typically include:

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): A major source of added sugar, linked to a variety of health issues.
Flavorings and Colorings: Artificial additives that provide the drink's appeal but offer no nutritional benefit.
Preservatives: Chemicals used to extend shelf life.
Glycerol: This additive is used as an antifreeze to prevent the mixture from freezing solid and helps create the slushy texture. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued warnings regarding glycerol in slushies, especially for young children, as high exposure can cause shock and other symptoms.

The High-Sugar Problem

Commercial slushies pack a significant sugar punch. An analysis by the organization Rethink Sugary Drink found that some mega-sized slushies contain over 20 teaspoons of sugar. This excessive sugar intake is problematic for several reasons:

Weight Gain and Obesity: Liquid sugar calories are easily consumed and do not trigger the same satiety signals as solid food, leading to overconsumption and weight gain.
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: High-sugar diets are strongly associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.
Dental Decay: The combination of sugar and acidity in these drinks creates a perfect environment for bacteria to produce acids that damage tooth enamel.
Energy Crashes: The initial sugar rush is quickly followed by a crash, leaving you feeling tired and craving more sugar.

The Verdict: Why It's Junk Food

Based on its composition and nutritional profile, the typical commercial slushie is unequivocally junk food. It delivers a high number of calories, almost entirely from sugar, with zero nutritional benefit. Health experts widely agree that drinks with such low nutritional value and high sugar are detrimental to health, especially when consumed frequently. They offer "empty kilojoules" that satisfy a sweet craving but contribute negatively to overall health.

Commercial vs. Homemade Slushies: A Nutritional Comparison


Feature	Commercial Slushie	Homemade Slushie (Fruit-Based)
Ingredients	High fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors/colors, preservatives, glycerol	Frozen fruit (e.g., watermelon, berries), water or coconut water, optional natural sweeteners (e.g., honey, maple syrup)
Sugar Content	Very high, often exceeding daily recommendations (up to 20+ tsp per large serving)	Naturally occurring sugars from fruit, with minimal or no added sweeteners
Calories	High, typically concentrated "empty" calories	Lower in calories, dependent on fruit and any added sweetener
Nutritional Value	Minimal to none; lacks fiber, vitamins, and minerals	High in vitamins, minerals, and fiber from whole fruits
Potential Risks	Weight gain, dental decay, chronic diseases, glycerol intoxication in children	Minimal health risks, promotes fruit intake

How to Make a Healthier Slushie

Making your own slushie is a simple way to get a refreshing, icy treat without the downsides of commercial versions. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen fruit (e.g., watermelon chunks, strawberries, mixed berries)
1 cup liquid (water, sparkling water, or coconut water)
1-2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice (optional)
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

Add the frozen fruit, liquid, and citrus juice to a high-powered blender.
Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, slushy consistency.
If needed, add a touch of natural sweetener.
Serve immediately and enjoy a guilt-free, nutritious treat!

Conclusion: Enjoy with Caution and Awareness

While the occasional commercial slushie is unlikely to cause serious harm, relying on them as a regular treat is a poor nutritional choice. They are, in essence, junk food: devoid of nutrients and loaded with sugar. The potential risks associated with high sugar intake and additives like glycerol, especially for children, make them a product best consumed sparingly, if at all. Choosing healthier, homemade alternatives is a delicious and responsible way to enjoy a cool, flavorful drink without the health trade-offs. The next time you're craving a slushie, reach for your blender and some frozen fruit for a much better option.

For more information on the health effects of excessive sugar consumption, consult resources like the World Health Organization's sugar intake guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason is their high content of added sugars, minimal nutritional value, and use of artificial ingredients. They provide excess calories without any substantial health benefits.

Some large commercial slushies can contain over 20 teaspoons of sugar, an amount that far exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit.

Glycerol is an additive used as an antifreeze in slushie machines to prevent the drink from freezing solid, which helps to maintain its signature consistency. It is often used as a sugar substitute in some formulations.

High consumption of glycerol can cause adverse effects in young children, including headaches, sickness, and low blood sugar levels. For this reason, food standards agencies have issued warnings against children under certain ages consuming these drinks.

Yes, you can make a healthy version at home using frozen fruit, water or juice, and a blender. This allows you to control the ingredients and avoid excessive sugar and additives.

Slushies often have a similar or even higher sugar content than soda, depending on the serving size. While some slushie variations might have fewer calories than soda, both are considered sugary drinks with high amounts of empty calories.

Yes, a delicious and healthy slushie can be made by simply blending frozen fruits like watermelon or berries with water or unsweetened coconut water. The natural sweetness of the fruit is often enough.