Nutrition Diet: How many calories does a freeze have?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A small frozen Coca-Cola from McDonald's contains 60 calories, while a medium Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze is around 164 calories. The question, how many calories does a freeze have, depends entirely on the brand, size, and flavor, with many options containing significant amounts of added sugar.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for frozen fast-food drinks vary dramatically by brand, size, and flavor. These beverages are often high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation, or replaced with healthier, lower-sugar alternatives for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie and Sugar Fluctuation: The calorie count in a frozen drink varies significantly by brand, size, and flavor, with most calories derived from sugar.
High in Sugar, Low in Nutrients: Fast-food freezes are primarily composed of sugary syrup and water, offering little to no nutritional benefits like protein or fiber.
Health Concerns with Overconsumption: Frequent consumption of these high-sugar beverages is linked to an increased risk of health problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Healthier Homemade Alternatives: You can create nutritious, lower-sugar frozen drinks at home by blending fruit with water or unsweetened milk, or freezing fruit-infused water.
Mindful Consumption is Key: For a balanced diet, it is important to consume sugary frozen drinks in moderation, choose smaller sizes, or opt for healthier, lower-sugar options.
Check the Facts: Always check the nutritional information for frozen drinks, as even brands with 'low-sugar' options can have variations depending on the size and type.

Understanding the 'Freeze' in Fast-Food

When referring to a 'freeze' in a dietary context, one is typically talking about the flavored, frozen drinks served at fast-food restaurants. These are essentially slushies or frozen sodas. The primary ingredients are usually water, flavored syrups (often containing high-fructose corn syrup or other sugars), and artificial colors. Because they are mostly sugar and water, they offer very little nutritional value beyond a quick burst of energy and a momentary refreshing taste. They contain virtually no protein, fiber, or essential vitamins.

The Impact of Sugar on Your Diet

For anyone monitoring their calorie intake, particularly for weight management, the high sugar content of these drinks is a significant concern. A single medium-sized freeze can contain over 40 grams of sugar, which is well above the daily recommended limit for added sugar for most adults. Overconsumption of sugary beverages is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. The quick absorption of sugar can also lead to a spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels, impacting energy and mood. Choosing a freeze means consciously adding a substantial number of empty calories to your day, which could otherwise be used for more nutrient-dense foods.

A Calorie Comparison of Popular Fast-Food Freezes

To illustrate the variability, here is a comparison of some common frozen drinks, pulling data from sources like CalorieKing and official websites.


Brand	Freeze Type	Size	Calories	Total Carbohydrates (g)
Taco Bell	Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze	Medium (16oz)	164	41
Taco Bell	Blue Raspberry Freeze	Medium (16oz)	120	30
Taco Bell	Wild Strawberry Freeze	Medium (16oz)	165	41
McDonald's	Frozen Coca-Cola® Classic	Small	60	16
McDonald's (AU)	Frozen Flavours	Small	93	24.2
McDonald's (AU)	Frozen Flavours	Large	176	45.5
ICEE	Average all varieties	8 fl. oz.	110	27

Healthier Alternatives to Sugary Frozen Drinks

If you love frozen drinks but want a healthier option, consider making your own or choosing lower-sugar commercial products. Many health-conscious companies now offer delicious, low-calorie alternatives.

DIY Frozen Drinks

Blended Fruit Smoothie: Blend frozen berries, a banana, and a splash of unsweetened almond milk for a nutrient-packed, delicious treat. You can also add a handful of spinach for extra vitamins without altering the flavor.
Fruit-Infused Water Ice: For a simple, low-calorie option, freeze fruit-infused water in a shallow dish. Rake it with a fork every 30 minutes to create a slushy consistency.
Blended Iced Tea or Coffee: Brew your favorite unsweetened tea or coffee, let it cool, and then blend with ice for a refreshing, flavorful drink without the added sugar.

Mindful Choices

Sparkling Water: If you crave the fizz, opt for sugar-free sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.
Kombucha: This fermented tea is slightly effervescent and can be a gut-healthy alternative, though you should still check the label for sugar content.
Sugar-Free Options: Some fast-food chains now offer low-calorie or sugar-free frozen drinks. For example, some McDonald's locations offer a Frozen Coke Zero Sugar. Always check the specific nutrition information.

Conclusion: Balancing Indulgence with Nutrition

Knowing how many calories does a freeze have is the first step toward making more informed choices about your diet. While a sugary freeze can be a refreshing treat on occasion, its high sugar and calorie content, coupled with a lack of nutritional value, means it should not be a regular part of a healthy eating plan. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, you can balance your desire for a cool beverage with your dietary goals. Exploring homemade alternatives or mindful, infrequent consumption are great strategies to enjoy the occasional frozen treat without derailing your nutritional efforts. Taking control of your diet starts with small, informed decisions, like choosing a healthier option the next time a craving hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie counts vary by flavor and size. For a medium (16oz) size, a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze is 164 calories, a Blue Raspberry Freeze is 120 calories, and a Wild Strawberry Freeze is 165 calories.

Generally, yes, though it depends on the size and specific flavor. For instance, a small Frozen Coca-Cola Classic has 60 calories, which is considerably less than a medium freeze from Taco Bell.

The sugar content is typically high. A medium Taco Bell Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze contains 41 grams of sugar, while a small McDonald's Frozen Coca-Cola has 16 grams. These can account for a large portion of your daily recommended sugar intake.

In a fast-food context, 'freeze' is often a branded term for what is generically known as a slushie or frozen carbonated beverage. The basic composition—ice, sugar, and flavor—is similar.

You can find lower-calorie options by looking for diet or sugar-free versions, or by making your own at home using fruit and water. Commercial options like Sparkling Ice sparkling water are also available.

Yes, absolutely. To make a healthy freeze, blend frozen fruits like berries or mango chunks with water or a splash of unsweetened juice. You can also freeze fruit-infused water and create a slushy texture by raking it with a fork.

Some fast-food chains offer sugar-free versions of their frozen drinks. For example, some McDonald's locations offer a Frozen Coke Zero Sugar. Always check the menu and nutritional information to be sure.

Yes. Due to their high sugar and calorie content with little nutritional value, consuming these drinks regularly can contribute to weight gain and hinder weight loss efforts. Choosing smaller portions or healthier alternatives is recommended.