The Surprising Origin Story: How ICEE Started It All
The story of the frozen carbonated drink begins in Coffeyville, Kansas, with a Dairy Queen owner named Omar Knedlik. In the late 1950s, when his soda fountain broke down, Knedlik resorted to putting bottled sodas in the freezer to keep them cold. The bottles came out partially frozen and slushy, a texture that customers surprisingly loved. Recognizing an opportunity, Knedlik developed a machine to produce these frozen drinks consistently, using a repurposed car air conditioner for the cooling and mixing process. He worked with the John E. Mitchell Company to refine the machine and trademark the product, which was dubbed the 'ICEE'. The name and logo were designed by artist Ruth E. Taylor.
7-Eleven's Licensing Deal and the Birth of Slurpee
In 1965, the convenience store giant 7-Eleven noticed the popularity of the ICEE machines and struck a licensing deal with The ICEE Company. The agreement stipulated that 7-Eleven would market the frozen beverage under a different name. An ad agency director named Bob Stanford coined the name “Slurpee” after the sound made when sipping the drink through a straw. The first Slurpees were sold in 1966, initially in Cherry and Coca-Cola flavors. This deal led to a key distinction: ICEE could be sold at a variety of movie theaters and gas stations, but Slurpee was exclusive to 7-Eleven locations in the US.
Carbonation and Texture: The True Difference Makers
At a fundamental level, both ICEE and Slurpee are frozen carbonated beverages, but their consistency can feel different to a discerning palate. The ICEE machine is a sophisticated system that automatically mixes flavor concentrate, water, and CO2 gas before freezing it under pressure. This creates a soft, "fluffy" texture that melts on the tongue, often described as having a signature "fizz". The specific formula and pressure of the ICEE machine are engineered to produce this result.
Over the years, 7-Eleven developed its own formulas and machines, and the texture of a Slurpee can vary depending on the location. For instance, American Slurpees traditionally have a lighter, airier consistency due to an added yucca extract, while some Canadian Slurpees lack this ingredient, resulting in a denser, icier texture. Some fans suggest that the carbonation in a Slurpee is slightly less pronounced than in an ICEE. These subtle variations in the final product are a direct result of brand-specific formulas and machinery. The differences are not just in branding, but in the actual ingredients and process.
Brand Ownership and Global Reach
- The ICEE Company was acquired by J & J Snack Foods in 1987, but it continues to distribute its products under the ICEE brand in numerous locations worldwide, from cinemas to restaurants.
- 7-Eleven, which is owned by Seven & I Holdings Co., licenses the Slurpee brand to its thousands of convenience stores across different countries.
- The licensing agreement that created the Slurpee remains a defining factor in their distribution. While ICEE is a manufacturer that sells to various venues, Slurpee is the proprietary frozen beverage of the 7-Eleven chain.
Comparison: ICEE vs. Slurpee
| Feature | ICEE | Slurpee |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | The ICEE Company, owned by J & J Snack Foods | Exclusively licensed by 7-Eleven |
| Distribution | Found in movie theaters, gas stations, and other retail outlets | Sold almost exclusively at 7-Eleven and its subsidiaries |
| Carbonation | Known for a distinctly carbonated, fluffy texture | Generally carbonated, but potentially less fizzy than ICEE |
| Texture | Soft, airy, and fluffy consistency | Varies by region; lighter in the US due to yucca extract, icier in some international markets |
| Flavor Variety | Offers a wide range of classic and evolving flavors | Extensive and frequently rotating flavor selection, often with novelty names |
| First Appearance | 1958 | 1966 |
| Mascot | ICEE Bear | None (historically had branded characters) |
Conclusion
Despite their similar appearance and shared inventor, ICEE and Slurpee are not the same product. Their divergence is rooted in a historic licensing agreement that created two distinct brands with their own distribution networks and subtle, yet noticeable, differences in texture and taste. So, the next time you're craving a frozen treat, remember that while they might both quench your thirst, an ICEE and a Slurpee represent two different chapters in the history of frozen beverages.
Learn more about the differences and history of frozen drinks at Sciencing: How Does A Slushie Machine Work?.
