As the weather warms, those colourful frozen drinks become increasingly tempting for little ones. But before we say yes to our kid’s next slushie request, there are some important things you should know about what’s actually in these icy treats, especially in light of recent medical warnings.
Why Children Love Slushies (And Why Parents Shouldn’t)
Walk through any shopping centre, theme park or cinema in the UK during the warmer months or school holidays, and you’re bound to spot a bunch of children clutching frozen slushie drinks.
With their sweet taste and multicoloured layers, slushies have become a childhood staple. They’re refreshing. They’re exciting. And, for many kiddos, they’re an irresistible treat.
But behind the rainbow-coloured icicles lies a particularly worrying ingredient that many parents aren’t aware of: glycerol.
What Is Glycerol And Why Is It In Your Child’s Slushie?
Glycerol, often labelled as E-422 or glycerin on ingredient lists, is a naturally occurring sweetener that plays an important role in giving slushies their infamous texture. According to the Foods Standard Agency, “it maintains the slush properties, preventing the liquid from freezing solid”.
Ever since the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) was introduced in the UK in April 2018, glycerol additives have been used to replace sugar in a variety of sweet drinks, including slushies. This ‘healthier alternative’ is often what makes slushies (and other low-sugar soft drinks) more appealing to parents.
While the Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI) states glycerol is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, there are concerns about its effects on young children when consumed in large quantities.
The Hidden Dangers In Your Kid’s Slushie
In March 2025, the BBC stated that researchers warned “children should completely avoid ‘slushy’ ice drinks containing glycerol, which can make them very ill until they are at least eight years old.”
This advice followed a study of 21 children between the ages of two and seven in the UK and Ireland. Out of the 21 children observed, 14 were identified to have consumed a slushie product and became “acutely ill” within an hour.
Some of the potential side effects of glycerol consumption include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
Researchers also found that when slushies are consumed too quickly, it can lead to something called “glycerol intoxication syndrome”, which can result in:
- Shock
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
- High acidity in the blood
- Loss of consciousness
The study noted that some of the affected children required brain scans, and one suffered from a seizure. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the children (and their parents) were warned to stay clear of icy, glycerol-containing slushies.
Lead study author, Professor Ellen Crushell from Dublin, warned that the 21 cases could just be the “tip of the iceberg”, suggesting there may be many more children experiencing “milder” symptoms around the globe.
Parents Need To Know: Slushie Guidelines
Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the Food Standards Agency, warns that no child under four should consume slushie products and that retailers “are also advised to make parents fully aware of this guidance”, the BBC reports.
In light of this, the FSAI has developed voluntary guidelines for the slushie industry, which include:
- To use the minimum quantity of glycerol necessary when making slush ice drinks.
- Ensure that their customers are aware of the FSAI’s advice for younger children.
- Display point-of-sale warnings stating, “This product contains glycerol and is not recommended for children aged 4 and under”.
- Avoid free slushie refills for younger children.
Dr Pamela Bryne, Chief Executive for the FSAI, has expressed that this “advice is seeking to limit exposure by young children to glycerol and to raise awareness that high levels of consumption can potentially cause side effects.”
Furthermore, Ireland’s Department of Health’s Healthy Eating Guidelines have placed slushies at the top of the food pyramid. This means they do not form part of a child’s healthy, balanced diet and should only be consumed in moderation. Here’s the breakdown:
- Children under four should avoid glycerol-containing slushies entirely.
- Kids should avoid slush products until they are at least eight years old.
- Slushie consumption should be limited to no more than one per day.
Practical Advice For Concerned Parents
While we don’t want to cause any parent or caregiver undue stress, it’s our commitment to provide you with as much information about your children’s health and well-being as possible.
In light of this new research, here are a few recommendations:
- Follow age-based guidelines: Kids should avoid slushie products containing glycerol until they are at least eight years old and should be limited to no more than one per day.
- Check ingredient lists: Wherever possible, ask vendors and retailers about the glycerol content of their slushie products. Or, check the ingredients list at the back of the product. Keep an eye out for terms such as “glycerol”, “E-422” and “glycerin”.
- Know the symptoms: Familiarise yourself with common glycerol symptoms such as nausea, headaches and vomiting. If your child experiences any of these symptoms after consuming a slushie with glycerol, seek medical attention.
- Consider homemade alternatives: Homemade slushies are a surefire way to avoid glycerol exposure as you control the ingredients.
Healthy homemade slushie recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup apple juice
- Handful of ice cubes
Method
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately.
The Conversation Continues
Understanding what goes into your child’s body is an important part of modern parenting.
By staying informed about potential health risks and following expert guidance regarding slushie products, you can make the best decisions for your child’s health while still allowing for an occasional treat (in moderation, of course).
If you have anything to add or share, we’d love to hear from you. Simply pop your thoughts, suggestions, concerns or advice in the comments section below––let’s keep the conversation going!
