ICEE Nutrition Facts: A Breakdown of Calories, Sugar & Ingredients

# The Ultimate Guide to ICEE Nutrition Facts

That colorful, icy swirl in a cup is more than a frozen drink—it’s a nostalgic symbol of summer fun. Whether you’re at the movies, a convenience store, or an amusement park, that unmistakable icees near me machine always calls your name. But as you sip that sweet, fizzy perfection, have you ever stopped to wonder what’s actually inside it? Finding clear, reliable ICEE nutrition facts isn’t as easy as you’d think.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from calories and sugar to the key ICEE ingredients—so you can enjoy your favorite frozen drink with a bit more insight. Plus, if you want to explore the flavor side of things, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to ICEE Flavors.

The Core Components of an ICEE: What’s Inside Your Cup

At its core, the ICEE recipe is surprisingly simple. Just a few ingredients create that signature frozen, fizzy texture and flavor. Understanding these base components helps you better grasp what gives each ICEE its irresistible taste.

• Carbonated Water: The backbone of every ICEE, this frozen, bubbly water gives the drink its light, fluffy consistency—very different from a dense slushie or snow cone.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): The main source of sweetness and calories. HFCS adds that sugary punch and keeps the mixture perfectly slushy without freezing solid.
• Artificial Flavors and Coloring: From bold Cherry to tangy Blue Raspberry, these flavors rely on a mix of artificial and sometimes natural extracts. Colorful dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 make ICEE instantly recognizable.

Calories and Sugar: A Flavor-by-Flavor Breakdown

How many calories are in an ICEE? The answer depends on flavor and serving size. A standard 12-ounce serving is the most common, though larger cups can double the calorie count. Here’s a look at how popular options compare.

Classic Cherry ICEE

The most iconic flavor of them all. Sweet, tangy, and nostalgia-packed.

• Calories: 140–160
• Sugar: 35–40g
• Key Ingredients: Carbonated Water, HFCS, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Red 40

Blue Raspberry ICEE

That electric-blue favorite is both sweet and tart, delivering a unique berry-like punch.

• Calories: 150–170
• Sugar: 38–43g
• Key Ingredients: Carbonated Water, HFCS, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Blue 1

Cola ICEE

If you’re a soda lover, the Cola ICEE offers the best of both worlds—classic fizz meets frozen delight.

• Calories: 140–160
• Sugar: 35–40g
• Key Ingredients: Carbonated Water, HFCS, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine

Carbs, Sodium, and the Bigger Nutritional Picture

Beyond sugar and calories, ICEEs are simple in composition—which means they provide quick energy but few nutrients.

• Carbohydrates: Almost all come from sugar (HFCS), with 35–45 grams per 12-ounce serving.
• Sodium: Preservatives like sodium benzoate add a small amount of sodium—usually 20–50 mg per serving.
• Other Nutrients: ICEEs have virtually no protein, fat, fiber, or vitamins, making them a treat best enjoyed occasionally.

Common Additives and Why They’re Used

To maintain their flavor, color, and freshness, ICEEs use a few common additives. They’re FDA-approved and widely used in many drinks and snacks.

• Citric Acid: Adds a tangy balance to sweet fruit flavors.
• Sodium Benzoate: Helps preserve the syrup and prevent bacteria growth.
• Food Dyes: Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 create the vibrant colors ICEE fans love.

Making Healthier Choices: How to Enjoy ICEE in Moderation

Let’s be honest—no one drinks an ICEE for the nutrients. It’s all about flavor and fun. Still, knowing the ICEE nutrition facts helps you enjoy it wisely. The key is moderation and portion control.

Choosing a smaller size can significantly cut calories and sugar. If you’re managing diabetes or watching your sugar intake, consider having ICEE as an occasional treat. And next time you visit an icees near me spot, you’ll know exactly what you’re sipping.

How ICEE Compares to Other Frozen Drinks

Curious how ICEE stacks up against other popular options? Here’s a quick comparison:

• ICEE vs. Soda: A 12-ounce ICEE has similar calories and sugar to a can of regular soda.
• ICEE vs. Smoothie: Smoothies often have more calories, but also fiber, vitamins, and protein.
• ICEE vs. Slushie: Nearly identical in calories and sugar, since both rely on sweet syrup and flavoring.

If you want to focus on taste over calories, check out our Definitive Ranking of ICEE Flavors to see which ones fans love the most.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Chill, Know What’s Inside

The ICEE is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. While it’s high in sugar and offers few nutrients, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy occasionally. Now that you understand what’s really inside that colorful cup, you can make smarter, more balanced choices.

So next time you grab one of those bright, frosty drinks from an icees near me location, enjoy it mindfully. Savor the flavor, embrace the nostalgia, and treat yourself to that refreshing burst of icy joy—without the guilt.