Slurpees Nutrition Information

Nothing helps you beat the summer heat better than a cool frosty Slurpee from 7-Eleven. But while this sweet drink may conjure up fond memories of summers past, you may wonder if it's worth the calories. Well, if you keep your serving to a small 8-ounce portion, the Slurpee may not be such a bad choice to help cool you off and satisfy your sweet tooth.

A teenager serves himself a slurpee at a convenience store. (Image: Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images)

Small Portion Equals Light In Calories

Calories in a Slurpee varies depending on your flavor choice but ranges from 66 to 80 calories per 8-ounce serving. Although the Slurpee may not make the healthiest food choice, it is OK for you to include it in your diet. In fact, the 2010 dietary guidelines for Americans allows for discretionary calories from foods that contain added sugar and fat. The amount allowed depends on your calorie needs and ranges from 9 to 19 percent of your daily calorie intake. For example, on a 2,000-calorie diet you are allowed 13 percent of your calories from foods with added fat or sugar, or 258 calories a day.

Carbs and Sugar

As you might expect, all the calories in a Slurpee come from its carbohydrate content, which is in the form of sugar. An 8-ounce Slurpee contains 18 grams of total carbohydrate, with 18 grams coming from sugar. Although the body treats the sugar from a Slurpee the same way it treats sugar from an apple, the apple contains other nutrients that promote health such as fiber and vitamins. Even though Slurpees are a source of energy -- carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy -- the energy from Slurpees comes without any healthful nutrients.

No Fat, No Protein

Compared with other cool, refreshing drinks, Slurpees make a good choice if you're watching your fat intake because they are fat free. Compare that with a blended Frappuccino from Starbucks, which has as much as 6 grams of fat in its smallest size, the 12-ounce serving. Slurpees are also protein free.

Some Sodium

Slurpees are also a very low-sodium food with just 5 milligrams of sodium per 8-ounce serving. Most Americans get more sodium than they need, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the higher your sodium intake the higher your blood pressure. As a treat, the Slurpee makes a good choice when you're trying to limit your sodium intake. Daily sodium intake should be limited to 2,300 milligrams a day, and if you're older than age 51 or of African-American descent you need to limit your intake even more to 1,500 milligrams a day.

Save Calories With Slurpee-Lite

To help you save calories, 7-Eleven introduced Slurpee Lite in 2012. An 8-ounce serving of Slurpee Lite contains 20 to 21 calories, 6 to 8 grams of carbohydrates and 0 milligrams of sodium, depending on your flavor choice. Like the original Slurpees, the light version is also fat and protein free.