DIY slushies are the ultimate summer refreshment, and they’re not just for kids! On a sweltering day, there is nothing quite like a slushie to cool off. But sip a commercially made frozen beverage and you risk more than brain freeze. Store-bought slushies are notoriously high in sugar and […]
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On a sweltering day, there is nothing quite like a slushie to cool off. But sip a commercially made frozen beverage and you risk more than brain freeze. Store-bought slushies are notoriously high in sugar and packed with preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. A 12 ounce (oz) blue raspberry Icee, for example, contains just 95 calories, but a whopping 24 grams (g) of added sugar — and that’s if you stick to the small size. Plus, you know there’s no such thing as a “blue raspberry,” right? While they may taste good and quench your thirst, these drinks aren’t providing any nutritional benefit.
In contrast, making your own slushies with whole fruits couldn’t be easier, and you’ll be reaping some health benefits. Fruit is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and is a healthy addition to any diet. In fact, most Americans are sorely lacking when it comes to daily fruit servings. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the average American eats less than 1 cup of fruit per day, well below the recommended 2 cups. This means they’re missing out on the health benefits that fruit can provide.
Most fruit also provides a significant hydrating benefit as well. Strawberries, for example, are about 91 percent water, according to data from the USDA. Because being well hydrated is essential for good health, getting fluid from your food is a great choice. In fact, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine estimates that about 20 percent of your daily fluid intake will come from the foods you eat. In other words, eating (or drinking) more fruit will simultaneously help you toward your daily hydration requirements and better health.
These four delicious slushies are packed with vitamins and minerals and contain zero added sugar, all while keeping you cool and hydrated. These recipes use frozen fruit, but you can also use fresh fruit as a way to use up extra produce. Simply add a cup of ice to get that same delightful slushie texture.
