ICEE is a popular frozen carbonated beverage that comes in a variety of delicious flavors like cherry, blue raspberry, grape, and more. While the original ICEE recipe contains sugar, some people prefer sugar-free options for dietary reasons or because of health conditions like diabetes. So, do they make sugar-free ICEE?
The Short Answer
Yes, sugar-free ICEE options are available. ICEE distributors offer sugar-free ICEE mixes that allow vendors to make sugar-free ICEE drinks. Popular sugar-free ICEE flavors include cherry, blue raspberry, grape, fruit punch, and lemon-lime.
Sugar-Free ICEE Mixes Offered By Distributors
ICEE machines and syrups/mixes are distributed by authorized ICEE distributors around the world. These distributors offer specially formulated sugar-free ICEE syrup mixes that contain zero grams of sugar per serving.
Some of the major ICEE distributors in the United States that offer sugar-free ICEE mix options include:
- J&J Snack Foods – They distribute sugar-free cherry, blue raspberry, grape, fruit punch, and lemon lime ICEE mixes.
- Arctic Blast – They offer sugar-free cherry, blue raspberry, grape, fruit punch, and strawberry ICEE syrups.
- VE Equipments – Their sugar-free ICEE flavors include cherry, blue raspberry, grape, orange, lemon-lime, fruit punch, strawberry, and pina colada.
So while not all ICEE vendors choose to offer sugar-free options, the major distributors do make sugar-free ICEE mix readily available for businesses interested in selling sugar-free ICEE drinks.
Popular Sugar-Free ICEE Flavors
The most popular sugar-free ICEE flavors available include:
- Cherry – This bright red classic flavor remains the number one ICEE flavor with or without sugar.
- Blue Raspberry – The distinctive blue coloring and sweet raspberry flavor make this a customer favorite.
- Grape – Sweet concord grape flavor makes this sugar-free option taste just like the sugared grape ICEE.
- Fruit Punch – A bubbly, refreshing blend of cherry, lemon, orange and other fruit flavors.
- Strawberry – Sweet strawberry flavor in a light pink color.
- Lemon-Lime – This bright, citrusy flavor offers the taste of lemons and limes.
Though flavors can vary by location, these popular sugar-free flavors are widely available from most ICEE distributors.
Where to Find Sugar-Free ICEE
Sugar-free ICEE can be found at many convenience stores, gas stations, movie theaters, amusement parks, and other vendors that carry ICEE machines if they choose to offer the sugar-free mixes. You may see signage advertising sugar-free ICEE or you can ask the staff what diet options they have available.
Popular retailers that may carry sugar-free ICEE options include:
- 7-Eleven convenience stores
- AMC movie theaters
- Regal movie theaters
- Cinemark theaters
- Burger King restaurants
- KFC restaurants
- Six Flags amusement parks
- Cedar Point amusement park
- Many regional gas station chains like QuickTrip, RaceTrac, and QuikStop
Check with your local retailers to see if they offer sugar-free ICEE mixes. Trying flavors like sugar-free cherry or blue raspberry can satisfy your ICEE craving without the added sugar.
Nutrition Facts For Sugar-Free ICEE
Here are some typical nutrition facts for a 12-16oz serving of sugar-free ICEE:
| Nutrition Facts | 12 fl oz (355ml) Serving | 16 fl oz (473ml) Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 130 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 55mg | 75mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g | 34g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
As you can see, sugar-free ICEE contains zero grams of sugar compared to 52g of sugar in a regular 12oz ICEE. So you can eliminate the high sugar content while still enjoying the flavor and carbonated refreshment of an ICEE treat.
Benefits of Choosing Sugar-Free
There are several reasons consumers may prefer sugar-free ICEE options:
- Reduced calorie intake – Sugar-free ICEEs cut out major calories from added sugars.
- Blood sugar control – For diabetics or those with blood sugar regulation issues, sugar-free provides an option they can enjoy more safely.
- Dental health – Eliminating sugar helps reduce tooth decay risks.
- Weight management – Sugar-free versions remove empty calories that undermine fitness goals.
- Fueling workouts – Athletes can enjoy sugar-free ICEE to cool down post-workout without spiking sugar.
For those monitoring sugar for health, diet, or performance reasons, sugar-free ICEE allows for satisfying a frozen carbonated drink craving without the added sugars.
Taste and Texture of Sugar-Free Versions
How does the taste and texture of sugar-free ICEE compare to the original? Here’s a look:
- Sweetness – Sugar-free ICEE mixes use alternative sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia to replicate the sweetness of sugar without the added calories. The sweetness level is very similar to regular ICEE.
- Flavor – Popular fruit flavors like cherry, grape, and blue raspberry taste nearly identical in sugar-free vs original.
- Carbonation – The bubbly effervescence remains the same between versions.
- Mouthfeel – Sugar-free ICEE has a slightly thinner, less syrupy consistency. But the icy texture stays fully in tact.
- Aftertaste – There can be a mildly artificial aftertaste with some sugar-free flavors depending on the sweetener blend used.
Overall, the sugar-free varieties taste very close to the original ICEE. The main difference is a slightly less thick and syrupy mouthfeel. But the flavors and fizzy carbonation closely mimic the sugared drinks.
Possible Side Effects of Sugar-Free ICEE
While sugar-free ICEE eliminates calories and carbohydrates from sugar, some people may experience digestive side effects from sugar alcohols used in sugar-free sweeteners:
- Bloating – Sugar alcohols can ferment in the gut causing gas and bloating.
- Diarrhea – Some sugar alcohols have a laxative effect which can cause loose stools.
- Abdominal discomfort – Cramping or pain may occur from the laxative effect.
- Nausea – Sugar alcohol amounts exceeding individual tolerance levels can trigger nausea.
These effects are more common in people consuming excessive amounts of sugar alcohols or those sensitive to their effects. Moderating portion sizes of sugar-free ICEE can help avoid GI discomfort.
Making Sugar-Free ICEE at Home
While not exactly the same, you can make sugar-free “ICEE” slushies at home with a few simple ingredients:
Sugar-Free Cherry ICEE
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar-free cherry drink mix (like Crystal Light)
- 3 cups ice
- Sugar-free cherry or raspberry syrup to taste
- Seltzer water
- In a blender, combine water, drink mix, ice, and syrup.
- Blend until smooth and thick like a slushy.
- Pour into glasses and top with a splash of seltzer water for fizz.
- Stir gently and serve immediately.
Sugar-Free Blue Raspberry ICEE
- 1 cup coconut water or water
- 1/4 cup sugar-free blue raspberry drink mix
- 1/4 cup raspberries
- 2 cups ice
- Sugar-free raspberry syrup
- Seltzer water
- Blend coconut water, drink mix, raspberries, ice, and syrup.
- Pour into glasses and top with seltzer.
- Stir and enjoy your homemade sugar-free blue raspberry ICEE!
Feel free to customize your own sugar-free slushy flavors at home. Add fresh fruit for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Is sugar-free ICEE completely sugar-free?
Sugar-free ICEE is formulated to contain zero grams of sugar per serving. However, it may contain trace amounts of naturally occurring residual sugars in the fruit flavoring concentrates.
What sweeteners are used in sugar-free ICEE?
Common sweeteners include aspartame, sucralose, stevia, and sugar alcohols like sorbitol and erythritol. Different distributors may use their own proprietary sweetener blends.
Does sugar-free ICEE taste the same as regular?
Sugar-free tastes very similar to regular ICEE. Most people find little to no difference in the sweetness and flavors. The texture is slightly thinner without the high sugar content.
Can diabetics drink sugar-free ICEE?
Sugar-free ICEE can be suitable for diabetics in moderation as part of a balanced diet, since it eliminates sucrose and glucose from added sugars. But it’s best to consult your doctor.
Is sugar-free ICEE Keto-friendly?
Sugar-free ICEE can fit into a Keto diet since it contains zero grams of sugar. But check carb counts, as sugar alcohol content contributes to total carbohydrates.
The Bottom Line
Sugar-free ICEE provides a way for people to enjoy the classic frozen carbonated beverage without excessive added sugars. Major ICEE distributors offer specially formulated sugar-free mixes in top flavors like cherry, blue raspberry, and grape. While not available everywhere, many convenience stores, theaters, and food chains offer sugar-free ICEE options. The taste mimics regular ICEE closely, with just a slightly thinner consistency. Sugar-free ICEE eliminates unwanted calories for those managing health conditions, weight, blood sugar, or other nutrition goals. Check your local ICEE retailers to see if sugar-free varieties can help you hit the sweet spot.
