July 1, 2025, 2:05 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Blue like candy, red like soda, green like slime from children’s TV shows–slush ice isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. That’s precisely what makes it so irresistible: sweet, ice-cold, colorful. When the sun is blazing and the temperature climbs above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, many children eagerly reach for a slushy. But what seems like fun and summer hides a risk that few are aware of–and it can particularly affect young children.
Slush ice seems harmless–but many varieties contain glycerin, an additive that can be particularly concerning for children. Studies from Germany show that even small amounts of this colorful refreshment can reach problematic levels. Experts from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the magazine “Ökotest” warn and advise caution.1,2
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Overview
What is Glycerin–and why is it in slush ice?
Glycerin–also known as glycerol or glyzerin–is a sweet-tasting, colorless liquid that chemically belongs to the alcohols. It is produced during alcoholic fermentation and is found in both plant and animal fats. In the EU, glycerin is approved as food additive E 422, including for flavored beverages. There is no maximum quantity regulation.
In slush ice, glycerin ensures that the liquid does not freeze completely. Without this additive, the typical “slushy” consistency–mushy and semi-frozen–would not be achieved. Sugar-free or sugar-reduced varieties often contain glycerin, as the freezing-inhibiting effect of sugar is absent here.
Why glycerin is problematic for children
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns that children, due to their lower body weight, can be particularly sensitive to glycerin. Consuming less than 200 milliliters of slush ice with a medium glycerin content can expose a five-year-old child to a dose used medically to reduce brain pressure. Possible effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea–in severe cases, even seizures or consciousness disturbances.
Study shows high glycerin exposure in Germany
Between November 2023 and October 2024, the BfR examined 62 slush ice samples from various German states. About half of these samples had a glycerin content of more than 25 grams per liter. In ten cases, the value was even over 50 grams–the highest measured concentration was 142 grams per liter. At a glycerin content of 50 grams per liter, a five-year-old child weighing 20 kilograms would exceed the health-critical threshold of 250 milligrams per kilogram of body weight by consuming just 100 milliliters.
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Ökotest also sees risks–especially with sugar-free variants
According to Ökotest, many sugar-free slush ice variants contain significantly higher amounts of glycerin than the classic sugar-containing varieties. The reason: Glycerin is often used to ensure the desired consistency despite the lack of sugar. The problem is that glycerin is not declared as a sweetener but as a technical aid–many parents do not realize that they are giving their children glycerin through the drink. Ökotest warns that slush ice can pose an underestimated risk, especially for younger children, as the usual portion sizes often exceed the health-safe amount.
International case reports confirm the danger
A retrospective analysis in the United Kingdom and Ireland recorded 21 cases where children developed acute health issues after consuming slush ice. The affected children, aged between two and six years, showed symptoms such as consciousness disturbances, hypoglycemia, nausea, or seizures. In 17 of them, unusually high glycerin concentrations were found in the urine. Most of these incidents occurred from 2018 onwards–during this time, a sugar tax was introduced in the UK, leading many manufacturers to increasingly use glycerin as a substitute.3
Glycerin-free alternatives are possible–parents should take a close look
One-third of the slush products analyzed by the BfR contained no glycerin at all–a clear indication that production is technically possible without the controversial additive. However, specific regulations to limit glycerin content do not yet exist in Germany. In the UK, authorities are already calling for warning labels and advocating for age restrictions.4
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Tips for parents: What you can do
Parents who do not want to completely ban slush ice for their children should at least pay attention to portion size. For preschoolers, it’s best to avoid it altogether. For older children, small cups are acceptable–but not daily. Recommended alternatives include unsweetened fruit tea, water with ice cubes, or homemade granita, such as from lemon juice, water, and sugar. These options provide refreshment–without concerning additives.