The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has updated its guidance on glycerol use in slush ice drinks, warning that children under 7 years old should not consume these beverages. Why? Because too much glycerol in a short period can lead to side effects like low blood sugar, dizziness or fainting symptoms that have already sent children to the hospital after drinking slushies.
Let’s be honest: slushies are meant to be fun not risky.
What does glycerol actually do in slushies?
Glycerol is used in slush ice to:
- Lower the freezing point (so it stays slushy)
- Retain moisture
- Improve texture and mouthfeel
- Add sweetness
- Keep ice crystals small and stable
But now that safety concerns are rising, it’s time to ask:
❓ So what can you use instead of glycerol?
Luckily, there’s no need to reinvent the slushie. Every function of glycerol can be replaced with safe, effective ingredients and many are already widely used in food and beverage applications:
| Function of Glycerol | Alternative Ingredients |
| 1. Freezing Point Depression | Sorbitol, Erythritol, Trehalose (mild), |
| 2. Moisture Retention (Humectancy) | Polydextrose, Trehalose, Inulin |
| 3. Texture / Mouthfeel | Polydextrose, Inulin, Gums (Xanthan, Guar, CMC) |
| 4. Sweetness | Sucralose, Trehalose (mild), Erythritol, Stevia |
| 5. Ice Crystal Control / Stability | Xanthan gum, Guar gum, Carrageenan, CMC |
✅ Why these alternatives work
- Safer for kids: These ingredients don’t carry the same risks as glycerol, especially for young children.
- Functional and flexible: Whether you need sweetness, freeze control or that classic slushie mouthfeel there’s always a solution that suits best!
- Easy to combine: Most manufacturers use combinations of these ingredients to get the best result without relying on one multifunctional (but risky) ingredient like glycerol.
A better slushie is totally possible
Food safety authorities across Europe are taking note of glycerol’s risk in frozen drinks. But the good news? You don’t have to sacrifice taste, texture or fun. There are smarter, safer ways to keep slushies smooth, sweet, and stable all while keeping younger consumers safe.
Need help formulating a glycerol-free slushie?
We’ve got the ingredients and the knowledge. Our team is always here to provide you with both!