Latest news with #slushies
Wall Street Journal
a day ago
- Wall Street Journal
Frozen Drinks at Home?
The Slushi makes slushies, of course, turning drinks of all sorts, from soda to juice to cocktails, into frozen(ish) concoctions. The mechanics are simple. Pour 16 to 64 ounces of your beverage in the top of the vessel, choose from one of five preset programs (slush, spiked slush, frappé, milkshake or frozen juice) and in 15 minutes to an hour, your frozen treat will be ready. The machine looks similar to the frozen drink maker you might see behind a bar, on a smaller scale. There's a metal evaporator at the core, attached to a motor, with a plastic auger that keeps the liquid moving around it as it freezes. All of that is housed in the transparent plastic vessel with a built-in pour spout. I primarily focused on the slush and spiked slush settings in my testing. The output of each was somewhere between the micro-pebbly ice texture of a Slush Puppie and a smooth, airy Slurpee from 7-Eleven, depending on the freeze setting, although it was inconsistent. For example, a cream soda slush was too thick to smoothly dispense at its default setting, but turning down the temperature one notch brought it closer to a liquid than was ideal. Across my tests, the slushes were never totally homogeneous, as there was always some discernible liquid surrounding the frozen beverage. While it didn't make the treat any less tasty, it was noticeable every time, and a little surprising for a premium device. I recently hosted a Fourth of July party where I put the Slushi to the test. I started with a frozen Negroni recipe I found on YouTube, made with the standard gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, plus orange juice and grapefruit juice to cut down the alcohol percentage and increase the sugar content. After an hour of roaring and whining, the mixture was still liquid, suggesting the alcohol content was too high to properly freeze. I added some more juice and within about half an hour had a delicious, and, just as importantly, frozen slushie. It was gone almost as quickly. Ninja includes a manual with a handful of recipes and, more importantly, guidelines for making your own concoctions. Slushes need to have certain sugar and alcohol thresholds to freeze properly, and the instructions can help you figure out the right proportions. Cleanup is relatively easy, especially because the removable components are dishwasher safe. Does anyone actually need this slushie maker at home? Probably not. Will it be the star of the party if you have one? Almost certainly. While it's not perfect, it's hard not to love the Slushi for what it is.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Warning over slushie drinks – as age it becomes ‘unsafe for children' revealed after girl left ‘minutes from death'
PARENTS have been warned about the dangers of giving slushies to their children after one toddler nearly died and several others were rushed to hospital. Food safety watchdogs say kids under seven should avoid the icy drinks, which may contain high levels of a syrup that can be harmful to young children. 7 7 The brightly coloured slushies are a popular summer treat, often sold at cinemas, corner shops and theme parks when it is hot. But the frozen drinks often contain glycerol, a sugar substitute that gives slushies their signature semi-frozen texture. In updated guidance, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also warned that children aged between seven and ten should not have more than one 350ml slush drink a day. That is the same size as a can of Coca-Cola. "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol," Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor at the FSA, said. "While these drinks may seem harmless and side effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children." The new warning comes amid a surge in horrifying reports of children collapsing after consuming the drinks. One two-year-old girl was left '20 minutes from death' after having a slushy drink at her friend's birthday party, according to her grandmother. In March, doctors also blamed slushies for a spate of 21 hospitalisations in children who needed medical care within an hour of consuming the drinks. Prof Robin added: "That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving." Slush ice drinks can contain glycerol, also called E422 or glycerine on some label, as a substitute for sugar to prevent them from freezing solid. Urgent warning over popular drink after toddler collapses in front of terrified mum The sugar substitute is also found in some other foods, like protein bars and sugar free chewing gum, but at much lower quantities than in slush ice drinks. Consumed at high levels, glycerol can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children - also known as glycerol intoxication syndrome. Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School in Birmingham, previously told Sun Health why children - who are smaller than adults - are more at risk of drinking dangerous amounts. "If too much glycerol is consumed too quickly and in too large a volume, it can potentially change the blood concentration," Dr Mellor said. "This can then affect the amount of fluid around the brain, leading to symptoms including confusion, dizziness, nausea and even, on occasion, loss of consciousness." Pharmacist Abbas Kanani, from Chemist Click, told Sun Health: "Glycerol may cause side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. 7 "In the case of slush-ice drinks, the dangers are typically associated with very high levels of exposure and may lead to glycerol intoxication, which could cause hypoglycaemia, shock and loss of consciousness. "The Food Standards Agency state that there are concerns about its acute effects on young children when consumed in large amounts over a short period, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms listed above. "Whilst symptoms are usually mild, young children may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol." And Dr Arindam Das, Doctify-rated Consultant Paediatrician, warned in hot weather, kids may drink slushies quickly to cool down, which increases the risk of slushie headaches, glycerol poisoning and dehydration if slushies replace water. According to the FSA, just one 350ml drink with the highest levels of glycerol could potentially cause a problem for a four-year-old. In youngsters aged five to ten, one and a half of these drinks can have dangerous effects, if consumed quickly. Signs of glycerol intoxication syndrome CHILDREN below the age of 10 may suffer from headaches and sickness caused by exposure to glycerol. At very high levels of exposure – typically when several of these products are drunk by a child in a short space of time – glycerol intoxication could cause shock, hypoglycaemia and loss of consciousness. Typical early warning signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. In very severe cases, a person experiencing hypoglycaemia can lose consciousness. Source: Food Standards Agency/ NHS Slushies were traditionally made with a sugar solution to prevent the liquid from fully freezing, typically using around 12g of sugar per 100ml. But modern recipes often use glycerol (E422), which allows the same slushy texture with just 5g of sugar per 100ml. Food safety authorities have previously warned that just one 350ml drink containing about 17.5g of glycerol, roughly three teaspoons, could theoretically push children under four over the safe threshold for glycerol consumption. Experts also warn that older children may be at risk of glycerol intoxication if they consume multiple slushies in a short space of time. According to the FSA most slushies contain around 16g of glycerol, although there is no legal maximum limit, and brands are not required to list the amount on labels. Some companies, including Slush Puppie, have already removed glycerol from their recipes in response to growing safety concerns. Parents are advised to check product labels or signage at the point of sale and ask retailers whether the drinks contain glycerol, according to the FSA. 'Absolute fear' Arla Agnew, two, was left falling in and out of consciousness after enjoying the popular frozen treat at a neighbour's birthday party. Arla's gran, Stacey, 39, told The Scottish Sun that they youngster became "limp and lifeless" in the hours after consuming the drink and was rushed to hospital, where it was found her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. "The doctor said to us if we had been another 20 minutes it could have been so different. We were absolutely devastated," the gran added. Meanwhile, mum Roxy Wallis, 36, said her two sons fell violently ill minutes after drinking slushies. "My middle child felt sick, dizzy, and incredibly pale. By the time we reached the ticket machine, he had vomited everywhere. "At this point, my oldest son looked pale and felt sick but wasn't as bad - he was a bit bigger than his brother.' Abbas shared advice for parents in the event that their child suffers a reaction after drinking a slushy. "If you suspect intoxication from a slushie drink and your child is experiencing any symptoms, even if they are mild, seek immediate medical attention. "This is important so that your child can be assessed and any serious reactions can be ruled out." 7 7 'It was awful' Kim Moore faced every parent's worst nightmare when her daughter Marnie, then four, suddenly went "pale and unresponsive" at a children's party. The 35-year-old had bought her and older sister Orla, six, a refillable slushy but 10 minutes later Marnie fell unconscious. Desperate Kim failed to shake her daughter awake so she rushed to Burnley General Teaching Hospital in Burnley, Lancashire, where doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously low. The terrified mum-of-two feared the worst and rushed her to Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, where she remained for the next three days. Kim said: "I was in absolute fear. If I hadn't taken her to hospital, it may have had a different outcome. "So many places promote free slushies when you play there but you're promoting poison." She added: "I don't think they should be sold to kids 12 and under in all honesty. I wouldn't wish what we went through on our worst enemy. It was awful."
BBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Slushies unsafe for children under seven, food watchdog warns
Children under seven years old should not have shop-bought slushies over health concerns about a chemical they contain, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has government watchdog said slushed ice drinks containing glycerol - a type of sweetener - were unsafe for young children, and consumption of them should be limited for children aged between seven and slushies contain naturally occurring glycerol instead of sugar to stop them freezing solid, giving them the slushy FSA said consuming large amounts of it can cause side-effects, including headaches and sickness, low blood sugar levels, shock, and loss of consciousness in children. Prof Robin May, the FSA's chief scientific advisor, said: "While these drinks may seem harmless and side effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children."The fresh FSA guidance comes following research indicating children under eight should completely avoid drinking studied the cases of 21 two- to seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland who needed A&E treatment after becoming acutely ill within an hour of having the drinks, mostly between 2018 and children all recovered and were discharged from Duane Mellor from the British Dietetic Association told the BBC that it was "relatively rare" for children to suffer ill side-effects after drinking slushies containing registered dietician said the "heat of the day", dehydration and a child being excited could "exacerbate" symptoms linked to consuming the recommended that children have water or cold milk as alternatives to slushies - or if they want a sweet drink, fruit flavoured water with ice cubes, a diet drink or a low-sugar ice FSA's updated guidance is stricter than its previous advice, which said that under-fives should avoid now also says children aged seven to 10 should have no more than one 350ml slushy drink - "roughly the size of a fizzy drink can" - a day."We are asking parents and carers to take extra care when buying drinks for young children, particularly during warmer months when consumption of 'slushies' typically increases," said Prof guidance also applies to ready-to-drink slushy pouches and make-at-home kits of slushy FSA says its guidance should be on a "written warning at [the] point of sale" and that producers should make the drinks with the "minimum quantity" of glycerol "technically necessary to achieve the required 'slush' drink effect".It also recommends against vendors offering free slushy refills in venues where children under the age of 10 would likely consume them.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
8 foods that have glycerol in, as under-7s warned against slushies
Slushies containing the additive glycerol should not be given to children under the age of seven, as they can make them very ill, the Food Standards Agency has warned. The flavoured drinks, which are made of syrup and crushed ice, should also be limited to no more than 350ml a day – roughly the size of a fizzy drink can – for children aged seven to 10. This is because "very high" levels of exposure to glycerol – which can happen when a child drinks several slushies in a short space of time – can cause shock, very low blood sugar levels and loss of consciousness, the watchdog said. FSA chief scientific adviser Professor Robin May, warned that while children are more likely to opt for these drinks during heatwaves and hot weather, they come with risks. "As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol," he said. "While these drinks may seem harmless and side-effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children." He added that the FSA was working closely with places where the drinks are sold to ensure warnings are in place. If your child becomes unwell with nausea or headaches after drinking slushies, give them food or drink containing sugar and call 111 for medical advice. If they become drowsy or confused, call 999. Here, we take a look at what glycerol is, its potential side-effects, and the other foods that contain it. What is glycerol and is it safe? Glycerol is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute that helps preserve and sweeten food, among other things. It is also found in the intestines, attracting water to the gut, softening stools and relieving the symptoms of constipation. In small levels, glycerol is safe – and it is an extremely common food additive. However, it can cause side-effects such as headaches, nausea, bloating, dizziness and diarrhoea. On the skin, it might also cause redness and itching (it is found in certain skincare products and soaps). In younger children, it has been found to lead to glycerol intoxication syndrome. Previous studies have examined the cases of 21 two- to seven-year-olds in the UK and Ireland, who required emergency care after drinking slushies. Most of the children within the research lost consciousness and needed brain scans, and one child experienced a seizure. It also impacted their blood sugar levels and there were traces of high acidity in their blood. While all the children were discharged from hospital and later made a full recovery, parents are now being told to avoid giving young children glycerol-filled slushies. Eight other foods that have glycerol in them While all of these foods are safe to eat, it's good to be aware where else you may find glycerol. Tortilla wraps Most wraps from the supermarket contain small quantities of glycerol, which helps sweeten the bread product and acts as a preservative. Chewing gum Gum formulas also include find powder lecithin (a naturally occurring emulsifier) and glycerol triacetate, which although do not add to the flavour in any way, help stabilise the gum – meaning it softens after the initial bite and helps the gum blend in the mouth. Icing Typically found in royal icing, glycerol – or glycerine, as it is sometimes referred to commercially – adds shine to the cake decoration and prevents it from getting hard when it sets. Cereal bars Again, the levels of glycerol in cereal bars is low – but it is commonly found in most breakfast or granola bars. It acts as a preservative in this instance. Condiments Some sauces, salad dressing, jams and preserves contain glycerol. It adds sweetness to the mixture and ensures they don't dry out. It can also improve the texture of the condiment. Spices Glycerol or glycerin is not naturally found in spices, but in some instances is added as a sweetener and humectant, to prevent them from drying out too much. Ice cream To prevent ice crystals forming in ice cream, small levels of glycerin is used to stabilise the mixture. Canned foods Mostly utilised in canned foods for its humectant qualities, glycerin also acts as a preservative, flavouring and colouring in canned foods. Additional reporting by PA. Read more about food and nutrition Five foods and drinks that can make you feel sad (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Eight ways you can manage your child's weight as obesity rates soar in the UK (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) Seven surprising health benefits of drinking coffee daily (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read)
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Children under seven should not drink slushies containing glycerol, says regulator
Children under seven should not drink slushies containing glycerol due to the serious health risks they can cause, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said. Glycerol is a naturally occurring alcohol and sugar substitute that helps slushies maintain their texture by preventing liquid from freezing solid. Children who become ill as a result of drinking slushies develop glycerol intoxication syndrome, which causes symptoms such as decreased consciousness and low blood sugar. Other symptoms include lactic acidosis, which occurs when the body produces too much lactic acid, and hypokalaemia, or low potassium. Previously, the FSA, the food safety body for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has advised that children under four should not have slush ice drinks containing glycerol, and that consumption should be limited to no more than one slush a day for children aged between five and 10 years. The FSA has revised its guidance before an expected seasonal spike in slush ice drink sales at children's indoor play areas, leisure facilities and outdoor events over the summer holidays. This latest advice also applies to ready-to-drink slush ice drinks with glycerol in pouches and home kits containing glycerol slush concentrates. There have been nine confirmed cases of glycerol intoxication in young children who were admitted to hospital in the UK over the past three years. In March, paediatricians warned that children under eight should not drink slushies which contain glycerol, after a review of the medical notes of 21 children who became acutely unwell shortly after drinking one. Prof Robin May, the chief scientific adviser at the FSA, said: 'As we head into the summer holidays, we want parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with slush ice drinks containing glycerol. While these drinks may seem harmless and side-effects are generally mild, they can, especially when consumed in large quantities over a short time, pose serious health risks to young children. 'That's why we're recommending that children under seven should not consume these drinks at all, and children aged seven to 10 should have no more than one 350ml serving. 'We're working closely with industry to ensure appropriate warnings are in place wherever these drinks are sold, but in the meantime we are asking parents and carers to take extra care when buying drinks for young children, particularly during warmer months when consumption of 'slushies' typically increases.'
