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What is Glycerol – And Why We Offer a Glycerol-Free Slush Option

What is Glycerol – And Why We Offer a Glycerol-Free Slush Option

Slush is one of the most popular treats you can add to a party — colourful, refreshing and a guaranteed hit with children. But if your guest list includes young ones, it's worth knowing what's in it. Many cheap slush syrups contain glycerol, which has become a real concern for kids' health. Here's a plain-English guide to what glycerol is, why it matters, and how we make it easy to serve slush you can feel good about.

What is glycerol?

Glycerol (also called glycerine, or the additive E422) is a clear, sweet-tasting sugar alcohol. In slush, it does a specific job: it lowers the freezing point and stops the ice crystals setting too hard, keeping the drink at that perfect semi-frozen, "slushy" texture even in a cheap machine or a long-life syrup.

That's why it turns up so often in budget and ready-made slush products — it's an easy, low-cost way to get the right consistency. The trade-off is what it can do to small tummies.

Why glycerol is a concern for children

In the quantities found in a slush drink, glycerol is generally harmless for adults and older children. The concern is with young children, who can be affected by much smaller amounts:

  • Glycerol can act as a laxative, and in higher doses can draw water into the gut.
  • In some young children, even a modest amount can cause bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, headaches or feeling unwell — sometimes called "glycerol intoxication syndrome".
  • The risk is highest when children drink slush quickly, or have more than one, which is exactly what tends to happen at a party.
  • The Food Standards Agency has issued guidance advising caution with glycerol-containing slush ice drinks for younger children, and some schools and councils have stopped serving them on their premises altogether.

None of this means slush is "dangerous" — millions of people enjoy it with no issues. But at a children's party, where little ones might have several in quick succession, it's a sensible thing to be aware of.

Our approach: glycerol-free on request

We want slush to be a worry-free part of your event, so we keep it simple:

  • Our standard slush syrups, like most products on the market, may contain glycerol.
  • We also offer a glycerol-free option on request — just ask when you book.
  • For children's parties, school events and any event with younger guests, we'd always recommend choosing the glycerol-free syrup.

It's a free, easy swap. Tell us your event has young children and we'll make sure the glycerol-free syrup is what's in the machine on the day.

Planning a kids' event? A few things to know

  • Ask for glycerol-free for young children

    For kids' parties, school events and younger guests, request the glycerol-free syrup when you book — a simple swap for extra peace of mind.

  • Know what's in cheap slush

    Budget and long-life slush syrups often use glycerol to hold the texture. Knowing that lets you make an informed choice for your guests.

  • Watch the quantity

    The concern with young children is drinking slush quickly or having several. A glycerol-free syrup removes that worry at a busy party.

  • It's a free, easy swap

    Choosing glycerol-free costs nothing extra — just flag that your event has young children when you book and we'll sort it.

Slush is still a brilliant party treat

Don't let any of this put you off — slush is one of the best-value, most popular treats you can offer, and it's perfect for festive mocktails, summer parties and fun colours that kids love. The point isn't to avoid slush; it's to serve it in a way that suits your guests. For an event with young children, the glycerol-free option means everyone can enjoy it worry-free.

Want to add a slush machine to your event? Take a look at our slush machine hire, and just let us know if you'd like the glycerol-free syrup.

  • Glycerol Intoxication 08a99cd3

    A colourful slush drink — available with a glycerol-free syrup on request

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glycerol and why is it in slush?

Glycerol (also called glycerine or the additive E422) is a sweet-tasting sugar alcohol. In slush it lowers the freezing point so the ice doesn't set too hard, keeping that semi-frozen, slushy texture. It's common in cheap and long-life slush syrups because it's a low-cost way to get the right consistency.

Is glycerol in slush safe for children?

In the amounts found in a slush drink it's generally harmless for adults and older children, but young children can be affected by smaller amounts — it can act as a laxative and cause bloating, stomach cramps or feeling unwell, especially if they drink slush quickly or have several. The Food Standards Agency has advised caution for younger children, which is why we offer a glycerol-free option.

Do you offer glycerol-free slush?

Yes. Our standard syrups may contain glycerol like most on the market, but we offer a glycerol-free option on request at no extra cost. Just tell us your event has young children when you book and we'll make sure the glycerol-free syrup is what's used on the day.

Should I choose glycerol-free slush for a kids' party?

We'd recommend it. For children's parties, school events and any event with younger guests — where children might have several slushes in quick succession — the glycerol-free syrup is the worry-free choice, and it's a free, easy swap.

Does glycerol-free slush taste different?

It's still the same colourful, refreshing, semi-frozen slush your guests love — the glycerol-free syrup simply leaves out the additive. It's a straightforward swap that keeps the treat fun and gentle on younger tummies.