Free Slurpee Day

Summer is the perfect time for cold, refreshing treats, and what could be more refreshing than a Slurpee? If you’re a fan of this iconic frozen beverage, you’ll be pleased to know that July 11th is Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven stores across the United States. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Free Slurpee Day, how to celebrate, and the benefits and risks of indulging in this sweet treat.

What is Free Slurpee Day?

Free Slurpee Day, also known as 7-Eleven Day, is an annual event that takes place on July 11th. On this day, participating 7-Eleven stores give away free small Slurpee drinks to customers, no purchase necessary. The event was first held in 2002 as a way to celebrate the company’s 75th anniversary and has since become a beloved tradition.

History of Free Slurpee Day

The first Slurpee was invented in 1965 by Omar Knedlik, a Dairy Queen franchise owner in Kansas who had trouble keeping his sodas cold. He began storing them in a freezer and discovered that they became slushy and delicious when partially frozen. He soon developed a machine that could create a consistent frozen drink, and the Slurpee was born.

7-Eleven began selling Slurpees in its stores in 1967 and has since become the largest retailer of the frozen beverage, selling millions of them every year. In 2002, the company decided to celebrate its 75th anniversary by giving away free Slurpees on July 11th, and the tradition was born.

How to Celebrate Free Slurpee Day

If you want to celebrate Free Slurpee Day, here’s what you need to know:

Find a Participating Store

Not all 7-Eleven stores participate in Free Slurpee Day, so the first step is to find a store that is taking part. You can do this by visiting the company’s website or social media pages, which usually list the participating locations.

Choose Your Slurpee Flavor

Once you’ve found a participating store, it’s time to choose your Slurpee flavor. The company offers a wide range of flavors, including classic favorites like Coca-Cola and Cherry, as well as unique and seasonal options like Blueberry Lemonade and Watermelon Lime.

Share on Social Media

Finally, don’t forget to share your Free Slurpee experience on social media. Use the hashtag #FreeSlurpeeDay to join the conversation and see how others are celebrating.

Benefits of Free Slurpee Day

Besides being a tasty treat, there are some benefits to enjoying a Slurpee on Free Slurpee Day. For one thing, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. Additionally, if you choose a sugar-free or low-calorie flavor, you can indulge in a sweet treat without the guilt.

Risks of Free Slurpee Day

While Slurpees are generally considered a harmless indulgence, there are some risks to keep in mind when enjoying this frozen treat on Free Slurpee Day.

Sugar Content

One of the main concerns with Slurpees is their high sugar content. A small Slurpee can contain up to 60 grams of sugar, which is more than the recommended daily intake for adults. Consuming too much sugar can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.

If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider opting for a sugar-free or low-calorie flavour, or sharing your Slurpee with a friend to cut down on the amount of sugar you consume.

Brain Freeze

Another risk associated with Slurpees is the infamous “brain freeze” or “ice cream headache.” This occurs when the cold beverage comes into contact with the roof of your mouth, causing blood vessels in the area to constrict and then rapidly dilate. The resulting pain can be intense but usually only lasts for a few seconds.

To avoid brain freeze, try sipping your Slurpee slowly or pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth to warm it up before taking a big gulp.

Alternatives to Free Slurpee Day

If you’re looking for a cool summer treat but don’t want to indulge in a Slurpee, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Some ideas include:

• Smoothies made with fresh fruit and yogurt
• Homemade popsicles using juice or coconut water
• Iced coffee or tea
• Frozen grapes or berries
• Watermelon slices

Conclusion

Free Slurpee Day is a fun and tasty way to celebrate summer, but it’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with consuming too much sugar and the potential for brain freeze. By choosing a low-sugar flavor and sipping slowly, you can enjoy this classic frozen beverage without overindulging.

If Slurpees aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other cool treats to enjoy during the summer months, from smoothies to popsicles to frozen fruit. Whatever you choose, stay hydrated and enjoy the season!

FAQs

1. What sizes of Slurpee are available on Free Slurpee Day?

• Participating stores usually offer free small Slurpees on Free Slurpee Day.

2. Can I get a free Slurpee at any 7-Eleven store?

• Not all 7-Eleven stores participate in Free Slurpee Day, so be sure to check the company’s website or social media pages for a list of participating locations.

3. How many calories are in a small Slurpee?

• The number of calories in a small Slurpee varies depending on the flavour, but can range from around 70 to 130 calories.

4. Is it safe to give Slurpees to children?

• While Slurpees are generally safe for children to consume in moderation, it’s important to be mindful of their sugar intake and the risk of brain freeze.

5. Can I bring my own cup to fill with Slurpee on Free Slurpee Day?

• Participating stores usually provide a free small Slurpee cup, but you can bring your own cup if you prefer, as long as it’s the appropriate size and meets the store’s hygiene standards.

Here’s a timeline of National Free Slurpee Day:

As you can see, National Free Slurpee Day has been a beloved tradition for almost two decades, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, 7-Eleven extended the celebration to the entire month of July, giving customers even more opportunities to enjoy a free Slurpee.