A Brief History of Slurpees, In Honor Of Their National Day

If there's one constant in American life, suburban or not, it's the 7-Eleven Slurpee—a nostalgic treat that has always tasted the same. Did you know it has an entire day dedicated to itself? Have you ever wondered where it came from? Did someone invent it, or did it simply materialize inside 7-Elevens without anyone batting an eye? We're here to find out!

A Brief History of the Slurpee

The story of the Slurpee begins with Omar Knedlik, a Kansas dairy farmer turned inventor. In the late 1950s, Knedlik's soda fountain broke down, and he started serving semi-frozen sodas to his customers. These frosty drinks were a hit, and Knedlik realized he was onto something special. He created a machine that could produce these icy beverages consistently and patented his invention. This machine would go on to produce what we now know as the ICEE.

In 1965, 7-Eleven executives discovered the ICEE and struck a licensing deal to sell the drink in their stores. Wanting a unique brand, they renamed it the Slurpee, inspired by the sound made while drinking it through a straw. Thus, the Slurpee was born and quickly became a fixture in 7-Eleven stores across the country.

Slurpee, ICEE, or Slushie: Who Came First?

So, who came first: the Slurpee, the ICEE, or the Slushie? The ICEE predates the Slurpee, as it was the original creation of Omar Knedlik. The Slurpee, as we now know, was simply a rebranded ICEE sold in 7-Eleven stores. The term "Slushie" is a more generic name for any type of frozen, slushy beverage, which can be found in various forms and brands worldwide.

The key difference lies in branding and distribution. The ICEE is available in various convenience stores and cinemas, while the Slurpee is exclusively sold at 7-Eleven locations. Slushies, on the other hand, can refer to any similar frozen drink, regardless of brand or place of purchase.

Some Fun Facts About the Slurpee

Did you know that Canadians consume the most Slurpees per capita? Winnipeg, Manitoba, has even been crowned the Slurpee Capital of the World multiple times. Another quirky fact is why Slurpee straws have a spoon at the end. The spoon-straw was designed to help customers scoop up the denser ice that often settles at the bottom of the cup, ensuring they can enjoy every last bit of their frozen treat. Additionally, 7-Eleven celebrates "Free Slurpee Day" every year on July 11th (7/11), offering free Slurpees to customers. This promotion started in 2002 to mark the chain's 75th birthday and has since become an annual tradition.