On a summer afternoon, what could be more refreshing than a colourful granita eaten with a straw? Behind this holiday image, however, lies a less reassuring reality: in the United Kingdom, a two-year-old girl was put into a coma after drinking this type of iced drink. This is enough to worry many parents. But what really happened? And above all, should we be worried about letting our children enjoy this summer pleasure?
The hidden culprit: glycerin
At first glance, a granita is just water, syrup and crushed ice. But the little magic of its semi-icy texture is actually based on an additive: glycerin (also called glycerol, E422). Without it, granita would quickly turn into a compact block of ice that is difficult to consume.
In adults, this substance is generally considered safe in small amounts. But for children, and especially the youngest, the situation changes. The problem? Glycerol can disrupt the body’s internal balance: it attracts water and sugar from the blood, which can cause a sudden drop in sugar levels, leading to malaise, extreme fatigue, and even loss of consciousness.
In short, what seems like a harmless treat can become, in high doses and in a small body, a real imbalance.
When a simple drink becomes too much
British experts have done the math: a 350 ml granita (the equivalent of a can of soda) can be enough to cause problems for a child under the age of four. Between 5 and 10 years old, the limit is only slightly higher. And the effect is further amplified if the child has several drinks in quick succession – as can happen at a fair or a day at the beach.
Between 2009 and 2024, a study conducted in the United Kingdom and Ireland recorded at least 21 hospitalizations of children after the consumption of glycerol-containing granitas. Symptoms ranged from simple nausea to more serious discomfort. The health authorities therefore reacted quickly.
The new official recommendations
Across the Channel, the health authorities now advise to avoid granitas altogether for children under 4 years old and to strictly limit their consumption until the age of 8. Some brands have already taken steps to reduce the amount of glycerin in their recipes, while others are encouraged to change their composition.
In France, this type of warning is not yet common, but the information deserves our full attention, especially since these iced drinks are very popular in places frequented by families: cinemas, school parties, beaches, amusement parks…
So, should granitas be banned?
Don’t panic: there is no question of depriving children of all the little pleasures of summer. But as with many things, it’s all about measurement. Here are some practical tips:
- Under 4 years old: it is better to avoid granita altogether.
- Between 4 and 8 years old: limit to a small one-off portion, never several in a row.
- Beyond 8 years of age: no particular problem if consumption remains moderate.
Homemade tip: prepare your own granitas with simply diluted fruit juice, placed in the freezer, without hidden additives.
So your children can enjoy the pleasure of a cold drink without unnecessary risk.
Granita remains a fun and colorful summer delicacy, but it requires a little vigilance on the part of parents so that this moment of freshness does not turn into an unpleasant surprise.
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