Lite's Out at 7-Eleven!

DALLAS, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Slurpee® season 2012 is here. 7-Eleven, Inc., home of the iconic frozen drink, kicks off its "Flavors of Summer" campaign with Slurpee Lite™ Fanta Sugar-Free Mango, promising all of the flavor of a traditional Slurpee® drink with 50 percent fewer calories.* This marks the first Slurpee-branded, sugar-free drink and the first sugar-free frozen beverage to be available at participating 7-Eleven stores nationwide.

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Formulated by Fanta and sweetened with Splenda (sucralose), the new Slurpee Lite drinks are available exclusively at 7-Eleven stores and are part of a new platform of drinks that are great-tasting with reduced calories and no sugar to broaden appeal. A 8-fluid ounce Slurpee Lite frozen drink contains only 20 calories.

The Slurpee Lite Fanta Sugar-Free Mango flavor is only the first of 7-Eleven's fun summer flavor line-up. Typically, limited-release Slurpee flavors are kept top-secret until they become available in the stores. This year, Slurpee fans can mark their calendars so they can be first in line when each featured flavor hits 7-Eleven stores. 7-Eleven's Slurpee summer flavor line-up offers more variety than ever and includes six limited-edition flavors in both Slurpee Lite and Slurpee in addition to popular everyday flavors.  The Slurpee summer flavor line-up includes:

The Slurpee Lite Fanta Sugar-Free Mango flavor will be available at participating 7-Eleven stores through June, after which Fanta Sugar-Free Strawberry Banana will replace it as the featured Slurpee Lite flavor in July. Fanta Sugar-Free Cherry Limeade follows in August. Other exclusive Slurpee Lite flavors by Fanta will continue to be introduced at 7-Eleven stores in the coming months.

"We are launching 'Flavors of Summer' with our first Slurpee Lite sugar-free flavor, and it tastes just as great as the other flavors we have planned for the Slurpee season," said Laura Gordon, 7-Eleven vice president for brand innovation. "We tested several of our new sugar-free flavors earlier this year, and they all got rave reviews. Now, everyone in the family can enjoy a summer Slurpee drink including those looking for a sugar-free, reduced-calorie option."          

The sugar-free flavor is ideal for consumers who either have been unable to enjoy a Slurpee drink at all or without careful dietary planning. 

  "7-Eleven carries lots of fresh foods, beverages and snack items for people looking for better-for-you options," said Patsy Ross, 7-Eleven's registered dietitian. "Our stores have something for everyone whether they're counting calories, fat or sugar grams. Slurpee Lite offers a beverage alternative to consumers concerned about sugar intake and calorie consumption, whether for dieting reasons or a medical necessity, such as diabetes," Ross said.

* Compared to a regular 8 fl oz Slurpee Fanta Wild Cherry.  Regular Slurpee Fanta Wild Cherry: 66 Calories (240ml), Slurpee Lite Mango: 20 Calories per 8 fl oz (240ml).   

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 9,200 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 46,000 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2011, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $76.6 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Forbes magazine's 2011 list of Top Franchises for the Money; #4 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2009, #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start, and #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies. Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven in its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics.  7-Eleven received the 2010 Retailer of the Year honor from PL Buyer because of the company's private-label brand initiative. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.