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Discover How Snow Cones & Shave Ice Can Boost Your Sales

Few treats bring smiles like snow cones and shave ice. These timeless, colorful confections have delighted customers for generations, offering the perfect blend of refreshment, flavor, and fun. Not only are they crowd-pleasers, but they’re also one of the most profitable items you can add to your menu. With low startup costs, simple equipment, and endless customization options, selling snow cones and shave ice is a smart, versatile choice for any food business or event vendor. Explore why these icy treats have become a must-have for savvy business owners looking to maximize their sales potential.

Snow Cone and Shaved Ice Equipment
Sno-Kone & Shave Ice Equipment
Snow Cone and Shaved Ice accessories
Sno-Kone & Shave Ice Accessories
Snow Cone and Shaved Ice Supplies
Sno-Kone & Shave Ice Supplies
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High Profitability:

  • Both snow cones and shave ice offer high-profit potential, thanks to their low cost of production. With ingredients like ice and flavored syrups costing sometimes less than 20¢ per serving, profit margins can exceed 90%.
  • Consumers are drawn to these cool, delicious treats, allowing for reasonable pricing and a strong return on investment.

Minimal Startup Costs:

  • Starting a snow cone or shave ice business requires a relatively low initial investment. You'll need basic equipment like a snow cone machine or shave ice machine, snow cone syrup and dispensers, and serving supplies.
  • Affordable equipment and simple supply needs make it a feasible choice for new entrepreneurs, small business owners, or event vendors looking for a cost-effective addition.

Versatility Across Venues:

  • Snow cones and shave ice fit into virtually any setting, from amusement parks and fairs to birthday parties and trendy restaurants. They’re equally popular at brick-and-mortar locations, food trucks, kiosks, or pop-up events.
  • The adaptability of these treats makes them suitable for diverse events, drawing in customers from all age groups and backgrounds.

Easy to Use & Operate:

  • Operating a snow cone maker or shave ice machine is straightforward, requiring minimal training. Most machines are designed to be user-friendly, even offering hands-free options like foot pedal switches.
  • With simple instructions, you can serve these treats quickly, making them an efficient option during busy events or peak hours.

Highly Customizable:

  • From classic cherry and blue raspberry flavors to unique tropical flavors, the customization potential is endless. You can also add twists like condensed milk, ice cream, or even mix different flavors to create signature offerings.
  • This flexibility allows vendors to cater to customer preferences and stand out from competitors, making each treat memorable.

Portable & Compact:

  • The equipment for both snow cones and shave ice is lightweight and easy to transport. Whether you're at a local festival or setting up at a permanent location, you can move your operation with ease.
  • Portability makes these treats ideal for on-the-go businesses, ensuring they’re ready to serve customers anytime, anywhere.

Appealing Customer Experience:

  • The experience of choosing flavors and watching the ice get shaved is fun and nostalgic for customers. Whether it’s the coarser crunch of a snow cone or the fine, fluffy texture of shave ice, the appeal spans all ages.
  • These vibrant treats are highly photogenic, making them perfect for social media sharing. The eye-catching colors and flavors encourage customers to snap pictures, helping you generate free marketing buzz.

The Fun Factor:

  • Both snow cones and shave ice add an element of joy to any event. Customers emotionally connect with the fun, playful nature of these treats, creating memorable experiences that drive repeat business.

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An old vintage store sign that reads snow cones, with scratches on the photo in sepia tone.
 

History Of Sno-Kones® and Shave Ice

The Origins of Snow Cones

The concept of shaved ice dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that people in China were enjoying ice shavings flavored with fruit juice as early as 200 BCE. This early version of shaved ice laid the groundwork for what would eventually become snow cones and other similar treats in different cultures.

In the United States, during the Industrial Revolution of the mid-1800s, large blocks of ice were transported from colder regions to Southern states. Children often followed ice wagons, begging for shavings to beat the heat. Parents began experimenting with flavored syrups to make these shavings tastier, using simple ingredients like eggs, vanilla, and sugar to create sweet treats.

The modern snow cone made its debut in 1919, thanks to Samuel Bert, affectionately known as "King Sammie." Bert invented the first snow cone machine and introduced it at the Texas State Fair, where it became an instant hit. He continued to sell snow cones and machines for decades, cementing their place in American culture and paving the way for their mass production.

As snow cones surged in popularity during the 1940s, Gold Medal introduced a complete Sno-Kone® machine with a display case, along with Sno-Kone® cups and crockery syrup dispensers.

By the 1950s, Sno-Kones® had become a popular treat at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks across the U.S. Characterized by their coarse, crunchy ice and a wide array of brightly colored syrups, Sno-Kones® became known for their fast service and fun flavors. They became a summertime favorite, providing a sweet, refreshing escape from the heat.

 
up-close shots of blue shaved ice in cup and on a spoon

The Origins of Shave Ice

The origins of shave ice can be traced back to Japan, where kakigori, a delicacy made from finely shaved ice topped with sweet syrups, emerged as early as the Heian period (794-1185). This treat was considered a luxury, as the ice was harvested from natural sources and stored in ice houses, making it accessible primarily to the aristocracy. Kakigori became a beloved part of Japanese culture, establishing the tradition of flavored shaved ice that would later inspire variations around the world.

In the early 20th century, Japanese immigrants brought the tradition of kakigori to Hawaii, where it evolved into what is now known as Hawaiian shave ice. These immigrants, who arrived to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations, adapted the dessert to local tastes by incorporating tropical fruit syrups and unique toppings like sweetened condensed milk. Over time, Hawaiian shave ice became a symbol of island culture, with popular shops across the islands offering flavors like lychee, passion fruit, and pineapple.

Meanwhile, in 1934, Ernest Hansen in New Orleans made his mark on the shaved ice scene by patenting an ice block shaver, leading to the creation of the "sno ball." This version featured a finer, fluffier texture than the traditional snow cone, making it more similar to Hawaiian shave ice. Hansen’s wife, Mary, developed a range of flavored syrups that added to the appeal of the treat, making sno-balls a beloved part of New Orleans' food culture.

Shave ice is distinguished by its fine, snow-like texture, which allows the syrups to fully absorb into the ice. This texture makes it unique from coarser treats like snow cones. Often packed into cups, the ice is generously drizzled with syrup, creating colorful, layered effects that enhance both the flavor and the presentation of this refreshing treat.

Modern Developments

Over the years, both Sno-Kones® and Shave Ice have gained popularity worldwide, evolving into diverse regional variations. Beyond Japanese-style kakigori, similar treats have emerged globally, including the Filipino halo-halo, Korean bingsu, and Puerto Rican piragua. This global expansion reflects the universal appeal of flavored ice desserts.

In recent years, gourmet versions of Sno-Kones® and shave ice have increased. These modern variations feature natural syrups, artisanal flavors, and creative toppings, appealing to an even broader audience. These innovations enhance the fun, flavorful experience that has made these treats a timeless favorite while also adapting to contemporary tastes.

Sources:

  1. Hawaiian Shaved Ice – "Who Invented Snow Cones?" (Source: Who Invented Snow Cones?).
  2. Concession Central – "Origin of Snow Cone." (Source: Origin of Snow Cone).
  3. Snowie King – "A Brief History of Shaved Ice." (Source: A Brief History of Shaved Ice by Brett Coppola).

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Understanding the Difference

While snow cones and shave ice may seem like interchangeable summer treats, they offer uniquely different textures, flavors, and experiences. Both are made from ice and flavored syrups, but the way they are crafted makes each one distinct. Let’s break down what sets these two frozen delights apart and how to make the most of them for your concession business.

 

What Makes Snow Cones Unique?

Snow cones are characterized by their coarse, crunchy texture, achieved by crushing the ice into small, granulated pieces. This preparation allows the syrup to pool at the bottom of the snow cone cup, rather than being absorbed by the ice. The result is a treat with a burst of flavor in each bite and a juicy syrup layer that sinks to the bottom of the cup.

The appeal of snow cones lies in their simplicity. With bold, vibrant colors and a wide range of flavors—from traditional cherry and blue raspberry to exotic options like mango or piña colada—snow cones are a sentimental favorite. They have become a staple at fairs, carnivals, amusement parks, and sports venues, where fast service and fun flavors are essential. Whether served in paper snow cone cups or clear cups, the bright colors and variety of options create a visually appealing treat that attracts customers of all ages.

At Gold Medal Products Co., our Sno-Kone® machines are designed to create that signature crunchy texture quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for high-volume environments.

 

What Sets Shave Ice Apart?

Shave ice, sometimes referred to as Hawaiian shave ice or sno balls, offers a vastly different experience. Instead of being crushed, the ice is finely shaved, giving it a softer, snow-like texture. This finer consistency allows the syrup to absorb evenly into the ice, delivering a full burst of flavor in every spoonful. The smoother texture provides a more refined and melt-in-your-mouth experience.

In addition to the delicate texture, shave ice also stands out for its toppings. It’s not uncommon to see options like sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruit, or even ice cream added to shave ice, creating a layered and gourmet dessert. It’s a treat that has a distinctly tropical feel and is a popular choice at beachside stands, festivals, and specialty dessert shops.

Gold Medal offers state-of-the-art shave ice machines that are engineered to produce the fluffy, snow-like ice that defines this treat.

 
snow cones and shaved ice in half circles on a half tone stylized background

Key Differences Between Snow Cones and Shave Ice

  • Texture: Snow cones are coarser and crunchier, while shave ice is finer and softer.
  • Flavor Absorption: Snow cone syrup tends to sink to the bottom, creating a layered flavor effect. Shave ice absorbs syrup more evenly, making each bite flavorful.
  • Toppings: Snow cones are typically flavored with syrup alone, while shave ice often features a variety of toppings, from condensed milk to fresh fruit.

Frozen desserts in front of a fake dessert menu

Why Add Snow Cones or Shave Ice to Your Menu?

Adding snow cones or shave ice to your concession stand, amusement park, or specialty dessert shop can boost both sales and customer satisfaction. Here’s why:

  • High Profit Margins: Both treats have low ingredient costs—mainly ice and syrup—making them incredibly profitable.
  • Versatility: With a wide range of flavors and toppings available, you can cater to different tastes, dietary needs, and themes.
  • Year-Round Appeal: While they’re often associated with summer, snow cones and shave ice can be enjoyed year-round in warm climates or indoor venues.

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Ingredients & Supplies for Snow Cones and Shave Ice

Creating the perfect snow cone or shave ice treat requires more than just the right equipment—it also needs high-quality ingredients and supplies. Gold Medal offers a full range of products that ensure your operation has everything it needs to deliver top-tier frozen treats to your customers. From syrups to serving essentials, we’ve got you covered.

Gold Medal Sno-Kone kits with paper cones and two bottles of flavored syrup

Syrups and Flavors

Flavored syrups are the heart of snow cones and shave ice, providing the sweet and vibrant experience that customers crave. Having a diverse selection of syrups will deliver bold, memorable flavors. Choose from classic options like cherry, blue raspberry, and grape, or explore tropical and specialty flavors like piña colada, mango, and tiger’s blood.

Available in gallons or 25-oz sizes, Gold Medal ready-to-use syrups, no mixing needed, are perfect for concession stands, amusement parks, and other high-traffic locations. Sugar-free snow cone syrup options are also available, catering to health-conscious customers who still want to enjoy a flavorful treat. With easy pour tops and consistent quality, our syrups make it simple to serve up delicious snow cones and shave ice every time.

man holds snow cone under syrup and pours it over the ice

Concentrates for Custom Flavor Creation

Our Sno-Kone and Hawaii’s Finest® shave ice flavor concentrates, available in gallons and quarts, are the ideal solution for operators who want to create custom flavors or control their syrup supply more efficiently. These concentrates allow you to mix your syrups on demand, providing flexibility and helping you manage inventory effectively. With various concentrates available, you can create unique blends that appeal to your specific audience.

gold medal sno-kone cups stacked next to plastic straws

Cups, Holders, and Straws

Proper serving supplies are key to delivering a great customer experience. We provide a variety of cups, cones, and holders designed to make serving easy and efficient. Our iconic Sno-Kone® paper cones are a classic choice, while our sturdy plastic cups offer a reliable option for serving shave ice. Additionally, our colorful straws and spoon-straws allow customers to enjoy every last drop of syrup, adding to the fun factor of the treat.

stylized ice scoop with ice cubes tinted light blue

Ice Scoops, Dispensers, and Other Essential Tools

Having the right tools is essential to ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Gold Medal offers a range of accessories, including ice scoops, syrup dispensers, and bottle pumps, designed to improve speed and consistency during service. Our high-quality tools are built to withstand the demands of busy concession environments, making it easy to keep lines moving and customers happy.

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10 Business and Promotional Ideas for Shave Ice and Snow Cones

Here’s a variety of promotions and business ideas to help you drive sales and engage customers with your snow cone and shave ice offerings:

  1. Themed Flavors & Seasonal Specials
    • Monthly or Weekly Specials: Offer a Flavor of the Week or Flavor of the Month to create a sense of urgency and encourage repeat customers. Highlight popular seasonal flavors, such as watermelon in summer, or offer gourmet treats like sno ball sundaes.
    • Holiday-Themed Promotions: Tailor flavors and toppings to match upcoming holidays. For instance, offer Red, White & Blue combos for the Fourth of July or Snowball specials during the winter holidays, featuring flavors like coconut with a dusting of powdered sugar.
    • Regional or Cultural Themes: Celebrate regional tastes or cultural events with specialty flavors, like mango-pineapple for Hawaiian-themed events.
  2. All-You-Can-Eat Snow Cone/Shave Ice Events
    • Host All-You-Can-Eat events: for a flat fee. This can be a big draw for families or groups, especially during summer fairs, community events, or school fundraisers. Offer a wide variety of flavors and let customers experiment with different combinations.
    • Special Hours or Weekends: Schedule these events on specific days or during slower hours to increase foot traffic when needed most.
  3. Social Media Contests & Engagement
    • Photo Contest: Offer a flavor and topping station and encourage customers to snap and share photos of their most creative snow cone or shave ice creations. Run a contest where participants tag your business for a chance to win free treats, discounts, or branded merchandise.
    • Flavor Naming Contests: Involve your community by hosting a contest to name a new or unique flavor you are launching. This not only engages customers but also creates buzz around a new offering.
  4. Loyalty Programs & Punch Cards
    • Customer Rewards: Create a loyalty program where customers receive a free snow cone or shave ice after a certain number of purchases. This works well with a punch card system or a digital rewards app, incentivizing repeat visits.
    • Bonus Engagements: Offer double punches or bonus rewards during slower days of the week to encourage more traffic when needed.
  5. Specialty Events & Catering
    • Birthday Parties: Offer packages where customers can host birthday parties at your location, complete with a Build Your Own Snow Cone/Shave Ice station. Alternatively, provide catering services that bring your setup to parties or events.
    • School Events & Fundraisers: Partner with local schools to sell snow cones or shave ice during sporting events, dances, or fundraisers. A portion of the sales can go back to the school, making it a win-win promotion.
    • Weddings & Corporate Events: Position shave ice as a unique catering option for summer weddings or corporate events. Offer customizable flavor combinations to fit the event’s theme.
cups of snow cones in white cups isolated on a white background.
  1. Happy Hour & Two-for-One Deals
    • Happy Hours: Create a Frozen Happy Hour where customers can get two-for-one snow cones or shave ice during a specific time each day. This is a great way to boost traffic during slower hours.
    • BOGO Deals: Offer Buy One, Get One Half Off deals during weekdays or slower periods, incentivizing group visits.
  2. Mobile Cart or Pop-Up Stand
    • On The Go:Invest in a mobile snow cone or shave ice cart that can be set up at local festivals, fairs, or farmers’ markets. Pop-up stands also work well for special events like concerts or sporting events.
    • Corporate Partnerships: Set up at corporate offices during lunch hours or special employee appreciation events, creating an opportunity for workplace engagement and branding.
  3. Customizable Options
    • Create Your Own: Offer a Create Your Own option, allowing customers to pick their flavors, mix combinations, and add toppings. Consider a topping bar for shave ice, where customers can add condensed milk, candy, or fresh fruit to their order.
    • Unique Offerings: Introduce unique toppings like boba pearls or popping candies to make the experience more fun and interactive.
  4. Cross-Promotions with Local Businesses
    • Boost Sales: Partner with nearby businesses, such as gyms, restaurants, or shops, to offer joint promotions. For example, “Bring your receipt from [partner store] and get 10% off a snow cone/shave ice.”
    • Partner Deals: Team up with local food trucks to offer combo deals at events, such as a “Meal & Treat” package where customers get a discount when they buy a meal and a frozen treat.
  5. Custom Branding & Merchandise
    • Increase Brand Loyalty: Offer branded cups, spoons, or T-shirts that promote your business. Include a small discount for customers who wear your merchandise to encourage brand loyalty.
    • Drive Sales with Discounts: Host Merch Mondays, where customers who buy merchandise receive a discount on their snow cones or shave ice, helping you generate additional revenue streams.

These promotional ideas and business strategies can help you expand your reach, engage your customers, and drive consistent sales. Experiment with different promotions to see what resonates best with your audience and adjust your strategies accordingly.

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Choose Your Industry

Needing more detailed information on Shaved Ice/Snow Cones and other fun foods tailored to your industry? Choose your industry from the list below to learn more. Don’t see your industry? Contact us today to connect with a dedicated concession specialist who can help you discover the perfect solutions for your unique needs.

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Park & Rec

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Featured Snow Cone and Shave Ice Blogs

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an up-close shot of a shaved ice cup with blue, purple and red syrup colors over ice.
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Fun Snow Cone and Shave Ice Recipes

Orange Cream Snow Cones, Shave Ice, Sno Balls

The Orange Cream Snow Cones recipe delivers a refreshing blend of citrusy orange and creamy vanilla, making a perfect summer treat.

See Recipe

Strawberry Cream Snow Cones, Shave Ice, Sno Balls

The Strawberry Cream Snow Cones recipe pairs sweet strawberry syrup with a creamy drizzle of evaporated milk, creating a delightful frozen dessert.

See Recipe

Coconut Cream Snow Cones, Shave Ice, Sno Balls

The Coconut Cream Snow Cones recipe combines tropical coconut flavor with a creamy touch for a refreshing and indulgent frozen treat.

See Recipe

Soft Serve Ice Cream, Shave Ice, Sno Balls

The Soft Serve Ice Cream Shave Ice recipe transforms fluffy shaved ice into a creamy delight by layering it with soft serve ice cream for a cool, satisfying treat.

See Recipe

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A - Shave ice has a snow-like texture and generally uses less syrup than traditional snow cones. It is considered a premium product due to its finer texture, allowing you to charge a higher price. In contrast, snow cones have a coarser, chipped ice texture and require more syrup on average. This results in a more intense, layered flavor experience.

A - One gallon of syrup yields approximately 64 snow cones when using 2 ounces of syrup per serving. If you adjust the syrup quantity to accommodate larger cups, you can expect:

  • About 40 servings in 8-ounce cups
  • About 20 servings in 12-ounce cups
  • About 15 servings in 20-ounce cups

A - Gold Medal offers over 23 ready-to-use snow cone syrup flavors and 33 flavor concentrates. You can easily double the flavor options by adding sour attitude to any flavor or by mixing two flavors together to create a unique blend.

A - Once opened, RTU snow cone syrup has a shelf life of about 90 days when stored in a refrigerator. While the ingredients won’t spoil, the flavor may start to degrade over time, so it's best to use it within this timeframe.

A - The most popular syrup flavors include cherry and blue raspberry, followed by strawberry, mango, tiger's blood, piña colada, watermelon, and green apple.

A - One gallon of liquid concentrate makes 32 gallons of ready-to-use syrup. A quart of concentrate will yield 8 gallons of RTU syrup.

A - To mix the concentrate, combine 4 ounces of concentrate with 5-6 pounds of sugar and 1 gallon of water. This creates a sweet, flavorful syrup that is ready to use.

A - The yield can vary based on environmental factors like heat, but here are some estimates:

  • 20-pound bag of ice makes approximately 50 six-ounce snow cones.
  • 12.5-pound bag of ice produces about 30 eight-ounce cups, 20 twelve-ounce cups, or 12 twenty-ounce cups.

A - Hard ice is the best type of ice to use for snow cones or shave ice. Regular cubes from a refrigerator ice maker (soft ice) do not yield optimal results, as they tend to produce inconsistent textures.

A - Pricing varies based on the amount of syrup used and the container size. Typically, prices range from $1.50 to $5.00, depending on factors such as size, toppings, and overall presentation.

 

Your Snow Cone and Shave Ice Business Deserves the Best

When it comes to serving up refreshing snow cones and shave ice, don’t settle for less than the best. Gold Medal Products Co. is dedicated to providing top-quality equipment, ingredients, and unmatched service to help you succeed. We offer personal consultations, hands-on demonstrations, product samples, and training to ensure you have everything you need to run a thriving operation.

Whether you’re looking to add snow cones and shave ice to your existing concession menu or start a new venture, these icy treats offer an exciting business opportunity. Not only do they bring joy to customers of all ages, but they also deliver impressive profit margins for your business or organization. With Gold Medal’s extensive network of industry professionals spanning 17 branches and a global distribution system, we understand the challenges of the concession business and are ready to support your growth.

Trust Gold Medal for top-tier products, expert advice, comprehensive training, and dependable support. We’re here to help you succeed in the world of snow cones and shave ice.

Ready to take your snow cone and shave ice business to the next level? Connect with a knowledgeable concession specialist by calling us today at 800-543-0862 or completing our form.