Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between snow cones and shaved ice?

Snow Cones: These icy treats are made from coarse flaked ice and are typically served in cone-shaped cups.

Shaved Ice (Hawaiian Ice): Shaved ice is made from fluffy, finely shaved ice and served in larger foam cups. The texture is lighter and more delicate, often likened to fresh snow.

2. How much ready-to-use (RTU) syrup do I need?

You will need about 50% of the cup size. If you are making a 12oz snow cone you will need about 5oz to 6oz of syrup.

3. What is the difference between concentrate and ready to use syrup?

Ready to use syrup is ready to pour straight onto a snow cone. Concentrates are the flavoring used to flavor your own simple syrup.

If you are making your own simple syrup you will need an approved commissary or you will need to make it in your permitted stand. You cannot make any food items that will be served to the public in your home.

4. How do you make simple syrup?

Add hot water (water does not need to be boiling) then mix in sodium benzoate and stir until completely mix about 2 minutes. Next add sugar and stir until dissolved. Last add the citric acid and stir 2 more minutes.

Sodium Benzoate will have a chemical reaction with citric acid and therefore they must be mixed in separately.

5. What are the most popular flavors of syrup?

Here’s a list of the top 40 most popular flavors that we sell here in Texas. The top 40 is a good starting place but you will want to listen to your customers and adapt your menu to what they want.

Pro tip: Introduce a new flavor as “flavor of the week” and see how your customers like it before adding it to your menu.

6. How many snow cones can I make with a 12 pound block of ice?

There are a lot of factors that go into that answer, such as how sharp are your blades, what size snow cone, with a top or without a top, how experienced is the person shaving the ice, how much do you pack the ice.

On average, if you are making 16oz snow cones with a top you can 10 to 15 per block. If you are making 12oz without a top you can make 20 to 25 per block.

7. What are the dimensions of your block ice?

We make 12 pound blocks, they are 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 14″

8. Do I need permits to sell snow cones or shaved ice?

Yes, in most places. You’ll need to check with your specific state and city/town for license and permit requirements.