Shaved ice is a popular frozen dessert that originated in Hawaii. It consists of ice shavings that are drizzled with flavored syrups. Shaved ice provides a cooling, refreshing treat that is perfect for hot summer days. Many shaved ice shops offer a wide variety of syrup flavors, ranging from fruit flavors like strawberry and pineapple to more unusual options like pickle and popcorn.
With the popularity of low sugar and sugar free diets, some people wonder if Hawaiian shaved ice can be made sugar free by using sugar free syrup. In this article, we’ll explore whether authentic Hawaiian shaved ice contains added sugar and if sugar free syrup options are available.
Traditional Hawaiian Shaved Ice Contains Sugar
Authentic Hawaiian shaved ice is traditionally made with syrups that contain cane sugar. The shaved ice itself does not contain added sugar – it is simply ice shavings. However, the flavored syrups that are drizzled over the ice do contain added cane sugar.
Some of the classic Hawaiian shaved ice syrup flavors include:
- Strawberry
- Pineapple
- Coconut
- Passionfruit
- Guava
- Banana
These fruit syrups are made by combining pure fruit juices with simple syrup. Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that allows the syrup to have a smooth, pourable consistency. The simple syrup contains high amounts of added cane sugar.
In addition to fruit flavors, some other popular Hawaiian shaved ice syrups are cream based or candy based, such as:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Root beer
- Cotton candy
- Bubble gum
These cream and candy flavored syrups also contain added cane sugar to sweeten them.
So in traditional, authentic Hawaiian shaved ice, the flavored syrups contain added cane sugar as a main ingredient. The shaved ice itself does not contain added sugar – but once the syrups are drizzled over it, the dessert becomes quite high in added sugar content.
Sugar Free Hawaiian Shaved Ice Syrups Are Rare
Given the high sugar content of traditional Hawaiian shaved ice, some people wonder if sugar free syrup options are available.
Authentic sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice syrup is very rare. Most shaved ice stands in Hawaii continue using classic simple syrup recipes made with cane sugar.
There are a few reasons why sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice syrup is hard to find:
- Simple syrup is an integral component of the recipes. The cane sugar in simple syrup helps the syrups have a smooth, thick texture and coating consistency when drizzled over the ice.
- Sugar substitutes do not dissolve as well in cool products like syrup. Getting an evenly distributed sweetness requires high stirs and agitation compared to cane sugar syrups.
- Most Hawaiians view sugar free syrup as inauthentic. Hawiian shaved ice is traditionally high in sugar content, so sugar free alternatives go against expectations.
There are a handful of shops in Hawaii that may offer a limited sugar free syrup selection, such as locations on Oahu or Maui. However, these options are still quite rare throughout the Hawaiian islands. Tourists hoping to enjoy authentic Hawaiian shaved ice are much more likely to only find syrups made with cane sugar.
Online Mail Order Sugar Free Syrups
For people who must follow a sugar free diet or want to reduce sugar for health reasons, making sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice at home may be an option.
There are a few online retailers that sell pre-made sugar free syrups that can be used on shaved ice:
- Torani – Offers sugar free fruit and candy flavored syrups.
- Monin – Sells select sugar free fruit syrups.
- Davinci – Their sugar free flavored syrup line has options like caramel, vanilla, and hazelnut.
The downside is that these are not authentic Hawaiian recipes, so the flavor profile may not have that true tropical taste. But in terms of reducing sugar, these mail order syrups can be drizzled over shaved ice to make a sugar free version.
Sugar Substitutes in Sugar Free Shaved Ice Syrup
In the few sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice syrups that exist, there are some different sugar substitutes used.
Some of the more common sweeteners include:
- Aspartame – An artificial sweetener that is very sweet but has a somewhat unpleasant aftertaste for some people.
- Saccharin – One of the first artificial sweeteners, around 300 times sweeter than sugar.
- Sucralose – A non-caloric artificial sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It’s more heat stable than other substitutes.
- Stevia – A natural sweetener extracted from the stevia leaf. It has no calories and does not impact blood sugar.
- Xylitol – A sugar alcohol derived from corn that has 40% fewer calories than sugar.
Combinations of these different sugar substitutes are often used to improve the taste profile in sugar free syrups. For example, stevia might be combined with sucralose to balance out any bitter aftertastes.
Keep in mind that quantities must be very precisely adjusted in sugar free syrup recipes. Too much of an artificial sweetener can leave a chemical taste. Finding the right blend for pleasant flavor can require a lot of trial and error.
Nutrition Facts: Sugar Free vs Regular Syrups
From a nutrition standpoint, here is how sugar free and regular Hawaiian shaved ice syrup compares:
Sugar Free Syrup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 0-15 calories per 2 tablespoon serving
- Total sugar: 0g
- Contains sugar substitutes like sucralose, stevia, aspartame
Regular Syrup Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 105-115 calories per 2 tablespoon serving
- Total sugar: 20-25g
- Contains cane sugar as the main ingredient
As you can see, the sugar free versions provide huge sugar and calorie differences compared to regular simple syrups.
Just keep in mind that quantities matter – pouring 6 tablespoons of sugar free syrup over your shaved ice is very different than 6 tablespoons of regular syrup, even though the nutrition labels for 2 tablespoons look similar.
Taste Comparison of Sugar Free vs Regular Syrup
In addition to nutrition stats, the taste of sugar free versus regular Hawaiian shaved ice syrup differs quite a bit:
Sugar Free Syrup Taste
- Typically less viscous mouthfeel and thickness
- Cooling effect on the tongue
- May have an artificial or chemical sweetness
- Aftertaste from sweeteners like aspartame
- Less intense fruit flavors
Regular Syrup Taste
- Rich, viscous mouthfeel
- Coats the shaved ice thoroughly
- Natural sweetness from cane sugar
- Bright, punchy fruit flavors
- Well balanced flavor without chemical aftertastes
Most Hawaiian shaved ice aficionados prefer the bolder, more authentic flavor provided by regular cane sugar syrup. But the reduced calories and lack of blood sugar impact from sugar free options may appeal to some.
Making Your Own Sugar Free Hawaiian Shaved Ice
If you want to create your own sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice at home, here are some tips:
Choose a Sugar Substitute
Look for a granulated sugar substitute that dissolves well in cold liquids. Good options include:
- Xylitol
- Splenda (sucralose)
- Stevia
Avoid powdered sugar substitutes, as they can clump when making simple syrup.
Make Simple Syrup with Sugar Substitute
Heat equal parts sugar substitute and water. Stir until fully dissolved. Allow to cool before drizzling over shaved ice.
Reduce water content slightly to account for less dissolution compared to regular simple syrup.
Use Stronger Fruit Purees
Since sugar free syrup won’t have the same intense sweetness, use very concentrated fruit purees. Boil down purees to reduce water content and intensify fruit flavor.
Consider using freeze-dried fruit powders as well. They add concentrated fruitiness without water content.
Blend Sugar Substitutes
Consider blending stevia and sucralose to balance out any bitterness from stevia. This can provide a well-rounded sweetness.
Adjust Sweetness
Taste test your sugar free simple syrup and make adjustments. The sweetness power of different sugar substitutes varies, so you may need to tweak ratios.
Drizzle Sparingly
Sugar free syrups are much sweeter ounce for ounce than regular simple syrup. Use a light hand when drizzling over shaved ice to avoid overload.
Are There Sugar Free Shaved Ice Kits?
In addition to making your own sugar free syrup from scratch, some companies offer pre-made “just add water” shaved ice syrup mixes.
Some sugar free shaved ice kits to consider include:
- Hawaiian Ice – Offers a no sugar added line with fruit and cream flavors.
- Snowie – Sells pre-packaged sugar free syrup mixes.
- Torani – Their shelf-stable syrup mix pouches have sugar free options.
These kits provide convenience and allow you to avoid handling raw sugar substitutes. However, the syrup flavor still won’t be quite as authentic as traditional Hawaiian recipes.
Should You Add Condensed Milk?
In addition to flavored syrup, Hawaiian shaved ice is also often topped with sweetened condensed milk. This provides a creamy contrast to the icy texture.
If you are making sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice, you’ll want to consider sugar free condensed milk options.
Some alternatives include:
- Coconut milk – Provides creamy texture and tropical flavor without added sugar.
- Sugar free pre-made condensed milk – Brands like Nestle offer this, but it still contains maltitol syrup.
- Homemade condensed milk with sugar substitute – Heat non-dairy milk with a granulated sugar substitute until thickened.
Pay attention to the sugars in pre-made condensed milk. Some still contain high amounts of sugar alcohols that can cause digestive issues in large amounts. Your best bet is coconut milk or homemade condensed milk with stevia or sucralose.
Should You Include Sweet Tapioca Pearls?
Another popular topping for Hawaiian shaved ice is chewy tapioca pearls, often called boba. Traditional boba are cooked in a sugar syrup, so they are not sugar free.
If you want to add a chewy component without extra sugar, try:
- Cooked agar boba – Agar flakes are dissolved in water and gelled to create chewy, sugar free boba.
- Chia seeds – Soaked chia seeds won’t be chewy, but add texture and nutrition.
- Tapioca starch pearls – These contain just tapioca starch and water, no added sugar.
Agar flakes have to be carefully measured to achieve the right firm but chewy consistency for boba. But they provide the closest texture.
Sugar Free Hawaiian Shaved Ice: Final Tips
Here are some final tips for making sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice at home:
- Use very concentrated fruit purees for intense flavor.
- Experiment with blends of sugar substitutes like stevia and sucralose.
- Drizzle just 1-2 tablespoons of sugar free syrup over a whole serving.
- Include sugar free condensed milk or coconut milk for creaminess.
- Keep textures interesting with agar boba or chia seeds.
- Shave ice very fine so it absorbs syrups well.
- Enjoy the icy sweet treat without the added sugar!
The Bottom Line
Authentic Hawaiian shaved ice is traditionally made with sugary fruit syrups. Sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice is hard to find, even in Hawaii. A handful of specialty shops offer it, but most stick with classic syrup recipes.
Making sugar free Hawaiian shaved ice at home is possible using concentrated fruit purees, sugar substitute simple syrups, sugar free condensed milk, and agar boba. While not exactly like the real thing, it provides a refreshing icy treat without added sugar.
Be sure to adjust sugar substitute blends and quantities carefully to achieve good flavor. Drizzle syrups sparingly since they are far sweeter than regular simple syrup. Top with coconut milk or sugar free condensed milk for rich contrast.
With some trial and error, a tasty sugar free version of this iconic Hawaiian frozen dessert can be achieved. The end result will help you beat the heat without spiking your blood sugar!
