Snow cones are a popular summertime treat, especially among kids. With just a few simple ingredients – shaved ice, flavored syrup, and maybe some fun toppings – snow cones provide a cool, refreshing snack on a hot day. But if you want to make snow cones at home, you need to get your hands on some flavored syrup. Which leads to the key question: can you find snow cone syrup at the dollar store?
What is Snow Cone Syrup?
Snow cone syrup is a specially formulated syrup that is thicker and more concentrated than typical beverage syrups. It is designed to coat shaved ice and provide bold, intense flavor without immediately dissolving the ice.
Snow cone syrup comes in a wide variety of bright, vibrant colors and flavors like cherry, blue raspberry, grape, watermelon, pina colada, and more. The flavors are often quite artificial and over-the-top.
The thick, sugary syrup adheres well to the ice flakes. Just a little bit goes a long way in terms of coating each ice crystal with flavor. Snow cone syrup is essential for creating the signature snow cone experience of flavorful frozen flakes that gradually dissolve in your mouth.
Where to Buy Snow Cone Syrup
Snow cone syrup can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both in-person and online. Here are some of the most common places to buy it:
- Grocery stores – Many grocery stores carry at least a basic selection of snow cone syrup flavors in the baking or ice cream toppings aisle.
- Big box stores – Retailers like Walmart and Target often have snow cone syrup selections in the summer months.
- Craft and hobby stores – Stores like Michael’s or Joann’s Fabric may carry snow cone syrup near cake decorating supplies.
- Online – Amazon and other online retailers have a wide selection of snow cone syrups available for purchase and delivered directly to your door.
- Snow cone supply vendors – Websites that specialize in snow cone machines and supplies offer many flavor options.
The most budget-friendly options for purchasing snow cone syrup will typically be grocery stores, mass retailers like Walmart, and dollar stores.
Does the Dollar Store Sell Snow Cone Syrup?
Dollar stores are known for carrying inexpensive seasonal items, snacks, party supplies and more. So does that selection include snow cone syrup?
The availability of snow cone syrup at dollar stores can depend on the specific retailer. Here is a look at some of the major dollar store chains and whether they stock snow cone syrup:
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree does sell snow cone syrup at many locations. They carry their own house brand called “King Kone Flavored Syrup” in a variety of options like grape, cherry, blue raspberry, tropical punch, and sour apple. The King Kone syrups come in slim 10-ounce plastic bottles.
Given that Dollar Tree sells all products for $1, the King Kone snow cone syrup costs just $1 per bottle. That makes it one of the most affordable options around for stocking up.
However, some Dollar Tree locations may have limited stock or seasonal availability of the King Kone syrup. The best selections will be found during the warmer summer months when snow cones are most popular.
Dollar General
Dollar General is another dollar store chain that stocks snow cone syrup, typically under their own brand. The Clover Valley brand snow cone syrup comes in flavors like grape, cherry, blue raspberry, fruit punch and orange. It is typically priced at $1 per 12-ounce plastic bottle.
As with Dollar Tree, the availability at individual Dollar General locations can vary. The snow cone syrup selection is often best during the summer months when it is in highest demand.
99 Cents Only
The 99 Cents Only chain of dollar stores does not appear to regularly carry snow cone syrup. Some individual store locations may bring it in seasonally, but it is not a standard year-round product offering at 99 Cents Only.
Shoppers would be better off looking for snow cone syrup at nearby Dollar Tree or Dollar General stores rather than 99 Cents Only.
Family Dollar
Family Dollar is another chain that does stock snow cone syrup on a seasonal basis. They sell their own Arctic Chill brand snow cone syrup in flavors like cherry, grape, blue raspberry and fruit punch. It comes in 10-ounce plastic bottles, typically priced around $1.
Availability at Family Dollar will depend on the individual store and time of year. Selection is most likely to be best in the summer.
Dollar Store Snow Cone Syrup Considerations
Dollar store snow cone syrup can be a great budget-friendly option for making DIY snow cones at home. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when purchasing snow cone syrup from Dollar Tree, Dollar General or other dollar stores:
Quality
The dollar store snow cone syrup is inexpensive, but it may not have quite the same level of thickness, viscosity and flavor quality as more expensive brands. The dollar store versions tend to be a little thinner and the flavors can be more artificial tasting.
For choosy snow cone aficionados, the dollar store varieties may not measure up to higher-end syrups. But for kids and casual snow cone makers, the dollar store options are likely sufficient.
Small Bottle Sizes
Dollar store snow cone syrups typically come in plastic bottles around 10-12 ounces in size. This works out to about 24-30 servings per bottle if you estimate ~1-2 tablespoons of syrup per normal sized snow cone serving.
The small bottle size is great for trying out a few flavors. But buying in bulk may require purchasing quite a few bottles at once. Opt for larger packs online or at big box stores if you need a lot of syrup.
Limited Flavor Selection
Don’t expect a ton of variety when it comes to snow cone syrup flavors at the dollar stores. Most carry just the classics like grape, cherry, blue raspberry, fruit punch and orange.
Shoppers looking for unique or specialty flavors like tiger’s blood, wedding cake, or chili mango will need to look beyond what’s on the shelves at Dollar Tree and Dollar General.
Seasonal Availability
Dollar store snow cone syrup is treated like the seasonal item it is. You’re most likely to find it on shelves during warmer months when demand peaks.
Don’t count on stocking up on snow cone syrup at the dollar store once summer is over. Get it while you can during the prime snow cone season.
How to Make Snow Cones with Dollar Store Syrup
Whipping up tasty snow cones with dollar store syrup is easy and affordable. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
– Dollar store snow cone syrup (grape, cherry, blue raspberry, etc.)
– Block ice or crushed ice
– Snow cone cups
– Long handled spoons
– Flavorful toppings like fruit, candy, or whipped cream (optional)
Directions
- Start by crushing or shaving block ice into fine flakes that resemble snow. You can use a snow cone machine, food processor, blender or even just a potato masher to crush regular ice cubes.
- Portion the freshly shaved ice into individual snow cone cups, mounding it up into a peak.
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of your dollar store snow cone syrup over the top so it begins to soak into the ice flakes. Add more as desired for extra flavor intensity.
- Optional: Top with slices of fresh fruit, sprinkles, chocolate or candy pieces, whipped cream, etc.
- Serve immediately with a spoon for digging into the syrup-soaked icy flakes!
Tip: Chill the syrup before using to help keep the snow cone ice frozen solid longer.
Best Dollar Store Snow Cone Syrup Flavors
While your local dollar store selection may be limited to just a few standard options, these are some of the best snow cone syrup flavors to look for:
Cherry
You really can’t go wrong with classic cherry snow cone syrup. It’s a familiar flavor that kids and adults alike enjoy. The vibrant red syrup stains the ice beautifully.
Grape
Grape snow cone syrup delivers that nostalgic purple grape soda flavor. It looks stunning coating the ice and tastes just like you’re drinking melted grape popsicles.
Blue Raspberry
This electric blue syrup may not taste like any actual fruit, but its punch of artificial raspberry sweetness is hard to beat on a hot day.
Tropical Punch
With tropical punch syrup, it’s like a fruit cocktail on snow. Notes of pineapple, mango, banana, and other fruits make this a fruity crowd-pleaser.
Sour Apple
For those who like some puckering tartness, sour apple snow cone syrup is a good pick. It balances sweet apple flavor with a lip-smacking sour note.
DIY Snow Cone Syrup Ideas
While dollar store varieties are affordable, you can also easily make your own snow cone syrup at home with basic ingredients. DIY syrup means you can control the flavors and quality.
Here are some easy homemade snow cone syrup ideas to try:
Fruit Puree Syrup
Blend thawed frozen fruit like raspberries, mangos, pineapple, strawberries or other favorites with a bit of sugar and water. Strain out seeds.
Fruit Juice Concentrate Syrup
Mix equal parts 100% fruit juice concentrate and sugar. Heat briefly until sugar dissolves. Favorite flavors include orange, lemon, lime, grape and cherry.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Syrup
Flavor sweetened condensed milk with extracts like coconut, vanilla, almond, mint, or orange. Food coloring can be added for fun colors.
Herbal Tea Syrup
For an antioxidant boost, steep strong herbal tea like hibiscus or blackberry sage. Sweeten while warm with honey or sugar.
Spiced Simple Syrup
Simmer water, sugar and spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger or vanilla. Strain out spices before using.
Storing Snow Cone Syrup
Leftover snow cone syrup can keep for months when properly stored. Here are some tips:
– Store opened snow cone syrup bottles in the refrigerator.
– Transfer syrup to a squeeze bottle or jar with tight lid for storage.
– Label syrup bottles with name/date.
– Syrup can be frozen for even longer term storage.
– To use frozen syrup, thaw in refrigerator before using.
By properly storing opened syrup, you can carry dollar store snow cone flavors over to the next summer season!
Fun Snow Cone Topping Ideas
Snow cones aren’t just about colored syrup. You can add fun toppings too. Try these creative add-ons:
Fresh Fruit
Sliced berries, pineapple chunks, mango slices, grated coconut, etc.
Candy Pieces
Sprinkles, chocolate chips, crushed peppermints, gummy worms, etc.
Granola or Cookies
Crumbled graham crackers, granola, crushed cookies, etc.
Whipped Cream
Squirts of whipped cream add a creamy contrast.
Nuts
Chopped peanuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.
Shredded Coconut
Toasted shredded coconut provides tropical flavor.
Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows that soak into the ice add sweetness.
Make Your Own Snow Cones for Pennies
Between dollar store syrups, homemade syrups, and fun DIY toppings, it’s easy to create snow cones at home for mere pennies per serving.
Why spend big bucks going out for snow cones when you can make them at home for a fraction of the cost? With dollar store snow cone syrup, all you need is some ice and you can enjoy these refreshing icy treats all summer long.
Get creative with flavors and toppings. Turn it into a fun family activity making snow cones with kids. Break out the snow cone supplies for birthday parties, play dates, and hot summer days.
Snow cones are meant to be an affordable, old-fashioned kind of treat. With dollar store syrup and homemade variations, you can keep it simple. Stay cool, beat the heat, and save money with DIY snow cones this summer!