Italian ice is a popular frozen dessert that is similar to sorbet but has a smoother, creamier texture. Ralph’s Italian Ices is a brand that sells pre-packaged Italian ices in grocery stores across the United States. Their Italian ices come in a variety of delicious flavors and sizes. One of their most popular offerings is the small Italian ice cup. But exactly how many ounces are in a Ralph’s small Italian ice? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Ralph’s Italian Ice?
Ralph’s Italian Ices got its start in Philadelphia in the early 1900s when a local resident named Ralph started selling Italian ice from a pushcart in his neighborhood. The refreshing frozen treat quickly gained popularity throughout Philadelphia. Ralph eventually opened up his own store to sell his Italian ices and the brand expanded over the decades to become a household name in Philly and beyond.
Today, Ralph’s Italian Ices are sold pre-packaged in grocery stores across the country. They offer a wide selection of fruit and cream flavors including classics like lemon, cherry, and chocolate. Their Italian ice has an exceptionally smooth, creamy texture thanks to a proprietary blending process. Small bits of real fruit add texture and flavor to each scoop.
Sizes of Ralph’s Italian Ices
Ralph’s Italian Ices are available in three main sizes:
- Small – 7 fl oz cup
- Medium – 12 fl oz cup
- Large – 16 fl oz cup
In addition to the regular cup sizes, some grocery stores also offer multi-packs of the small 7 oz servings so you can grab a pack of six or twelve small Italian ices.
The small 7 oz size is perfect for a lighter, more portion-controlled treat. The medium 12 oz gives you a bit more to enjoy. And the large 16 oz size is great for sharing or if you just want an extra-generous amount of icy, fruity bliss.
How Many Ounces are in a Ralph’s Small Italian Ice?
So exactly how many ounces come in Ralph’s iconic small Italian ice cup?
A small Ralph’s Italian ice is 7 fluid ounces.
Each 7 oz cup is filled to the brim with their signature softly frozen Italian ice. It’s the ideal size for one moderate portion.
To put the 7 ounce size into perspective:
- 1 oz = About 2 tablespoons
- 7 oz = About 14 tablespoons or just shy of 1 cup
The small 7 oz serving gives you a nice amount of Italian ice to enjoy without overdoing it on the portion size. It’s a great choice if you want a cool, refreshing treat but don’t want to go overboard.
Nutrition Information for a Small Ralph’s Italian Ice
Wondering how many calories are hiding in a small Ralph’s Italian ice? Here’s a quick look at the nutrition facts:
| Nutrition Facts | 7oz Italian Ice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Total Carbs | 35g |
| Sugars | 30g |
As you can see, a 7 oz serving comes in at 140 calories with no fat, 25mg sodium, 35g carbs, and 30g of sugar.
The higher sugar content is expected given the sweet, fruity flavors. But overall, a small Italian ice is a lighter treat compared to options like ice cream that contain fat and more calories.
The nutrition facts can vary slightly between flavors based on the fruit ingredients used. But in general, the small size keeps the calories and carbs in check.
Popular Ralph’s Italian Ice Flavors
One of the best parts of Ralph’s Italian Ice is the sheer variety of flavors available. They offer 20+ fruit and cream flavors so you can always find something to suit your tastes.
Here are some of the most popular Ralph’s Italian Ice flavors:
- Lemon – Made with real lemons, this flavor is refreshing and tart.
- Cherry – A sweet and tangy classic bursting with cherry flavor.
- Blue Raspberry – Vibrant blue color and delightful raspberry notes.
- Watermelon – Real watermelon flavor in a light, sweet treat.
- Chocolate – Rich cocoa flavor in cream form.
- Pina Colada – Tropical escape with coconut and pineapple.
No matter your preferences, there’s a Ralph’s Italian ice flavor you’re sure to love. The 7oz small cup gives you a nice manageable portion to enjoy your chosen flavor.
Tips for Enjoying Ralph’s Small Italian Ices
Want to get the most out of your Ralph’s small Italian ice experience? Here are some helpful tips:
- Enjoy it right away for the best texture instead of letting it melt and refreeze.
- Feel free to mix and match flavors in one cup to create your own custom combo.
- Top with whipped cream or chocolate syrup if you want to indulge even more.
- For a boozy twist, add a shot of flavored rum or vodka.
- Use a spoon straw so you get a perfect spoonful of ice with every sip.
- Pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries, mango, or pineapple.
The 7oz serving size makes the small Italian ice perfect for impromptu backyard gatherings, beach trips, pool parties, or any time you want a flavorful frozen treat.
Is the Small Size Enough?
When grabbing an Italian ice from Ralph’s, you may be tempted to size up to the medium or large. But in most cases, the small 7 ounce portion is plenty big enough. Here’s why the small is still a satisfying choice:
- It contains 1 cup of ice, which is a moderate portion of food.
- The flavor is bold and concentrated in a smaller serving.
- Less ice means less risk of brain freeze!
- The small size can prevent overdoing it on sugar and calories.
- You can always grab a second small if one isn’t enough.
Unless you have a massive sweet tooth, the 7 ounce small Ralph’s Italian ice should hit the spot. Go for a bigger size if you really want extra, but don’t feel like the small won’t be sufficient.
Price of a Small Ralph’s Italian Ice
Wondering how much you’ll pay for the 7oz frozen treat? Pricing can vary a bit by region, but typically a small Ralph’s Italian ice costs:
- $1.99 – $2.99 per 7oz cup
The small is the most affordable single-serving size. Larger sizes usually go up in price incrementally based on the extra ounces. Multipacks of small Italian ices may offer a discount per cup compared to buying individually.
Ralph’s keeps their Italian ice pricing reasonable, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy these flavorful frozen snacks. The small 7oz size gives you their signature dessert for just pocket change.
How Long Does it Take to Eat a Small Italian Ice?
One perk of the small 7oz serving is that it’s easy to finish in one sitting. Here’s an estimate of how long it takes to eat a small Ralph’s Italian ice:
- 5 minutes – For rapid eaters who gobble it right up
- 10-15 minutes – For moderate eaters taking time to savor the flavor
- 20+ minutes – For slow nibblers or those making it last
It comes down to your personal eating pace. Quick eaters can polish off a small in 5 minutes flat. Slow eaters might leisurely savor each spoonful for 20 minutes or longer. Most people fall in the 10-15 minute range.
The icy texture means you can’t devour it too hastily. But the small serving size is still easy to consume in one session without brain freeze headache.
Should You Get a Small or Medium?
If you’re trying to decide between a small or medium Italian ice from Ralph’s, the 7oz small is probably your best bet. Here’s a breakdown of small vs medium:
| Small (7oz) | Medium (12oz) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 240 |
| Carbs | 35g | 60g |
| Sugar | 30g | 50g |
| Portion Size | 1 cup | 1.5 cups |
| Price | $1.99 – $2.99 | $2.99 – $3.99 |
As you can see, the medium packs 100 extra calories, 25 more grams of sugar, and costs at least $1 more. The bigger size may be worth it if you have a giant sweet tooth. But for most people, the 7oz small hits the sweet spot for portion size, nutrition, and price.
Storing Leftover Ralph’s Italian Ice
What should you do if you can’t finish your small Ralph’s Italian ice in one sitting? Here are some storage tips:
- Reseal the lid – This prevents freezer burn between eats.
- Place back in the freezer – Keeps it solidly frozen.
- Eat within 1-2 months – For best quality and texture.
- Let sit 5 minutes before re-eating – To soften from freezer.
With proper freezing, a small Italian ice will keep for 1-2 months after opening. Be sure to reseal it and pop it back in the freezer within 30 minutes to maintain its icy consistency. Allow it to sit out briefly before digging back in so it softens up.
Troubleshooting Watery or Melted Italian Ice
Nothing’s worse than finding your Italian ice melted into a watery mess! Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Don’t leave it out of the freezer for extended periods.
- Check your freezer temp – It should be 0°F or below.
- Make sure the lid is sealed correctly after opening.
- Eat within a day or two of opening.
- Consider adding the watery juice to drinks or cocktails!
With proper freezing technique, your Ralph’s Italian ice should retain its perfectly smooth icy texture. Be diligent about resealing and returning to the freezer after opening to prevent premature melting.
Other Tips for Ralph’s Italian Ice
To recap, here are some top tips for enjoying Ralph’s famous Italian ice:
- Stick with the 7oz small size for a moderate portion.
- Savor the flavor – don’t scarf it down too quickly.
- Feel free to mix flavors for a custom combo.
- Add toppings if you want to enrich it.
- Reseal and return to freezer promptly after opening.
- Eat within a day or two for best texture.
Ralph’s Italian ice is a delicious summer treat. Now that you know the small size is 7 ounces, you can grab this portion-controlled frozen snack with confidence. Savor the sweet, fruity flavor and creamy texture of authentic Ralph’s Italian ice.
Conclusion
When you grab an Italian ice from Ralph’s, opting for the small 7 oz cup is the way to go. This gives you 1 full cup of their signature soft, icy texture and concentrated fruit flavor in a moderately sized portion. The small contains 140 calories and 30g of sugar – less than larger sizes. At just $1.99-$2.99 per cup, the 7 ounce Italian ice is affordable and easy to consume in one sitting. Reseal and freeze any leftovers within 30 minutes. Overall, the renowned small Ralph’s Italian ice offers the perfect bite-sized amount of sweet, fruity refreshment. Now that you know the small size is 7 ounces, you can enjoy this classic cool treat to the fullest.