Quick Answer
The main differences between snow cone syrup and shaved ice syrup are:
- Snow cone syrup is thinner, with a more concentrated flavor designed to soak into the ice.
- Shaved ice syrup is thicker, with a more diluted flavor designed to coat the ice.
- Snow cone syrup comes in bright neon colors for visual appeal.
- Shaved ice syrup is typically more natural colors.
- Snow cone syrup has a high sugar content to compensate for melting ice.
- Shaved ice syrup often has less sugar since the ice doesn’t melt as quickly.
Ingredients
The ingredients in snow cone syrup and shaved ice syrup can vary, but there are some common differences:
Snow Cone Syrup
- High fructose corn syrup
- Artificial flavors and colors
- Preservatives
- Higher sugar content – around 70% sugar
- Food coloring for bright neon colors
- Thickening agents like guar gum
- Acids for tartness like citric acid
Shaved Ice Syrup
- Simple syrup – sugar dissolved in water
- Natural flavors and colors
- Fruit purees and juices
- Lower sugar content – around 50% sugar
- Natural food coloring
- Thickeners like cornstarch
- Fruit acids for tartness
Shaved ice syrups tend to use more natural ingredients compared to the artificial ingredients in bright neon snow cone syrups. Snow cone syrups need stronger flavors and colors to stand out against the quickly melting ice.
Flavor
The flavors in snow cone and shaved ice syrup also tend to differ:
Snow Cone Syrup Flavors
- Artificial fruit flavors like cherry, grape, orange, lemon-lime
- Unique flavors like tiger’s blood (cherry, coconut, watermelon)
- Candy flavors like cotton candy, chocolate, bubblegum
- Sour flavors
- Loud, bright, concentrated flavors
Shaved Ice Syrup Flavors
- Natural fruit flavors like strawberry, mango, pineapple, watermelon
- Subtle, creamy flavors like cream, coconut, horchata, honey
- Unique tropical flavors like guava, lychee, passionfruit
- Tea flavors like Thai tea, taro, matcha
- Natural, muted flavors
Snow cone flavors tend to be louder and more artificial to compensate for the quickly melting ice. Shaved ice flavors are more natural and subtle to complement the cold ice.
Consistency
The consistency of snow cone and shaved ice syrup is tailored to the different types of ice they top:
Snow Cone Syrup Consistency
- Thin, pourable consistency
- Highly concentrated flavor and sweetness
- Soaks into ice for intense flavor
- Low viscosity to drip through snow cone ice
Shaved Ice Syrup Consistency
- Thick, spoonable consistency
- Mildly concentrated, diluted flavor
- Coats over ice for subtle flavor
- High viscosity to cling to shaved ice
The thin consistency of snow cone syrup allows it to soak and penetrate the tiny ice pellets. The thick consistency of shaved ice syrup allows it to coat and cling to the larger ice flakes.
Sweetness
One of the biggest differences between snow cone and shaved ice syrup is the sweetness:
Snow Cone Syrup Sweetness
- Very high sugar content, around 70%
- Uses high fructose corn syrup or plain white sugar
- Sweetness compensates for quickly melting ice
- Provides sweet bursts as syrup penetrates ice
Shaved Ice Syrup Sweetness
- Moderate sugar content, around 50%
- Uses simple syrup or fruit juices
- Balanced sweetness since ice doesn’t melt as quickly
- Provides steady sweetness with each bite
The intense sweetness of snow cone syrup counteracts the dilution as the syrup drips through the fast melting ice. Shaved ice syrup has lower sweetness since it coats ice that stays frozen longer.
Storage
Snow cone and shaved ice syrup also differ in how they are packaged and stored:
Snow Cone Syrup Storage
- Typically sold in plastic squeeze bottles
- Stored at room temperature
- Lasts for months unrefrigerated
- Easy to use by squeezing onto snow cones
Shaved Ice Syrup Storage
- Typically sold in jars or dispenser bottles
- Often requires refrigeration after opening
- Lasts for weeks refrigerated
- Spoon or pour over shaved ice
The artificial preservatives in snow cone syrup allow it to stay shelf-stable for long periods. Shaved ice syrup uses more natural ingredients requiring refrigeration.
Uses
Despite their differences, snow cone and shaved ice syrup can both be used to top ice desserts:
Uses for Snow Cone Syrup
- Pouring over snow cones
- Adding to slushies, floats, and icees
- Mixing into drinks and cocktails
- Using to flavor yogurt or ice cream
- Drizzling over shaved ice for extra sweetness
Uses for Shaved Ice Syrup
- Topping Hawaiian shave ice
- Drizzling over snow cones for natural flavors
- Spooning over plain ice for Italian ice
- Mixing into frozen drinks and smoothies
- Swirling into yogurt, oatmeal, or cream
Snow cone syrup works best with fine pellet ice while shaved ice syrup works best with larger ice flakes. But they can be used interchangeably depending on the flavor and consistency you prefer.
Appearance
Visually, snow cone and shaved ice syrup look quite different:
| Snow Cone Syrup | Shaved Ice Syrup |
|---|---|
| Neon, bright colors | Natural, muted colors |
| Opaque and syrupy | Translucent and viscous |
| Drips quickly through ice | Coats over ice in thick layer |
| Sold in plastic squeeze bottles | Sold in glass jars or dispensers |
The vivid colors and free flowing texture of snow cone syrup provides visual appeal as it soaks into the ice. Shaved ice syrup has a more subtle look as it blankets the ice.
Cost
Price is another consideration between these two syrups:
Snow Cone Syrup Cost
- Typically under $5 for a 16-20oz bottle
- Made from inexpensive ingredients like HFCS
- Mass-produced for lower costs
- Sold by big brands like Hawiian Ice, Torani, Yum Yum Syrups
Shaved Ice Syrup Cost
- Usually $5-$15 for a 12-16oz jar
- Made from more expensive natural ingredients
- Produced in smaller batches
- Sold by Hawaiian shaved ice shops and specialty brands
Overall, snow cone syrup made with artificial ingredients is cheaper to produce than shaved ice syrup made with real fruit and natural flavors. But you may get more nuanced, quality flavors from the more expensive shaved ice syrup.
Nutrition
Nutritionally, the two syrups differ in the following ways:
| Nutrition | Snow Cone Syrup | Shaved Ice Syrup |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | High due to sugar content | Moderate from natural sugars |
| Sugar | 70% sugar from HFCS | Around 50% from fruit sugars |
| Fat | None | A bit from dairy, coconut, etc |
| Fiber | Minimal | Some from fruit |
| Vitamins | None | Some from fruit |
Snow cone syrup is pure sugar and calories without nutrients. Shaved ice syrup contains some vitamins and fiber from fruit ingredients. But both should be enjoyed in moderation.
Popularity
In terms of popularity:
Snow Cone Syrup
- A staple dessert at state fairs and theme parks
- Strongly associated with childhood
- Mass appeal from sweetness and colors
- Preferred for snow cones, slushies, icees
Shaved Ice Syrup
- Originates from Hawaiian shave ice tradition
- Gaining popularity on mainland United States
- Appeals to those looking for natural, artisanal desserts
- Preferred for Hawaiian shave ice, Gelato and Italian ice
Snow cone syrup has timeless mainstream popularity. Shaved ice syrup is rising in popularity for those seeking a more gourmet, craft dessert.
History
The origins of these two syrups differ:
Snow Cone Syrup History
- First became popular in the 1920s
- Used early manmade flavors and dyes
- Mass production rose in the 1950s
- New neon colors and flavors emerged in the 1970s-80s
- Remains popular today, evoking nostalgia
Shaved Ice Syrup History
- Comes from centuries-old Hawaiian shave ice tradition
- Originally flavored with local fruits and ingredients
- Introduced to continental US in the 1960s -70s
- Authentic Hawaiian shops have spread in popularity
- Artisanal syrup brands have launched more recently
Snow cone syrup has evolved with mass manufacturing and artificial flavors. Shaved ice syrup originates from traditional Hawaiian culture and ingredients.
Making Your Own
You can also make your own versions of these iconic syrups at home:
DIY Snow Cone Syrup
- Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water and boil until dissolved
- Add 1 packet unsweetened Koolaid or Jello powder
- Flavor with extracts like vanilla, almond, mint
- Color with food coloring
- Bottle and store at room temperature
DIY Shaved Ice Syrup
- Puree fresh fruit like mangos, strawberries, peaches
- Combine fruit puree with simple syrup to taste
- Flavor with extracts like coconut, lavender, honey
- Bottle and refrigerate up to 2 weeks
Making your own syrups allows you to customize flavors and avoid artificial ingredients. They make great homemade gifts too!
Conclusion
In summary, snow cone and shaved ice syrups share some similarities but differ in:
- Snow cone syrup is thin, neon, extra sweet, and artificial tasting
- Shaved ice syrup is thick, muted, mildly sweet, with natural flavors
- Snow cone syrup works best with fine pellet ice
- Shaved ice syrup pairs better with larger ice flakes
- Both make tasty toppings for chilled desserts in the summer heat!
Whichever style you prefer, enjoy cones or cups of fluffy ice drenched in flavorful syrups. Stay cool, refreshed, and satisfied with these iconic summertime treats!