Quick Answer
Shaved ice, according to Chinese Wikipedia, is a dessert made by shaving ice into fine flakes by machine or by hand, then adding syrup or toppings. It developed in Taiwan after ice-making technology was introduced during the Japanese colonial era, and the texture can range from coarse to the very fine “snow ice”. Bubble tea and dessert shops commonly mix snow ice powder with water to ratio, freeze it into blocks, then shave thin ribbons with a snow ice machine, giving a soft, fluffy texture with flavor in the ice itself. Adding snow ice to a summer menu helps reach customers beyond drinks.
Shaved Ice vs Snow Ice
| Comparison | Shaved ice | Snow ice |
|---|---|---|
| Ice base | Mostly plain ice | Usually flavored ice blocks |
| Texture | Fine flakes, coarseness varies | Thin ribbons, soft and fluffy |
| Flavor | Mainly from syrup and toppings | The ice itself is flavored |
| Equipment | Ice shaver | Snow ice machine |
How Shops Make Snow Ice
- Mix the base: combine snow ice powder with water (or milk) in the pack ratio.
- Freeze into blocks: pour into molds and freeze for the time given by your equipment and product instructions.
- Shave: shave into thin ribbons with a snow ice machine and pile into shape.
- Top: fruit, jam, condensed milk, tapioca pearls, taro balls, red beans and more.
Follow each product’s instructions for ratios and freezing time.
Popular Flavor Pairings
| Snow ice flavor | Toppings |
|---|---|
| Milk | Mango, strawberry jam, tapioca pearls |
| Taro | Taro balls, red beans |
| Mango | Canned or fresh mango |
| Green tea | Red beans, mochi |
For toppings, see How to Use Canned Fruit in Drinks, How to Use Fruit Jam in Drinks and How to Use Canned Red Beans and Mung Beans.
Hygiene for Ice Desserts
Ice desserts are eaten as-is without further heating, so pay special attention to cleaning for block making, molds, machine blades and storage, and follow good food hygiene practice. See Food Hygiene for Bubble Tea Shops.
Tang Sugar’s Snow Ice Range
Tang Sugar supplies snow ice machines, original, taro, mango and green tea snow ice powders, and chocolate and vanilla ice cream powders (1kg per bag, 20 per carton), plus toppings such as canned fruit, jams and canned beans. Request samples or contact us.
FAQ
How is snow ice different from shaved ice?
Shaved ice is usually plain ice shaved into fine flakes and topped with syrup; snow ice is usually a flavored ice block shaved into thin ribbons, soft and fluffy with flavor in the ice itself.
How do you make snow ice?
Mix snow ice powder with water or milk to ratio, freeze into blocks, shave into thin ribbons with a snow ice machine and add toppings.
When did shaved ice appear in Taiwan?
According to Chinese Wikipedia, it developed after ice-making technology was introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era.
What equipment do you need for snow ice?
Freezing equipment to make the ice blocks, and a snow ice machine to shave them.
What’s the right snow ice recipe ratio?
Shops usually mix snow ice powder with water to the pack ratio, freeze into blocks and shave with a snow ice machine. Water ratio, freezing time and ribbon thickness depend on the powder and machine instructions; test first, then write it into your SOP.
What else is Taiwanese snow ice called?
Taiwanese snow ice (xuehua bing, 雪花冰) is also written as snowflake ice or shaved snow, while traditional Taiwanese shaved ice is usually called shaved ice. Overseas shops often add “Taiwanese” on the menu, for example Taiwanese snow ice.
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia: Shaved ice (in Chinese)
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
