Shaved ice looks like a high-margin snack. It can be. But syrup, toppings, and cups can erase the margin fast.
If you do not cost syrup by ounce and lock portion sizes, you will guess. This guide gives you a U.S.-focused shaved ice cost calculator with batch math and pricing targets.
Quick Summary
- Syrup cost is mostly sugar, not flavoring
- Price by syrup ounces + cup + toppings
- Add-ons should carry higher margins than base cones
- Reprice when sugar costs move
The Core Shaved Ice Cost Formulas
Syrup cost per oz = (Total syrup batch cost / Total syrup oz)
Cone cost = Syrup portion + Ice + Cup + Spoon + Toppings
Target price = Cone cost / Target food cost %U.S. Price Benchmarks (Retail, City Average)
Use these as directional checks, then plug in your supplier pricing.
| Item | Latest U.S. city average | Unit cost | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar, white | $0.985/lb (Dec 2025) | $0.06/oz | Syrup cost driver |
Price conversion formula:
Price per oz = Price per lb / 16Syrup Batch Math (1 Gallon)
Example batch (128 oz):
- Sugar: 6 lb
- Water: 1 gallon
- Flavoring: $1.50 (example)
Batch cost:
Sugar cost = 6 x $0.985 = $5.91
Total syrup cost = $5.91 + $1.50 = $7.41Cost per oz:
$7.41 / 128 = $0.06If you pour 2 oz per cone:
2 oz x $0.06 = $0.12Example 1: Classic Snow Cone
Assumptions (example):
- Syrup: 2 oz = $0.12
- Ice: $0.03
- Cup + spoon: $0.20
Total cost: $0.35
Target price for 22% food cost:
$0.35 / 0.22 = $1.59Menu price range: $1.49–$1.99
Example 2: Large Cone + Fruit Topping
Assumptions (example):
- Syrup: 3 oz = $0.18
- Ice: $0.04
- Cup + spoon: $0.22
- Fruit topping: $0.28
Total cost: $0.72
Target price for 25% food cost:
$0.72 / 0.25 = $2.88Menu price range: $2.79–$3.29
Add-On Pricing Rules
Add-ons should carry higher margins than the base cone.
- Sweet cream drizzle: cost x 3
- Mochi or boba: cost x 3–4
- Soft serve topper: cost x 2.5–3
If you discount add-ons, you erase the base margin.
Portion Standards to Lock In
- Syrup pour size (2 oz, 3 oz, or 4 oz)
- Cup sizes and fill line
- Topping scoop size
- One spoon and one napkin pack per order
Pricing Outlook
USDA’s food-away-from-home forecast stays positive for 2026. Even small sugar moves can change your margin at scale. Check syrup costs monthly in peak season.
How KitchenCost Helps Shaved Ice Stands
KitchenCost lets you build syrup recipes and cost cones by size. Track sugar cost changes, portion sizes, and add-on margin.
- Batch-based syrup costing
- Portion-based cone prices
- Add-on margin checks
- One-click menu updates
Want to stop guessing? Try KitchenCost - free to start.
Related guides:
- US Food Cost Calculator
- US Menu Pricing Calculator
- US Restaurant Portion Control Guide
- US Delivery App Pricing Guide