Snowice

Snowice, also called snow ice (雪花冰), is a dessert of East Asian origin that is defined by a mound of very finely shaved ice with a light, fluffy, snow-like texture. It is typically prepared with a dairy-based ice base and served with a variety of toppings and syrups.

The ice for snowice is produced using a specialized ice-shaving machine that creates extremely fine crystals, forming soft, airy shavings rather than a solid block. The base commonly includes milk, condensed milk, or evaporated milk, sometimes diluted with water or flavored with tea or fruit, resulting in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Common toppings and accompaniments include fresh fruit, sweet red beans, mung beans, grass jelly, taro, mochi, pudding, and various syrups or fruit sauces. Variants may emphasize dairy flavors such as milk tea or matcha, and vegan options may use non-dairy milks.

Snowice has strong continental ties to Taiwan, where it is a staple of dessert shops and street vendors. It sits within a broader family of shaved ice desserts that includes Chinese bao bing and Japanese kakigori, each employing different techniques to achieve fine ice textures.

Today snowice is offered in many countries, often adapted to local tastes and dietary preferences. It is commonly found in dessert cafes and market stalls, sometimes under brand names or as a menu item in Asian-fusion eateries.