New Orleans-style shaved ice
New Orleans-style shaved ice, often called a 'snowball,' is a beloved local treat made from finely shaved ice packed into a cup and drenched in flavored syrup. It's a staple of Louisiana summers, with popular flavors ranging from traditional fruit syrups to unique local creations like nectar cream and tiger's blood. The experience is often completed with a topping of condensed milk, known as 'cream.'
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dessert is very high in carbohydrates, almost entirely from simple sugars in the syrup and any added sweetened condensed milk. A typical serving provides a quick burst of energy but minimal essential nutrients, with a calorie count that can vary widely based on size and toppings.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 75 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 70 g |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
Per 1 medium snowball with syrup and cream topping (approx. 350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The cultural heart of the snowball is in New Orleans, where it's a year-round treat with dedicated stands and even 'snowball seasons.' Nutritionally, it's a fascinating study in hydration and quick energy, offering a cool respite from the heat while being a purely discretionary, sugary indulgence.
