How many calories are in snowcream?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

The number of calories in snow cream can range significantly depending on the ingredients. This dessert's calorie content can vary from under 100 to over 400 per serving.

Quick Summary

Snow cream calories vary widely, from lighter options using fresh snow and milk alternatives to richer versions with sugar and fatty toppings. The number depends on the ingredients used.

Key Points

Variable Calories: Snow cream can range from under 100 to over 900 calories, depending on the type and ingredients.
Ingredient Impact: The main calorie sources are fat from dairy (cream, milk) and carbohydrates from sweeteners (sugar, syrups, condensed milk).
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade versions offer total control over ingredients for calorie management, while commercial options provide consistent nutritional data.
International Differences: Global variations like Korean bingsu and Taiwanese snow ice often have a much higher calorie count due to rich, numerous toppings.
Lower Calorie Options: To reduce calories, use skim or almond milk, artificial sweeteners like stevia, and natural toppings like fresh fruit.
Snow Safety: Only use fresh, clean snow that has fallen recently and is free from pollutants and discoloration.

The Calorie Breakdown of Snow Cream

Snow cream combines fresh snow with a liquid and a sweetener. The added ingredients determine the caloric impact.

The Impact of Key Ingredients on Calories

To determine how many calories are in snowcream, the ingredients need to be examined. More sugar and fat equal higher calories.

Dairy: Milk choice is a major factor. Full-fat milk or heavy cream will increase the calorie count compared to non-fat or plant-based alternatives.
Sweeteners: Traditional recipes call for sugar, which is a primary source of calories. Using sugar substitutes, like stevia or erythritol, can drastically reduce the total. The amount of sugar used can also vary.
Flavorings and Toppings: Vanilla extract adds negligible calories, but other additions add calories. Toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, sprinkles, and condensed milk can add hundreds of calories to a single serving. For instance, Korean bingsu, a type of milk-based snow cream, can contain over 900 calories with all its toppings.

Homemade vs. Commercial Snow Cream Calories

There's a significant difference between making snow cream at home and purchasing a commercial version, primarily due to portion control and ingredient choices. A homemade batch might be less precise, but you have complete control. Commercial options, like Mayfield's Snow Cream Ice Cream, provide consistent nutrition information on the label, such as the 120 calories per 2/3 cup serving. However, a homemade recipe might yield a different result depending on the amount of milk and sugar used.

International Variations: A World of Different Calories

Snow cream variations exist globally, each with its own calorie profile.

Korean Bingsu: A popular dessert made with milk-based shaved ice. While a basic bowl can have around 300-400 calories, adding various toppings such as red bean paste, rice cake, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh fruit can easily push it over 900 calories.
Taiwanese Snow Ice: Similar to bingsu, this dessert uses milk or fruit-flavored ice blocks. Calories typically range from 300 to 700+ per serving, with the higher end reserved for toppings like syrups and candies.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice: A much lighter option, typically consisting of fine ice flakes with flavored syrup. A standard 8oz serving with syrup averages around 144 calories, while sugar-free versions can be nearly calorie-free. Adding a crème topping or sweetened condensed milk can increase the calories substantially.

How to Make Low-Calorie Snow Cream

For those watching their calorie intake, it's easy to create a delicious, guilt-free version of snow cream at home by making simple substitutions.

Choose a low-calorie base: Instead of heavy cream or whole milk, opt for unsweetened almond milk, skim milk, or oat milk.
Switch your sweetener: Swap regular sugar for a zero-calorie or low-calorie alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Be sure to check the conversion ratios for the best results.
Use natural flavorings: Stick to extracts like vanilla or almond, or use fruit purees for flavor and a touch of sweetness. Avoid high-sugar syrups.
Mind your toppings: Opt for fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup instead of calorie-dense items like caramel or chocolate sauce. For example, fresh strawberries add flavor and nutrients without excessive sugar.

Here are some healthy, low-calorie substitutions to try:

Dairy Swap: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.
Sweetener Swap: Use stevia or monk fruit instead of granulated sugar.
Topping Swap: Use fresh berries instead of caramel or chocolate syrup.

Comparison Table: Snow Cream Calories at a Glance


Type of Snow Cream	Base	Typical Add-ins	Approx. Calories (per serving)	Key Calorie Source
Homemade (Basic)	Snow, Milk, Sugar	Vanilla extract	160-220	Sugar, Milk Fat
Homemade (Rich)	Snow, Heavy Cream, Sugar	Vanilla extract	280-300+	Heavy Cream, Sugar
Commercial (Mayfield)	Water, Buttermilk, Cream	Sugar, Corn syrup	90-120	Sugar, Dairy
Korean Bingsu	Shaved Milk Ice	Condensed milk, Red bean, Fruit	300-900+	Condensed Milk, Toppings
Taiwanese Snow Ice	Shaved Milk/Fruit Ice	Condensed milk, Syrups, Pearls	300-700	Syrups, Toppings
Hawaiian Shaved Ice	Ice, Syrup	Sweetener, Flavoring	144 (8oz)	Sugar (Syrup)

Conclusion

The calories in snow cream depend entirely on the chosen ingredients. From light shaved ice to a topping-heavy bingsu, the range is vast. For a healthier option, use low-fat dairy and sugar substitutes. Being mindful of your additions is the best way to enjoy this dessert without overindulging. For an example of a commercial version, you can review the ingredients on sites like Mayfield Dairy Farms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Snow cream is typically made by mixing fresh snow with dairy and sugar, creating a creamy texture similar to homemade ice cream. Shaved ice is made by finely shaving a block of ice and then adding flavored syrups, resulting in a lighter, less creamy dessert.

Safety depends on the quality of the snow. As long as fresh, clean snow is used, snow cream can be a safe treat. However, regular ice cream, made from pasteurized ingredients, is generally considered a safer food product from a bacterial standpoint.

Yes, substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can significantly lower the calorie count while maintaining sweetness. Recipes often suggest ratios for these substitutions.

Snow cream calories are highly variable. A basic homemade version can have fewer calories than a rich commercial ice cream, but a traditional recipe with heavy cream might be comparable. International versions like bingsu can easily surpass a standard scoop of ice cream.

It is generally safe to eat fresh, white snow that has not come into contact with pollutants, chemicals, or animal waste. Avoid collecting snow from areas near roads or urban centers, and always use the clean top layer.

The highest caloric contributions come from added sugars, such as granulated sugar or condensed milk, and the fat content from dairy products like heavy cream or full-fat milk.

Yes, snow cream can be made dairy-free by substituting milk or cream with a plant-based milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.