Louisiana Snoballs: Origins & Where to Try Them
Snoballs have been a part of Louisiana’s food history for nearly 100 years. Once local to New Orleans, snoballs can be found throughout Louisiana.
At a Glance
- Louisiana snoballs are a delicious treat made with finely shaved ice covered in simple syrups.
- Must-Try Snoball Stands include Hensen’s Sno-Bliz and Plum St. Snowballs in New Orleans, Debbie’s Snowballs in West Monroe, SnoMan Snoballs in Baton Rouge and Flying Dolly’s with multiple locations.
Louisiana’s storied food history boasts everything from boudin to oysters — not to mention Tabasco hot sauce and signature cocktails. For all of the state’s spice, though, there is plenty of sweetness to go around. More specifically, snowy sweetness. Welcome to your bucket list a Southern cult classic: Snoballs.
Enjoy a Louisiana Snowball
Characterized by expert ice-shaving techniques, snoballs are pillowy mounds of ice flavored with simple syrups. Unlike snow cones, whose ice is more coarse, a snoball’s texture is smooth, more like that of Italian ice.
Snoball History
In 1934, Ernest Hansen built the first-ever “Sno-Bliz,” a block-ice shaving machine that modernized the growing industry of corner snoball stands. Two years later, New Orleans grocer George Ortolano developed the SnoWizard, a product that also produced delicate, snow-like flakes of ice.
Once the texture of snoballs was perfected, creators defined their craft with signature syrups, sauces and combinations. Snoballs come in flavors that range from fresh fruit to wedding cake and are often drizzled in condensed milk or stuffed with ice cream.
Must-Try Snoball Stands
Now that we have your mouth watering, here are some great places to enjoy Louisiana’s signature icy treat.
Hansen's Sno-Bliz, New Orleans
Hansen’s Sno-Bliz: Ernest Hansen, ice-shaving machine developer, founded this New Orleans staple. With uncommon flavors like satsuma, cream of nectar and cardamom, and nearly a century of support from patrons, it’s no wonder this snoball stand was named a 2014 American Classic by the James Beard Foundation.
Plum St. Snowballs, New Orleans
Plum St. Snowballs: In a quaint yellow building just steps from Tulane University sits Plum St. Snowballs. Since 1945, the company has served delightful, cooling treats to uptown New Orleans. They’re known for their snowball buckets — a plastic gallon filled with whichever fruity flavor you desire.
Debbie's Snowballs, West Monroe
Debbie’s Snowballs: Since 1970, Debbie’s Snowballs has offered West Monroe the gift of homemade syrups, old-fashioned ice cream and malts. Their snoballs are filled with goodies like blackberry syrup, crushed candies or banana pudding.
Flying Dolly's, Various Locations
Flying Dolly's: No need to wait until the weather heats up for a snoball from Flying Dolly’s. It's first spot opened in Mandeville, with additional Louisiana locations in New Orleans and Kenner. Apart from their acclaimed snoballs, they serve housemade ice creams in playful flavors like Creole Cream Cheese and Banana Malt.
Snowman Snoballs, Baton Rouge
SnoMan Snoballs: Baton Rouge’s SnoMan Snoballs offers 55 flavors and infinite combinations. Their specialty toppings include typical confections, sure, but also items like evaporated milk and marshmallow fluff. For a rich and filling twist, try a snoball stuffed with cheesecake.
Snoballs are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Louisiana’s food history. Feeling hungry for more? Dive deeper into Louisiana's Food Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Louisiana snoball?
A Louisiana snoball is a frozen treat made from finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups.
How is a snoball different from a snow cone?
The biggest difference is the ice texture. Snow cones use crushed ice, while Louisiana snoballs use finely shaved ice that resembles fresh snow. This creates a smoother texture and a more flavorful experience because the syrup is absorbed rather than pooling at the bottom.
What are the most popular snoball flavors?
Popular Louisiana snoball flavors include wedding cake, nectar cream, strawberry, cherry, coconut, blue raspberry, cream of nectar, and fresh fruit varieties. Many stands also offer specialty flavors inspired by local desserts.
What toppings can you add to a snoball?
Many Louisiana snoball stands offer toppings such as condensed milk, marshmallow cream, whipped cream, cheesecake, candy, fresh fruit, or even ice cream stuffed inside the snoball.
When is snoball season in Louisiana?
Most snoball stands operate during the warmer months, typically from spring through early fall. Some popular shops stay open year-round, especially in and around New Orleans.
