Shaved ice is a large family of ice-based desserts made of fine shavings of ice and sweet condiments or syrups. Usually,
the syrup is added after the ice has been frozen and shaved—typically at the point of sale; however, flavoring can also
be added before freezing. The dessert is consumed worldwide in various forms and ways. Shaved ice can also be mixed with
large quantities of liquid to produce shaved ice drinks.
Many shaved ices are confused with "Italian ice", which is derived from the similar Italian dessert known as "granita".
However, Italian ice, also known as "water ice", often has the fruit juice or other ingredients, like almond,
incorporated into the sugared water before it is frozen. Shaved ice—especially highly commercial shaved ice (such as
that found in food chains or from street vendors)—is often flavored after the ice has been frozen and shaved. Snow cones
are an example of shaved ice that is flavored after production.