As Shave ice business owners, one of the things you have to decide on is whether to use ready-to-use simple syrups or flavor concentrates. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. I'm biased towards flavor concentrates because I know it'll generate more profit at the end of day for a shave ice business. But, let's be diligent and break it down...
Ready-to-Use simple Syrups:
Advantages are it's already made, so it's convenient! All you need to do is to put it in a pour bottle and add a pouring spout, and you are ready to go!
Disadvantages are you don't have control over its sweetener. Most syrups on the markets use high fructose syrup. Secondly, syrups are heavy, so when you purchase them, you are paying for some "water" weight. Lastly, it's much more expensive (about 40-60% more) to buy syrups than if you were to make your own from concentrates. You are paying for someone else's labor after all.
Flavor Concentrates
Advantages are you can add your own sugar to your concentrates, so you can choose the healthier cane sugar, and trust me, it tastes better too! You can also make your own sugar-free simple syrups by using substitute sugar like Splenda, agave nectar, or any other type of sugar substitutes. You'll have higher profit margin! You can make a whole gallon of simple syrup with only 4 oz. of concentrates! Lastly, concentrates have longer shelf life, preventing spoilage and waste of syrups.
Disadvantages are it's more time consuming to make your syrups.
In the end, running a business is tough work. So you will have to decide what works best for you! Until next time, stay cool and eat a shave ice.
1 comment
Jonas