From born-and-raised New Orleanians to those of us who are just arriving at Tulane, all of us can agree that August in New Orleans can be brutally hot. While it may be too hot to enjoy the outdoors, what better way to beat the heat than to try one of New Orleans’s favorite summer treats: the sno-ball?

This past week, I visited three of the most popular sno-ball stands near campus — Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, Imperial Woodpecker and Plum Street Snoballs — to bring some clarity to what you should look for in a true New Orleans sno-ball and to determine what each stand does best by reviewing their flavors, ice quality and my overall experience.

While variations of shaved ice exist across the world, locals know that a true New Orleans sno-ball is its own thing. Gaining their popularity back in the 1930s, the New Orleans tradition of sno-balls started when locals Ernest Hansen of Hansen’s Sno-Bliz fame, and George Ortolano, founder of Snow-Wizard, created their first electric shaved ice machines. Since the invention of electric ice shavers, sno-balls have been a staple of all New Orleans springs and summers, with stands across the city during the season. But what makes a sno-ball different from any other snow cone?

While a snow cone’s ice is more granular, a New Orleans sno-ball’s name refers to its finely shaved, fluffy texture, resembling that of snow. Along with their texture, sno-balls are known for house-made syrups and cream flavors common in ice cream, such as chocolate and wedding cake. Sno-ball stands are also known for toppings like condensed milk and whipped cream, as well as “stuffed” sno-balls, often filled with ice cream. Overall, sno-balls and snow cones might seem interchangeable, but after trying a sno-ball for yourself, you can tell that their visual similarities are where the resemblances stop. 

To begin my search for my favorite Uptown sno-ball, I visited Plum Street Snoballs, just west of campus by a 15-minute walk. Loved for years by Uptown residents and students alike, Plum Street is your classic New Orleans sno-ball stand: traditional flavors, friendly staff and loyal customers. I tried two of their cream flavors, peach cream and nectar cream, as well as a Tulane color combination, spearmint and blue bubblegum.

Their flavors were consistent, and I especially loved their cream flavors, making Plum Street stand out for their commitment to tradition. However, if you are looking for more unique flavors or natural flavors, I think there are far better. 

For a stand to stop by on your way down Magazine Street, you should definitely check out Imperial Woodpecker. About a 10-minute drive from campus, Imperial Woodpecker is a relatively new stand, opening its doors in 2011, but do not let its recent founding fool you. While still serving popular syrups like chocolate and fruit flavors, Imperial Woodpecker has unique house-made flavors as well, such as pineapple cilantro and cream of earl grey, both of which I tried.

Pineapple cilantro was the perfect summer treat with its sweet yet natural notes of pineapple combined with the sharpness of cilantro. Unfortunately, cream of earl grey was not my favorite as the taste of tea was a bit bland, and I think Plum Street would be a better choice for cream flavors. Throughout both sno-balls, though, the ice was soft with only a few chunks, and overall, I would highly recommend Imperial Woodpecker.

Last but not least, you cannot beat New Orleans’s oldest continually open stand, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, for the best and most original flavors in town. My personal favorite of the three I visited this week, Hansen’s is about a 10-minute drive from campus, located on Tchoupitoulas Street. Hansen’s has been a tried-and-true sno-ball stand for 85 years thanks to Ernest Hansen’s electric machine and its mom-and-pop founding, now run by his granddaughter, Ashley Hansen. Aside from its novelty, though, Hansen’s is worth it for so much more. This week, I ordered satsuma and watermelon — both locally sourced — and lavender and mint.

Both sno-balls tasted very natural and refreshing, and I especially loved the tartness of their satsuma mixed with the lighter taste of watermelon. Hansen’s also had by far the softest ice I tried, living up to its reviews and making this spot my favorite in the city. 

While it might seem too hot during this time of year to do much outside, I urge you to try at least one sno-ball this season to engage with New Orleans culture through a sweet treat. No sno-ball stand in the city is completely alike, but whichever ones you decide to visit this year, you will truly get a taste of New Orleans in every bite.