All the Ice Cream Shop Supplies You Need to Start Your Shop

When starting your ice cream shop, there's a lot of supplies and equipment you need. We're here to help! Here's a list of all the ice cream shop supplies you need to start your shop.

1. Disposable Supplies

Disposable supplies are vital to an ice cream shop. Your customers need ice cream cups and good quality ice cream spoons to enjoy their tasty treats. You'll want a few different sizes for them to choose from. Some ice cream shops will buy different colors for each size so their employees don't have to guess which size is which. Alongside ice cream cups and spoons, you'll need cups and straws for milkshakes. Don't forget napkins! Ice cream tends to get messy once it melts, so you'll need them.

2. Takeout Supplies

During the pandemic, we all learned how important it is to have good takeout supplies. They're a vital part of your ice cream shop supplies. You may never have to revert to takeout and delivery alone, but some customers may only want your treats to-go. Invest in good-quality non-vented to-go containers with lids. You'll be glad you aren't relying on ice cream cups without lids in your ice cream shop.

3. Scoopers and Spades

If you're serving hard ice cream, you need a way to scoop it! Scoopers like these from Zeroll are made to give you perfectly round scoops every time. Spades are a good investment too! Their flat shape allows you to scrape all the remains of your ice cream from the plastic ice cream tubs. Waste not, want not! They're a great addition to your ice cream shop supplies.

4. Waffle Cone Holders

Waffle cones are a major seller in ice cream shops everywhere. Although, even if you mention them on your menu, if they're out of sight, they're out of mind. A great solution for this is displaying your waffle cones out in the open with a waffle cone holder. Alongside that, waffle cone holders make it easy for your employees to reach the cones!

5. Ice Cream Machines

You can't have an ice cream shop without ice cream machines! Depending on the volume of your shop and what you plan to serve, you'll need different machines. If you plan on serving hard-scoop ice cream, you'll need a machine that can accommodate that. If you want to serve soft-serve ice cream, a soft-serve machine will be best for you. Ice cream machines are a deeply important part of your ice cream shop supplies.

You can check out our collection of Scoopers & Scapers.

6. Milkshake Blenders

While you may be able to make milkshakes in a regular blender at home, you'll need a better blender to make milkshakes for your ice cream shop. If you're a high-volume shop, you'll need a milkshake blender with multiple spindles. If you don't sell many milkshakes in a day, you can probably do well with a single-spindle immersion blender. Whatever you buy, make sure it's an industrial blender that can handle a lot of milkshakes everyday.

7. Dipping Cabinets

If you serve hard scoop ice cream, you need a place to scoop it from! Dipping cabinets are great because your customers can see your ice cream as you're scooping it. Alongside that, your ice cream will stay at the proper temperature consistently.

8. Display Freezers

If you plan on selling treats like to-go pints of ice cream, ice cream bars, or ice cream cakes, your customers need to see them! Display freezers are perfect for to-go treats because they're easy impulse buys. Your customers can just grab their treats when they want them.

9. Machine Cleaner

The nature of processing dairy through a machine is that your machines will need consistent cleaning. Your ice cream shop supplies toolkit needs machine cleaner! You'll need machine cleaner made specifically for cleaning dairy. Try something like Stera Sheen to get your machines sparkling!

10. Tasting Spoons

The best way to sell new ice cream flavors to customers is by letting them try it first! Tasting spoons are the perfect way to do this. You can offer samples to your customers with ease.

With this simple checklist, you're sure to have all your ice cream shop supplies you need for your ice cream shop!

We'd love to get to know you. Take a picture of your ice cream shop and tag us on Instagram!