Italian ice comes in a rainbow of flavors, but the real question on a hot day is how the cost of a gelati compares to a standard cup of water ice. If you are looking for a full breakdown of the current offerings, you need a clear look at the Rita’s Menu with Prices before you pull up to the window. We have gathered the typical costs for cups, quarts, and specialty treats so you can plan your order without any surprises.
Rita’s is famous for its smooth and creamy texture, which is different from a hard scoop of ice cream. The menu is simple, but the number of combinations can feel a bit overwhelming when you are staring at the board. Below, we break down the standard pricing structure, the serving sizes, and the seasonal specials that pop up during the summer months.
Rita’s Menu With Prices
The core of the business is the Italian ice, but you will also find frozen custard, gelati, and Misto shakes. Prices can vary slightly depending on the state or city you are in, but the figures below reflect the average cost at corporate locations. Franchise owners do have the ability to set their own rates, so expect a small difference of about 10 to 30 cents per item depending on your local store.
Standard Italian Ice Cups
This is the classic order. You pick a flavor, and they hand you a cup of shaved ice that is packed tight. The texture is dense, not crunchy like a snow cone. The size options are usually consistent across the chain.
- Small (12 oz) – $3.49
- Medium (16 oz) – $4.29
- Large (22 oz) – $5.19
- Giant (32 oz) – $6.49
You can mix two flavors in the same cup for no extra charge. Just ask for a “layered” cup and they will split it down the middle. This is a great way to try something new without committing to a full cup of a single taste.
Frozen Custard Pricing
If you want something richer, the custard is the way to go. It is made fresh throughout the day and has a higher butterfat content than regular ice cream. You can get it plain, in a cone, or as part of a larger dessert.
- Small Cup – $4.29
- Medium Cup – $5.09
- Large Cup – $5.79
- Waffle Cone – $5.49
- Kids Size – $3.29
The custard flavors rotate daily. You might find vanilla, chocolate, or a specialty flavor like peanut butter cup. If you have a specific flavor in mind, call ahead because the selection changes every day at most locations.
Gelati And Misto Shakes
A Gelati is the signature item. It is a layer of custard on the bottom, a layer of Italian ice on top, and then another layer of custard to finish. It creates a thick, spoonable dessert that is very popular.
- Small Gelati – $5.29
- Medium Gelati – $6.09
- Large Gelati – $6.99
The Misto Shake is a blended drink that mixes the ice and custard together with a little bit of milk. It is thinner than a Gelati and comes with a straw.
- Small Misto – $5.49
- Medium Misto – $6.29
- Large Misto – $7.19
Quarts And Take-Home Packs
For parties or family gatherings, buying a quart is the best value. You can get a quart of just Italian ice, just custard, or a combo pack that has both.
- Italian Ice Quart – $8.99
- Custard Quart – $9.49
- Combo Quart (Ice and Custard) – $9.99
- Half Gallon Ice – $12.99
These quarts are sold in a round plastic container with a lid. They are easy to store in the freezer, but you should let them sit out for about five minutes before serving. The ice freezes very hard and needs a moment to soften up for scooping.
Specialty Items And Sundaes
Rita’s also offers a few other items that are not on the main board at every location. These include the Ice Cream Sandwich made with two chocolate wafers and custard, plus the Sundae line that comes with toppings.
- Ice Cream Sandwich – $4.49
- Small Sundae – $4.99
- Large Sundae – $5.99
- Blended Ice Cup – $4.79
The sundaes come with hot fudge, caramel, or strawberry topping. You can add whipped cream and a cherry for free, but extra toppings like sprinkles or nuts will cost about 50 cents each.
Seasonal Flavor Rotations
The flavor list changes with the seasons. During the summer, you will see a lot of fruit flavors like mango, watermelon, and lemon. In the fall, they switch to pumpkin and apple. The winter months bring peppermint and chocolate.
Prices do not change for seasonal flavors. A small cup of pumpkin pie ice in October will cost the same as a small cup of cherry in July. The only exception is when they do a limited time collaboration with a candy brand, which might be priced slightly higher.
How To Save Money On Your Order
There are a few ways to reduce the total cost of your visit. First, look for the “Happy Hour” deal. Most stores offer a discount on Italian ice between 2 PM and 4 PM on weekdays. This is not a national policy, so you need to check with your local store to see if they participate.
Second, download the mobile app. The app frequently sends out coupons for a free small cup with any purchase. You can also earn points on every dollar you spend, which adds up to free items after a while.
Third, consider the kids size. It is significantly cheaper and is still a decent portion for a snack. If you are not starving, the kids size is more than enough to satisfy the sweet tooth.
Gift Cards And Bundles
You can buy gift cards at a discount during the holiday season. Sometimes they run a promotion where you get a $5 bonus card when you buy $25 worth of gift cards. This is a good way to save money if you know you will be visiting often.
There are also “Cup Buddies” which are refillable plastic cups. You pay a higher price upfront for the cup, but then refills are cheaper for the rest of the season. The price for a Cup Buddy is around $7.99, and refills are usually $2.49 for a small.
Comparing Costs To Other Chains
When you compare the cost to a standard ice cream truck or a local parlor, Rita’s is usually in the middle range. A small cup of Italian ice is cheaper than a scoop of premium ice cream at a sit-down shop. However, it is more expensive than a basic snow cone from a street vendor.
The value comes from the quality of the ingredients. The ice is not just flavored sugar water. It has a specific texture that comes from a proprietary freezing process. This makes it worth the slight price increase over a gas station popsicle.
Tax And Additional Fees
Keep in mind that the prices listed above are before tax. Most locations do not charge a service fee for credit card use, but some franchise owners have started adding a small surcharge. It is always a good idea to carry a few dollars in cash just in case the card machine is down.
There is no charge for extra napkins or spoons. You can also ask for a cup of water for free if you are dining in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the pricing and the menu items at this popular chain.
Does the price change if I mix two flavors of ice?
No. Mixing flavors in the same size cup does not cost extra. You can ask for a layered cup or a half-and-half cup at no additional charge.
Are the prices the same at every Rita’s location?
No. Franchise owners have the ability to adjust prices based on their local operating costs. You might see a difference of up to 50 cents between a store in a big city and one in a small town.
Is there a discount for buying a large quantity?
Yes. The quarts and half gallons offer a better price per ounce compared to buying individual cups. You can also ask about catering trays for large events, which are priced per serving.
Do they offer a low sugar or sugar free option?
Yes. Most locations carry a sugar free Italian ice option. The price is the same as the regular ice. The sugar free flavors are usually limited to lemon, lime, and sometimes a berry flavor.
Can I get a refund if I dont like the flavor I chose?
Most stores will let you swap your cup for a different flavor if you bring it back to the counter immediately. The policy is not written down, but the staff is usually friendly about fixing a mistake.
Final Thoughts On Ordering
The menu is not complicated, but the line can get long during the summer. To speed things up, decide your order before you reach the window. If you are new to Rita’s, start with a small Gelati in a classic flavor like chocolate and cherry. That gives you the best sense of what the brand is known for.
Remember that the prices are subject to change. The company updates the menu periodically, and local stores might have a slightly different price sheet. Always check the board at the window or look at the official website for the most current numbers before you go.
You can also follow the brand on social media for announcements about limited time offers. They often run a “Two for One” special on certain days of the week, which is the best time to go if you are on a budget.
Overall, a trip to this spot is a reasonable treat. It is not the cheapest dessert you can find, but the portion sizes are generous and the quality is consistent. A small cup is enough for one person, and a medium is plenty if you are sharing with a child. Plan your order ahead, look for the happy hour discount, and you will leave with a smile and a full stomach.
One last tip is to check the weather. The ice melts fast in direct sunlight. If you are going to a park, ask for a cup with a lid and eat it quickly before it turns into a slushy drink. The texture is best when it is still firm.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the ordering process with confidence. The next time someone asks about the cost, you will have the answer ready. Go ahead and treat yourself to a cool snack, you have earned it.