Rita's Italian Ice Menu Prices 2026: Full List, Sizes & Best Value

Italian ice (also called water ice in the Philadelphia area) is a frozen dessert made from water, sugar, and real fruit or natural flavors — with no dairy and no eggs. At Rita's it has a smooth, slightly icy texture that is lighter than sorbet. Because it contains no milk or cream, it is naturally vegan and dairy-free, making it a popular choice for guests with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

A Gelati is Rita's signature layered treat: Italian ice on the bottom, a layer of frozen custard in the middle, and more Italian ice on top — or vice versa — all in one cup. You choose the Italian ice flavor and the custard flavor (vanilla, chocolate, or the daily specialty). The contrast of cold, fruity ice against rich custard is what makes it the chain's most popular item.

A Blendini is frozen custard blended with your choice of mix-ins — Oreo pieces, brownie chunks, candy bars, fruit, or other toppings — creating a thick, creamy blended dessert similar to a Dairy Queen Blizzard or Cold Stone Creation. It is served in a cup and can be customized with almost any combination of available toppings.

Yes. Since 1989 Rita's has handed out a free small Italian ice to every guest at participating locations on the first day of spring (the vernal equinox, usually March 20 or 21). It is one of the most popular annual promotions in the fast-food industry and typically draws long lines at stores across the country. Availability can vary by franchise, so check your local store's social media to confirm participation.

The Italian ice itself is dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. However, the frozen custard and any menu item that includes custard — such as Gelati, Blendini, Concretes, and shakes — contains dairy and eggs. Rita's also offers a sugar-free Italian ice in select flavors for guests monitoring sugar intake. Always inform staff of allergies, as cross-contact is possible in a shared-kitchen environment.

Rita's system-wide flavor library includes over 100 Italian ice flavors, though each individual store typically rotates through 6–12 flavors at a time. Flavor availability varies by season and location: tropical fruits and citrus flavors are popular in summer, while fall menus often feature apple, pumpkin, and caramel. The company's website and app typically list the current flavors available at your nearest store.

Most Rita's items are available in Small, Medium, and Large cups. Italian ice is additionally sold by the quart and half-gallon for take-home. Blendini and Misto Shakes are typically available in a single size. Pricing scales with size, and the quart and half-gallon options represent the best per-ounce value for fans who want to enjoy Rita's at home.

Rita's Italian ice is naturally gluten-free, as is the plain frozen custard. However, Blendini mix-ins such as Oreo pieces and brownie bits contain gluten, and waffle cones also contain gluten. Guests with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity should ask staff about preparation procedures and potential cross-contact, as the kitchen handles gluten-containing ingredients.

Rita's is generally priced between Dairy Queen (lower) and Cold Stone Creamery (higher). A small Italian ice at Rita's starts around $3.29, compared to a small Dairy Queen soft-serve cone at roughly $2.99–$3.49 and a small Cold Stone Creation at $4.79–$5.49. Rita's Gelati and Blendini sit in the $4.49–$6.00 range, making it a mid-range option among frozen dessert chains.