Selena Gomez Shares the Pickle Snow Cone That Defined Her Texas Childhood

Selena Gomez might be Hollywood royalty, but her snack cravings remain rooted in Texas. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Gomez revealed her go-to treat from childhood: a snow cone soaked in pickle brine and crowned with chopped pickles. “They know my order. They’re always like ‘Welcome back!’” she told Fallon, referring to the longtime Grand Prairie, TX stand Tastee Ice.

Her fiancé, Benny Blanco, had a version of the nostalgic snack flown in for the occasion, confirming it’s not a seasonal indulgence—it’s a lifelong obsession. Blanco, after chatting with staff at the ice stand, confirmed “Nobody except her” orders the pickle snow cone.

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As surprising as this might sound to some, Gomez’s briny delight is part of a long and somewhat underground tradition in the South. And now, thanks to Gomez, it’s piquing national interest.

What is a pickle snow cone?

A pickle snow cone is precisely what it sounds like: shaved ice doused in dill pickle juice. It may be topped with chopped pickles or other spicy and savory ingredients like Tajín or chamoy. The result is a salty, vinegary twist on the typically sweet and fruity summer classic.

RELATED: Pamela Anderson Revives Family Tradition With New Pickle Line

Gomez’s version, served at Tastee Ice, is as straightforward as it gets—no syrup, just shaved ice, brine, and pickles. But similar offerings have long existed in Southern food culture, including a regional variation called the Piccadilly.

Meet the Piccadilly

The Piccadilly is a cult-favorite frozen snack originating in parts of Louisiana and Texas. It typically starts with cherry or fruit-flavored shaved ice and is layered with pickle slices, pickle juice, and sometimes sour candy like Kool-Aid powder. According to Hawaiian Shaved Ice, a retailer that tracks frozen dessert trends, the Piccadilly has enjoyed a revival thanks to TikTok and Instagram, where food creators showcase bold, spicy-sour combinations.

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In fact, social media platforms have helped redefine what dessert even means. Viral treats like chamoy-covered fruit, Tajín-dusted mango spirals, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos-topped corn have carved out a sensory space for flavor combinations once relegated to regional palates.

Why pickles—and why now?

Aside from the nostalgic pull for many Southerners, there may be a deeper reason pickle juice is catching on. It contains vinegar, electrolytes, and sodium, which can replenish hydration and ease muscle cramps—qualities that have led to a surprising rise in popularity of pickle juice among athletes. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that consuming pickle brine relieved cramps 37 percent faster than drinking water.

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Beyond recovery, some research suggests pickle juice might help regulate blood sugar and support gut health due to its fermented origins, though this depends on the kind of brine used. According to the Cleveland Clinic, athletes and dietitians have embraced it as a performance drink, particularly after high-sweat activities.

This isn’t just a novelty, then. It’s a cold, quirky way to get a post-run boost—with a little flair.

How to make a pickle snow cone at home

If you’re not near Grand Prairie, you can recreate Gomez’s favorite treat at home with minimal effort. 

What you need:

Ice
Pickle juice (brine from a jar of dill pickles)
Chopped pickles
Chili powder (optional)
Chamoy (optional)
Kool-Aid powder (optional)

What you do:

Into a cup, pack shaved ice. Pour chilled pickle juice until saturated, and top with pickles and any optional add-ons. Serve immediately.

Not just for kids

Gomez isn’t the only adult embracing the briny trend. In fact, picklebacks—a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice—have become a bar staple in recent years. Brine is also being incorporated into cocktails, popsicles, and even slushies at upscale restaurants.

This crossover between nostalgic snack and adult novelty shows how culinary curiosity is reshaping American palates. Pickle juice is no longer strictly reserved for burgers or potato salad. As Gomez proves, it’s worthy of the main stage—and perhaps even a late-night debut.

“Pickle juice in snow cones? Genius,” Fallon declared on the show after taking a bite.

For Gomez, it was just another day honoring her roots.