"This Coffee Trend Will Have Customers Lining Up—Learn How to Profit!"

Introduction

What if your coffee cup was good enough to eat? Imagine sipping a rich, creamy latte or a bold espresso shot from a crunchy, chocolate-lined ice cream cone—no waste, no paper cups, just pure innovation. This isn’t just a quirky idea—it’s a booming business opportunity with low investment, high margins, and massive social media appeal. Ice Cream Cone Coffee is the perfect business for anyone looking to enter the food and beverage industry with a unique concept. In this blog, we’ll show you how to turn this delicious idea into a profitable venture.

What is Ice Cream Cone Coffee?

Ice Cream Cone Coffee is exactly what it sounds like—coffee served inside a thick, chocolate-lined ice cream cone. It combines two of the world’s favorite things: coffee and dessert. From classic espresso shots to flavored lattes or even affogato-style coffee (espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream), the variations are endless. This concept stands out because it’s not just about taste—it’s about presentation. With its unique, Instagram-worthy look, Ice Cream Cone Coffee is designed to grab attention and make every sip more enjoyable.

Best of all? The edible cone makes this product eco-friendly by eliminating the need for disposable cups. In a world where sustainability is key, this concept offers the perfect combination of fun, eco-consciousness, and deliciousness, making it an appealing trend for coffee lovers and environmentally-conscious consumers alike.

How to Start an Ice Cream Cone Coffee Business?

1. Choose Your Format

You can begin with a mobile cart, a mall kiosk, or even a pop-up stall at local events, markets, or college festivals. Each format offers flexibility and allows you to test your product in various locations before committing to a permanent setup.

2. Select a High-Footfall Location

To maximize your customer base, choose locations with high foot traffic, such as:

• College campuses
• Food streets
• Tourist spots
• Malls or local markets

3. Test and Finalize Your Menu

Experiment with different cone types, chocolate linings, coffee flavors, and serving temperatures. Ensure your product is durable, visually appealing, and flavorful. The right mix will keep customers coming back.

4. Build Your Brand

Creating a catchy name, a vibrant logo, and memorable taglines will help you stand out. The branding should reflect the fun, trendy, and eco-conscious nature of your product. Ensure that your visuals speak to your target market, especially younger, social media-savvy customers.

Raw Materials Required

To run your Ice Cream Cone Coffee business, you’ll need some essential raw materials. The main ingredient is the chocolate-lined waffle cone, which must be thick enough to hold hot coffee without leaking. For the coffee, choose high-quality espresso beans or instant coffee pods to ensure the perfect brew. You’ll also need milk or dairy alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk to cater to different dietary preferences.

In addition, chocolate ganache or syrup will be used to line the cones and enhance the flavor. Flavor syrups like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut can be added for variety, and toppings such as sprinkles, marshmallows, or crushed nuts can give your coffee a creative twist. Don't forget the napkins, holders, and cone sleeves, which help maintain hygiene and promote your brand.

Investment and Costing

The Ice Cream Cone Coffee business is highly affordable to start. The initial investment varies depending on the scale of your operation, but here’s an overview of what you’ll need:

• Espresso machine: ₹30,000–₹60,000 (basic model)
• Cone & ingredient stock: ₹15,000–₹20,000 (enough to get started)
• Cart/kiosk setup: ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 (depending on size and location)
• Branding and packaging: ₹5,000–₹10,000 (logos, napkins, and other materials)

For each cup of Ice Cream Cone Coffee, your raw materials cost should be around ₹20–₹40, while you can sell each cup for ₹80–₹200. This gives you a profit margin of 100%–200%, making it a high-return investment. Once your business gains traction, the profits will keep increasing.

Machines Required

To make Ice Cream Cone Coffee, you won’t need a full café kitchen, just the right equipment. The essential machines you’ll need include an espresso machine for brewing the coffee, and a milk frother or steamer to create creamy, frothy beverages. You may also consider a mini freezer or cooler for offering iced coffee, and a blender if you plan to serve iced or frappe-style drinks. Finally, a cone holder/display stand is useful for organizing and displaying your cones in an appealing way.

Marketing Strategies

Marketing is where the magic happens for this business. Ice Cream Cone Coffee’s unique concept makes it perfect for social media marketing. You can create engaging Instagram Reels or showing the preparation of the coffee, from pouring the espresso to serving the final product. These behind-the-scenes clips will generate excitement and draw customers to your stall.

One effective strategy is offering free samples at local events, food festivals, or college campuses. You can also encourage customers to share photos of their coffee experience on social media using a branded hashtag like #CoffeeInACone. Offering discounts for posts or running social media challenges can help you gain traction. Collaborating with local influencers or food bloggers is another great way to increase brand awareness.

License and Legal Requirements

To legally operate your Ice Cream Cone Coffee business, make sure you have the necessary licenses and permits. First, an FSSAI license is mandatory for any food-related business in India. If you’re setting up a stall or cart, a municipal license will also be required. Additionally, if your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs, you’ll need to register for GST.

If you’re planning to set up a physical store, a Trade or Shop License will be necessary. For health and safety compliance, ensure that your stall or kiosk meets fire and safety regulations, especially when using electrical equipment. Cleanliness is essential, so make sure to provide staff with uniforms, gloves, and hairnets, and maintain high hygiene standards at all times.