Ice cream prices are soaring — but just how expensive is your favourite now?

The summer weather might feel fleeting at the moment, but there’s no doubt that when the sun does decide to shine, an ice cream is in order.

Yet as UK shoppers remain concerned about the cost of their baskets, recent research has analysed just how much the cost of these beloved summery treats has skyrocketed – and the results are mind-melting.

Calling all fans of the Cornetto Trilogy: these iconic strawberry and classic ice cream cones have been marked with the largest increase since July 2022.

If this niche pop culture reference has passed you by, Cornettos feature in three of director Edgar Wright’s films (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End) and the link has become something of a running gag among movie buffs.

Film lore aside, though, it’s safe to say that when Shaun (played by Simon Pegg) took on the zombies of north London back in 2004 – and famously popped to the shop to buy a frozen treat for his pal – it would have cost a lot less.

Fast forward to 2024 and the price of a six-pack of strawberry ice cream cones has increased from £2.57 to £3.55 (+38%) since July 2022 – the highest of all in Which?’s new study.

There’s similarly bad news for the classic Cornetto flavour, with findings showing a six-pack jumped from £2.57 to £3.48 (+35%) over the same time period.

Elsewhere, Soleros came in third place. A box of three of these fruity lollies has shot up from £2.03 to £2.75 (+35%), while a four-pack of the nutty chocolate Feast increased by 29% (from £2.42 to £3.11).

However, interestingly, the consumer champion’s report noted that some supermarket dupes performed better in blind taste tests than the originals, suggesting these are a solid alternatives for ice cream fanatics looking to avoid these hefty costs.

For example, Aldi’s Gianni’s Tropico Exotic Fruit Lollies, priced at £1.35 for three, received a satisfaction score of 76%, while the more expensive Solero scored 70%.

The statistics confirm what many agitated consumers already knew – as the age-old mantra goes, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

‘I bought an ice cream from an old transit this afternoon for £4.50,’ Reddit user @kartoffeln44752 recently posted in the British Problems thread, adding that it was ‘nothing special’ and ‘just a single waffle cone, syrup and sprinkles.’

‘I recently got four ice creams from my local Ice Van, one of which was a wafer and it came to £11,’ @GhostRiders added, while @ZeonRat joked there was a ‘reason’ they ‘go to McDonald’s for a McFlurry at the beach.’

So, the next time the sun makes an appearance, you might want to look a little closer at the prices before stocking up your freezer.

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