An analysis from Which? reveals a staggering increase in ice cream prices in the UK, with some products seeing rises of up to 38% over the past two years, prompting consumers to explore more affordable alternatives.
Sharp Rise in Ice Cream Prices Reported Over Two Years by Consumer Group
An analysis by consumer group Which? has uncovered a substantial increase in the cost of popular ice creams in the UK, with prices rising by as much as 38% over the past two years. The study, conducted over the period ending on July 8, 2024, highlights significant price hikes in well-known brands, as well as changes in consumer preferences in response to these increases.
Among the most notable price increases found were for Unilever’s Cornetto Strawberry ice cream cones, which saw a price jump from £2.57 to £3.55, marking a 38% rise. Similarly, the Cornetto Classico cones, also from Unilever, increased by 35%, from £2.57 to £3.48.
Other products under the Unilever umbrella experienced substantial rises as well. Solero Exotic ice cream lollies, sold in packs of three, saw their price increase from £2.03 to £2.75, a 35% rise. Feast chocolate ice creams, available in four packs, rose by 28%, from £2.42 to £3.11. Additionally, a six-pack of Fab strawberry fruity lollies went up by 23%, increasing from £1.97 to £2.43.
Products from Nestlé also reflected this trend with Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles lollies in a four-pack rising from £2 to £2.43. Their four-pack of watermelon lollies noted a 21% increase, jumping from £2.03 to £2.47.
In contrast to these increases, some products have seen a minor decline in price. A three-pack of Magnum’s double gold caramel billionaire ice creams saw a reduction from £3.72 to £3.63, a slight fall of 2%.
Which? analysed the average costs of these ice creams, incorporating regular discounts, across the UK’s major supermarkets in a comparative study between the periods of 2022 and 2024. Multibuy offers and loyalty prices were excluded from this analysis.
The rise in prices has been attributed to increases in the costs of raw ingredients, such as milk and sugar, alongside heightened energy and transportation costs. Nevertheless, overall grocery price inflation stands at 1.6%, according to Kantar analysts.
In a bid to provide alternatives to consumers, Which? conducted blind taste tests comparing supermarket own-brand ice creams to popular branded options. Aldi’s Gianni’s Tropico Exotic Fruit Lollies, priced at £1.35 for three, outscored Solero with a rating of 76% compared to Solero’s 70%. As for strawberry ice cream cones, Asda, Lidl and Morrisons emerged as top performers, all scoring 77%. Asda’s Strawberry Ice Cream Cones retail at £1.99 for six, Lidl’s Bon Gelati Ice Cream Cones are also £1.99 for six, and Morrisons offer their version at £1.50 for four.
Commenting on the findings, Which? Retail Editor Ele Clark remarked that while the increased prices might discourage ice cream lovers, there are supermarket alternatives that offer better taste and value.
Unilever responded to the report, stating their commitment to high-quality ingredients. They highlighted that retail pricing is determined by individual retailers, though they do provide recommended retail prices to guide the market.
The report sheds light on the shifting landscape of consumer goods pricing and highlights the importance of market competition in providing affordable options for consumers.