Parents are set to spend nearly £50 per child on ice creams alone over the six-week summer break, according to a poll of 2,000 parents. The average price of a cone is now £2.65, with one in 10 parents paying as much as £4 from an ice cream van. The majority (85%) believe that a 99p whippy ice cream is a thing of the past.
Regional Variations
The cost varies across the UK, with Leeds the most expensive at £2.86 per cone, followed by London at £2.82, and Bristol and Manchester at £2.80 each. In Leeds, 18% of parents pay at least £4 each time they buy a cone.
Additional Holiday Costs
The research, commissioned by Aldi, also reveals that families spend an additional £200 on average compared to term time. This breaks down to extra £49 on weekly groceries, £134 on eating out, £105 on holiday clubs, £132 on day trips, and £70 on at-home activities such as arts and crafts.
Parents' Sacrifices
To manage costs, one in three parents skip buying an ice cream for themselves, while a quarter have told their child the ice cream van has run out to avoid the expense. A third of parents worry about the cost, and 30% budget in advance, with 21% starting as early as January. Additionally, 38% want to give their children the best summer possible but feel limited by affordability.
Aldi's Response
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi, said: “Summer holidays are becoming increasingly expensive for families, with the cost of everyday treats and activities quickly adding up. With so many families budgeting months in advance and worrying about costs, it's never been more important that everyday essentials and family favourites remain affordable. That's why we’re committed to keeping prices low on popular summer products as we know it can make a real difference, helping families enjoy the holiday period without having to compromise on the moments that matter most.”
Aldi has made further price cuts on more than 300 family favourites as part of a wider £300 million investment to lower prices on over 1,000 products this year. It also launched a Summer Support Scheme, giving away £50 shops to families every day throughout July and August.
