A survey of 2,000 parents has revealed that the average price of a 99 ice cream has risen to £2.65, with one in ten now paying as much as £4 for a cone from an ice cream van this summer. The research, commissioned by Aldi, indicates that parents are expected to spend nearly £50 per child on ice creams throughout the six-week summer holidays.
Regional Price Differences
Families in Leeds are facing the highest costs, spending an average of £2.86 per ice cream, followed by London (£2.82), Bristol and Manchester (both £2.80). In Leeds, 18% of parents report spending at least £4 every time they purchase a cone, a higher proportion than in any other UK city surveyed. An overwhelming 85% of parents believe the era of buying a whippy ice cream for 99p is over.
Parental Sacrifices to Cut Costs
To manage the expenses, one in three parents have skipped their own ice cream, while a quarter have told their child the ice cream van has sold out to avoid spending. The typical child enjoys three ice creams per week, amounting to £47.70 over the entire holiday period.
Aldi's Response
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer for Aldi, said: "Summer holidays are becoming increasingly expensive for families, with the cost of everyday treats and activities quickly adding up." She added that the supermarket is committed to keeping prices low on popular summer products to help families enjoy the holiday without compromising.
Aldi recently operated a 'Summer Cool Down ice cream van' in London, distributing free ice creams. The retailer has reduced prices on more than 300 household favourites as part of a £300 million commitment to cutting costs on over 1,000 products this year. Additionally, its Summer Support Scheme offers £50 shops to families every day throughout July and August.
Broader Summer Costs
The study also found that families spend an additional £200 over the summer holidays. Weekly grocery bills rise by £49, while parents anticipate spending an average of £134 on dining out, £105 on holiday clubs, and £132 on tickets for day trips. Even home-based activities like arts and crafts cost parents an average of £70.
As a result, one-third of parents worry about the costs, with 30% planning budgets in advance and 21% starting preparations as early as January. The research found that 38% of parents wish to give their children the best summer possible but are constrained by finances.
