**Appetite for Nostalgia Sours as Ice Cream Van Prices Leave Customer Stunned**
For many Britons, the arrival of the ice cream van is a cherished emblem of summer, conjuring memories of childhood days chasing after the melodic chimes for a sweet and affordable treat. Yet, one woman’s recent visit to the familiar purveyor of nostalgia after a 43-year hiatus has left her thoroughly dismayed—not by the flavours on offer, but by the staggering cost.
Kimberley, who shares her experiences under the username kimble5 on social media platform TikTok, recounted her astonishment at the price of a simple ice cream during what she hoped would be a sentimental indulgence. In a video that has resonated with many, she reflected on how a treat that once typified the simplicity and affordability of British summers has now, in her eyes, become a luxury item.
“In 1982, I remember paying just 10p or 20p for an ice cream from the van,” Kimberley shared candidly, invoking a sense of collective memory among her followers. “This time, I nearly dropped my change—£4.00 for a single ice cream. Even a couple of scoops set me back the same amount.” Her incredulity at the price shift led her to quip that she ought to secure a loan simply to enjoy a couple of cones.
Kimberley’s reaction comes amidst the broader context of the UK’s ongoing cost of living crisis. While she acknowledged that prices have risen across the board, the jump in the cost of a humble ice cream struck her as excessive, particularly for families hoping to enjoy a modest outing. “Imagine having four children—just a quick detour to the van while at the park would set you back £16.00,” she lamented, describing these costs as “extortionate”.
The controversial TikTok post spurred a wave of commentary from others equally appalled by the ballooning prices. Several users swapped anecdotes about recent purchases, with one reporting that their treat for two children and two adults cost £14.95, and others reminiscing about the days of 99p cones. Many observed that the increasing cost of even basic lollies now seems an unwelcome barrier to simple pleasures.
Analysis from Park Holidays provides a broader perspective, confirming that London is now home to the country’s most expensive Mr Whippy cones, averaging £4.10 each—significantly outstripping prices seen elsewhere in the UK. This contrasts sharply with regions like Yorkshire and The Humber, where a cone is typically £2.90, or Swansea, which averages £2.67. Yet, even outside the capital, prices up to £4.00 for a scoop have been reported in cities like Edinburgh.
It is not only the ice cream itself that prompts concern; extras such as sprinkles and sauces frequently carry additional charges. Soft-serve options tend to be the most accessible, but patrons seeking hard ice cream, or alternative offerings for dietary or lifestyle reasons, will likely face steeper costs.
Many see the changing economics of the ice cream van as a microcosm of a broader trend, with familiar treats from yesteryear transformed into special-occasion luxuries. “It’s not just the nostalgia that’s melting away,” observed one commenter. “It’s our ability to afford it.”
For families trying to manage budgets in an inflationary climate, the humble ice cream is now a line item worthy of consideration, not an everyday impulse. The once-ubiquitous 99 may still be available in some places, but for many, the number now reflects the years since it was last seen for 99p rather than the price.
With many consumers expressing outrage and resignation in equal measure, the future of the traditional ice cream van remains uncertain. Increased operational costs, fuel prices, and ingredient expenses are all likely factors in the new pricing—but for those reflecting wistfully on the past, it’s clear that the era of the 20p cone is very much behind us. Whether the joy of an impromptu treat from the ice cream van can weather this new reality is, for now, uncertain.