It may be plain, but vanilla has our hearts: Tesco lifts the lid on the nation’s ice cream eating habits

More than four in five (86%) people claim to enjoy ice cream most during the summer, with July emerging as the most popular month. This year, Tesco has lifted the lid on the nation’s ice cream eating habits, alongside its ice cream trends and predictions for 2023.

The data shows the nation to have an enduring love for classic flavours, with vanilla (42%), chocolate (32%) and mint chocolate chip (29%) taking the top spots. On the other hand, once-beloved flavours seem to have lost their charm. Neapolitan, a once favourite variety in the 80s, is the ice cream of choice for only 11% of the nation and misses out on the top 10.

When it comes to the UK’s ice cream capital, Cardiff takes the title, with nearly three quarters (74%) of people indulging in a refreshing ice cream at least once a week during the summer. Close contenders for this position include Sheffield (73%) and Southampton (71%).

When enjoying ice cream at home, nearly half (45%) of ice cream enthusiasts prefer to savour the treat in a bowl, while just over a quarter (29%) opt for the classic cone. Surprisingly, one in four people (25%) admit to indulging in their ice cream straight from the tub – a trope much-seen in Hollywood films - embracing a casual and carefree approach.

Reflecting ever-evolving ice cream trends, Gen Z exhibits somewhat more adventurous preferences. One in ten (11%) of 18–24-year-olds now favour ice cream sandwiches, whilst 8% delight in the chewy texture of mochi as their preferred ice cream treat.

The nation’s top 10 ice cream flavours

Vanilla (42%)

Chocolate (32%)

Mint Choc Chip (29%)

Salted Caramel (24%) and Raspberry Ripple (24%)

Strawberry (23%)

Cookie Dough (20%)

Caramel Vanilla (19%)

Pistachio (17%)

Lemon (16%), Mango (16%) and Strawberries and Cream (16%)

Fudge (14%)

Jaimini Sharma, Ice Cream Product Development Manager at Tesco said: “The nation may still be in love with the classics, but the ice cream space is bursting with exciting flavours such as Coconut & Passion Fruit, Roasted Pistachio and Raspberry Eton Mess. With a growing demand for indulgence and premium ingredients, ice cream enthusiasts are on the hunt for tantalising flavours that elevate their dessert experiences. At the heart of it all, ice cream has a unique ability to transport us back to cherished childhood memories, satisfying our cravings for timeless treats.”