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Whether you prefer a classic Magnum or are a fan of a fruity Solero, there is no better treat than an ice cream on a hot day.
I’ve been a fan of Twister since I was a kid. Eating one takes me back to school holidays when I would happily hand over my pocket money at the corner shop (and still have plenty of change left over).
But these days, pocket money just doesn’t stretch that far. While it seems like the price of everything in the supermarket has skyrocketed, a recent consumer report from Which? revealed that high street ice creams have been hit particularly hard by shrinkflation.
Over the past two years, the price of a three-pack of Solero has increased by 35%, from £2.03 in July 2022 to £2.75. Today, a multipack sells for three Magnums instead of four, but for the same price. The worst price is for a six-pack of Cornetto strawberry ice creams, which has risen by 38%, from £2.57 to £3.55.
Unilever, the company behind Cornetto, Feast, Solero and Magnum, said: “The retail price of our products is always at the sole discretion of the retailer and we, like all manufacturers, only offer a recommended retail price.”
What does this mean for consumers? Say goodbye to our beloved ice creams? Give up butter or bread in favour of a box of Magnum? Instead, savvy shoppers are ditching expensive brands in favour of cheaper supermarket knock-offs. But can they really hit the mark?
Savvy shoppers are ditching expensive brands in favour of cheaper supermarket knock-offs (stock image)
CLOSE BUT NOT SO CREAMY
The originalMagnum White Chocolate Ice Cream Sticks, £1.08 per 100ml, sainsburys.co.uk
The exchange: Gianni’s Vanilla and White Chocolate Ice Cream from Aldi, £0.37 per 100ml
Verdict: While the overall taste is pretty convincing, the chocolate seems runnier than the original (making the first bite less satisfying) and the ice cream inside isn’t as creamy. Still, for less than half the price, it’s not bad at all. 3/5
AMAZING ALMONDS
The originalMagnum Almond Ice Cream Sticks, £1.08 per 100ml, tesco.com
The exchange:Sainsbury’s Milk Chocolate and Almond Ice Cream, 37p per 100ml.
Verdict:This is a delicious bargain. Of all the Magnum flavours, the almond is the best and I’m pleased to say that this version from Sainsbury’s is an excellent and much cheaper alternative. It has plenty of nutty flavour, a firm, thick chocolate shell and a nice creamy filling (they have other flavours too). 4/5
CORNETTO AT A REDUCED PRICE
The original: Cornetto Classico Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream Cones, 69p per 100ml, sainsburys.co.uk
The exchange:Sainsbury’s Chocolate & Nut Cones, 28p per 100ml
Verdict:A better substitute than the original! With more chocolate and more hazelnuts, this is the one to buy if you’re looking for your Cornetto fix for less this summer. 5/5
SUPER FRUITY SOLERO
The originalSolero Exotic Ice Lollies, £1.02 for 100ml, ocado.com
The exchange: Aldi Gianni Tropico Exotic Fruit Popsicles, £0.45 for 100ml
Verdict: Super fruity, delicious and less than 50 cents each. I’ll definitely save money by replacing the Soleros with this one from Aldi. The tantalizing pineapple hits your palate immediately and these candies are just as creamy as the originals. 5/5
A PALE IMITATION
The original:Wall’s Mini Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate Ice Cream Pops, £0.74 for 100ml, ocado.com
The exchange:Tesco Ms. Molly’s Milk Lollies, £0.41 per 100ml
Verdict:It’s nowhere near as milky and rich as the original. The Tesco version tastes watery and bland – it’s sweet, but has no discernible flavour. Disappointing. I won’t be buying them again. 1/5
SIMPLY FABULOUS
Asda’s version of Nestlé’s Fab ice cream (pictured, file image) received a solid 4/5 rating
The originalNestlé Fab Strawberry Ice Cream Lollipops, £0.72 per 100ml, tesco.com
The exchange:Asda Strawberry Flavoured Ice Lollies, £0.40 per 100ml
Verdict:I must admit that I have never been a big fan of Fab candies – the sprinkles aren’t my thing and the frozen strawberry and chocolate mix seems weird to me.
However, when you try them together, it’s very hard to tell the difference. I may not like either of them, but for Fab fans, this Asda version is a winner. It’s slightly sweeter, but not so much that it detracts too much. 4/5
TWISTER REMAINS ON TOP
The original:Wall’s Pineapple, Lemon, Lime and Strawberry Twister Mini Ice Cream Popsicles, 83.3p per 100ml, ocado.com
The exchange:Aldi Gianni’s Whirlz Mini Jelly Beans, £0.49 per 100ml
Verdict:With its sweet pineapple ice cream and refreshing strawberry and lemon gelato, Twisters is my summer go-to. While it’s better value for money, I’m afraid Aldi’s substitute can’t compete with the original. It’s too sweet for me and doesn’t taste as fruity as the Wall’s version. 2/5
REFRESHING REPLICA
The original: Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles, £0.96 per 100ml, sainsburys.co.uk
The exchange: Iceland Rainbow Candies, £0.52 per 100ml
Verdict: The Icelandic version of the classic Rowntree’s candy is perfect: fresh, fruity, refreshing and tasty. A perfect treat for a hot day. 4/5
MARS IS IN THE MONEY
The original: Mars Ice Cream, £1.35 for 100ml, sainsburys.co.uk
The exchangeLidl Gelatelli Caramel Ice Cream Bars, £0.94 per 100ml
Verdict: For some reason, a Mars ice cream is so much better than a Mars bar and they are the perfect treat for a warm summer day. While this substitute isn’t as rich in caramel, it’s still tasty and a cheaper alternative. But, if I had to choose, I’d take a chance and go for the original. 3/5
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