Woman visits ice cream van for first time in 43 years and is floored by cost

Most people have vivid memories of grabbing a treat from an ice cream van growing up - with our love for them continuing today, even though prices are a little different now. Most people remember ordering a classic 99, but the ice cream game has changed a lot in recent years.

In fact, one woman was recently left floored after ordering one for the first time in 43 years. Kimberley, known as kimble5 onTikTok, recently opened up about the cost of living and how the price of a treat from an ice cream van has shot up in recent years, and the situation left her totally floored.

She recently posted a video detailing her experience, as she simply can't believe how much times have changed. Ice cream vans may bring a wave of nostalgia and joy to many but, according to her, they also have the potential to break the bank on a hot summer's day.

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In the clip, she said: "I don't know about you guys, but I have not bought an ice cream from an ice cream van in a very long time. I think it was probably 1982, and they were about 10p or 20p each then.

"I asked for these two ice creams, and they were charging £4.00 for an ice cream. For two scoops of ice cream they were charging £4.00.

"I'm like 'how much? Can you just wait and hang on while I go and get myself a loan?' That is absolutely ridiculous. I was gobsmacked. I thought that is just pure greed.

"I know the cost of living has gone up, but for parents who have got four kids or something just to go to the park and have a simple day out - if they wanted an ice cream for the kids - it's going to cost them £16.00. It's just extortionate."

Warning: Below video may contain offensive language

Kimberley admitted she knows there's a cost of living crisis going on, but she thinks the prices have gone too far. She said it even cost extra to buy sprinkles too.

In the clip, she admitted she posts a lot about the cost of living, but she said it "makes her outraged." Since she shared the video, dozens of people chimed in to offer their thoughts.

One person said: "I couldn't agree more. Well said lovely." Another added: "£14.95 on Saturday for two kids tubs and two cones. What happened to £1.50 ice lollies and £2.00 cones?"

A third replied: "99 Flake used to be 99p." Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "We went to the beach last week, and it was one scoop for £4.00." Someone else also chimed in with: "Very expensive now."

According to Park Holidays, London ranks as the most expensive city to bag a Mr Whippy, with the average cost being £4.10 per ice cream cone, which works out as nearly double anywhere else in the country. Since the Mr Whippy ice cream cone was introduced at 99p in 1958, prices have rocketed by 120% when compared to recent average costs in London.

Meanwhile, in Yorkshire and The Humber, you can enjoy an ice cream for the average price of £2.90. In Swansea, the average cost is around £2.67 for a cone.

Little you may know, Edinburgh is also quite expensive, with some vans flogging a single cone for as much as £4.00 each. On average, the price of ice cream from a UK ice cream van can range from anything from £1.50 to £3.50, depending on the type of ice cream and any additions you want.

Soft-serve ice cream is usually the cheapest, while hard ice cream, organic or vegan options tend to be more expensive. Toppings and sauces can also carry an additional fee.