Brits name their favourite treats from ice cream van - see if yours made list

10 August 2023 , 18:48

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Brits have named their favourite ice cream van treats (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Our favourite frozen treat from the long, hot summer days of childhood is a Screwball, a survey has found.

First served from ice cream vans during the 1970s, they were traditionally made with cherry-flavoured slushed ice and a bubble gum ball at the bottom of the signature cone-shaped cup, right. They were picked as the favourite by 17% of those polled. Funny Feet, launched by Walls in the 1980s and revived by supermarket chain Iceland in 2021, came second.

Some 14% said the strawberry-flavoured ice cream treat, right, was their childhood preference. Calippo Shots, tiny globes of ice, came third in the survey. Discontinued in 2020, one fan even petitioned the Government to get them brought back. Rounding off the top five were Mivvis, a Cornish ice cream centre wrapped with an ice lolly outer layer, and Orange Maid, first brought out by Lyons Maid in the 1950s and marketed as a “drink on a stick”.

The poll was compiled by consumer insights brand Vypr. Founder Ben Davies said: "What a trip down memory lane - and it's interesting that most Brits remember ice lollies rather than ice creams and choc ices from their childhood. We all loved reminiscing about our favourite ice creams and lollies from childhood.

A Screwball

"There are lots of Facebook groups, and even a petition to the government, calling for various treats in our top 10 to be brought back so we'd love to see some limited edition products back for a retro revival this summer."

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Top ten - frozen in time

1 Screwball

2 Funny Feet

3 Calippo Shots

4 Orange Maid

5 Mivvi

6 Nobbly Bobbly

7 Zoom

8 Sparkles

9 Pizazz

10 Solero Shots

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