I was shocked. Truly shocked! To discover that ice cream is now priced out of reach for the vast majority of average folks. A new survey of retail ice cream prices reveals not only a shocking financial fact but an emerging new cultural reality…
The map above refers specifically to ‘scoopable’ ice cream, in bulk and retail, in (US)$
per US half gallon (64 fl. oz. / 1.89 L) Keep in mind that most medium-sized
ice cream tubs at the grocery store now contain only 48 fl.oz / 1.18 L.
A new survey analysis by Statista reveals that the price of ice cream has doubled since 1995. That should come as no surprise, I suppose. Considering how much other foods have increased in price. But it places the iconic summer treat out of reach for millions of folks. And that’s not just an economic statistic, but a major social and cultural shift.
A summer theme
The survey looked at the current price of ice cream in one major summer vacation destination in each of the 50 US states. And revealed a spread of $2.35, from $3.50 in Ohio at the low end to $5.35 in Pennsylvania. Most prices – as you might expect – fell in the low and mid $4 range.
In Canada, by contrast, the same 64 fl. oz. / 1.89 L of ice cream costs (C)$8.30 / (US)$6.04.
Ice cream consumption down…
The survey reports:
Ice cream sales have dropped 25 percent since the millennium. “Per capita consumption of regular ice cream in the United States has seen an overall decrease between 2000 and 2022. In 2022, the average American consumed 12.7 pounds of regular ice cream while in 2000 this figure amounted to 16.1 pounds.”
‘Healthy eating’ has impacted ice cream sales. “Ice cream may be seen more and more as an indulgence and not a suitable snack.”
Production of regular ice cream has dropped over the past decade, “while low fat ice cream production has grown nearly 20 percent in the last ten years.”
Price increases for ice cream have been constant since the 1990s. “Retail prices of ice cream in the United States have been trending upwards since the mid-90’s, when they hovered between $3.50 and $3.75 per 1/2 gallon / 64 fl.oz.
‘More and more an indulgence’
That’s the social and cultural perception attached to ice cream over the past 20 years or so. and rising prices probably have at least as much to do with it as ‘healthier eating’ trends.
As we are all too aware, ‘indulgences’ are optional, in the face of shrinking food and entertainment budgets and the rising costs of everything.
Our shift in perception of certain consumables and ‘optional activities’, from every-day expectations to ‘special treats’, is a major indication of where our overall social and cultural values are headed. And that may be the greater lesson to be learned from ice cream’s example.
~ Maggie J.