Heatwave season is here, and I'm already melting faster than a 99 Flake left on a car dashboard. And speaking of melting treats, ice cream sales are about to go absolutely mental across Britain.
Let's be honest. Those Mr Whippy vans charging £3+ for a basic cone these days? Daylight robbery. I actually got into an argument with an ice cream man last summer about his prices. His response: "Take it or leave it, love." I left it.
The Freezer Aisle Showdown
So yesterday I was doom-scrolling through some consumer test results (as you do when you're avoiding actual work), and stumbled across something that made me sit up straight.
Lidl's own-brand ice cream cones absolutely demolished Cornetto in a blind taste test. Not just "as good as" – BETTER.
I mean, we're talking about Cornetto here. The ice cream that's been around since forever. The one with those adverts that get stuck in your head. And some random German supermarket just casually outperformed them?
Why Are We Still Paying Premium Prices?
The price difference is ridiculous. Lidl's Bon Gelati cones are £1.99 for six. That's 33p per cone!
Compare that to Cornetto charging £3.75 at Tesco for smaller cones (they're only 100ml compared to Lidl's 120ml). You're literally getting less ice cream for more money. Make it make sense.
God. The cost of living crisis has me checking price-per-gram on everything these days.
What's Actually In The Box?
Lidl's offering – called Bon Gelati because apparently everything sounds fancier with Italian-ish names – comes in three flavours: chocolate vanilla, plain vanilla, and strawberry vanilla.
And yes, they've got that satisfying chunk of chocolate at the bottom of the cone. You know, the bit everyone saves till last. Or is that just me?
I drove to Lidl this morning specifically to try these. Worth the petrol.
Angel Delight Is Making Ice Cream Now?!
While we're talking frozen treats, Morrisons has launched something that sent my nostalgia into overdrive – Angel Delight ice cream. Remember that powdered pudding stuff your mum would whisk up in the 90s?
They've turned it into soft-serve style ice cream for £2.50 a tub (or 2 for £4 if you're feeling particularly indulgent). The flavours are Butterscotch & Chocolate and Strawberry & Vanilla.
I texted my sister about this and she immediately replied: "OMG BUTTERSCOTCH ANGEL DELIGHT WAS MY CHILDHOOD." Same, sis. Same.
The Internet Is Losing Its Mind
I'm clearly not teh only one excited about this throwback treat. People online are going wild.
"Love Angel Delight as a kid. Still do now. Gonna have to get these," wrote one person who clearly has their priorities straight.
Someone else commented: "Omg I'm defo gonna need banana ones." Which... valid point. Where ARE the banana ones?
Apparently these have been available on Trolley.co.uk for a while, but now they're hitting actual physical stores where normal people shop.
Listen. Summer 2024 might be a disaster in many ways, but at least our ice cream game is strong. I'm heading back to Lidl tomorrow to stock up before everyone else reads about this test and clears the freezers.
And if anyone from Cornetto is reading this... might want to up your game, folks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
How can I improve my credit score?
To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
Statistics
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
External Links
How To
How To Manage Debt Wisely
Managing debt wisely involves understanding your financial obligations and creating a structured repayment plan. Begin by listing all debts from smallest to largest, including interest rates and minimum payments. Consider using the snowball method, where you focus on paying off the smallest debts first, which can provide motivation. Alternatively, the avalanche method prioritizes debts with the highest interest rates to minimize overall interest paid. Make consistent payments above the minimum on your chosen debts while maintaining regular payments on others. Additionally, consider consolidating high-interest debts into a single loan with a lower rate, which can simplify your payments and reduce interest costs.
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