The Golden Age of British Ice Cream
This essay explores the 'golden age' of British ice cream between 1976 and 1991, a period defined by innovations in packaging and manufacturing. It highlights how technical advancements allowed for the mass-market success of iconic pre-made ice cream cones.
Why it matters
It provides cultural and historical context for modern consumer food habits in the UK.
Good morning and welcome to Vittles . Today’s essay by Ruby Tandoh is about the most influential decade-and-a-half in British ice cream culture — a fertile period from 1976 to 1991 during which most of the ice creams you’ll find in a British freezer today were invented. This essay is adapted from Ruby’s book All Consuming , which was released in paperback last month. To buy it, please click here .
Today’s article is also part of our online-only series of essays on influence linked to our third print issue , ‘The Influencers’ which officially came out last week. Thanks to everyone who has bought a copy so far! You can order your copy here , and, while you’re there, you may as well throw in a copy of Ruby’s ice cream guide too.
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