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Ice cream novelties are the fun cousins of the classic tub — more playful, often single-serve, and built for instant delight. Whether you want a chocolate-dipped bar on a sunny afternoon or a bite-sized mochi ball with a surprise center, these treats are designed to spark joy. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or a cheeky treat after a long day. Think of them as pocket-sized celebrations, each one wrapped to deliver a tiny, precise explosion of flavour.
There’s a whole universe of novelty formats. Ice cream bars, sticks, sandwiches, mochi, cones with crunchy shells, and novelty tubs with quirky toppings all compete for attention. Each style has its own personality: bars are portable and dramatic, mochi are delicate and chewy, and sandwiches offer that nostalgic mix of texture and creaminess. Trying different formats is like speed-dating dessert — a quick way to find your perfect match.
Bars are the go-to for dramatic bites: a thick chocolate shell snaps, giving way to frozen cream or gelato inside. Brands often experiment with coatings — nuts, cookie crumbs, salted caramel drizzle — so you get layers of taste with each lick. Portions commonly range from 3 to 6 ounces, which makes them satisfying without being overwhelming.
Mochi ice cream has a tender rice cake exterior with a creamy center, delivering a contrast of chewy and smooth textures. Single-serve mochi balls usually weigh about 1 to 2 ounces each, perfect for tasting multiple flavours. Kits, like the Treat Factory Mochi Ice Cream Kit, even let you make these at home, which adds a dash of theatre and creativity to dessert time.
Sandwiches amp up nostalgia — ice cream between cookies or wafers — while novelty tubs might feature layered sauces, brownie chunks, or candy pieces. Cones with pre-coated shells bring an old-school charm but with modern twists like salted caramel or fruit dusting. Sizes vary, but many novelty tubs range between 16 and 32 ounces, ideal for sharing.
Finding great novelties is easier than ever. Traditional supermarkets, budget chains, and specialist stores all carry unique options. Here’s a breakdown of reliable UK retailers where you’ll discover an impressive selection — from everyday favourites to more adventurous offerings.
Tesco stocks a broad range of ice cream novelties, from value-friendly bars to premium imported brands. Look for seasonal ranges and multi-packs when you want to save money while sampling different flavours. Their online inventory often lists items by ounce or pack size, making it simple to compare products.
Sainsbury’s blends mainstream favourites with exclusive lines and premium options, particularly under their own-label ranges. You’ll often find artisan-style bars and limited-edition collaborations. If you like trying new flavours, check their freezer aisles regularly — stock rotates with trends and seasons.
Asda is a solid choice for both big-brand novelties and cheaper alternatives. Their multipacks are great for families or gatherings, and the supermarket often runs deals on popular bars and sandwiches. Expect a good balance between value and variety.
Morrisons offers a decent selection of novelty ice creams, and they tend to spotlight regional favourites and seasonal picks. For value or bulk purchases, their offers can be particularly appealing. They’re also one of the retailers that experiment with premium-sounding own-brand options.
Iceland is a freezer-first retailer, so expect a wide and sometimes eclectic range of frozen desserts. They often carry multi-packs, imported novelties, and some exclusive lines. If you’re hunting for something off the beaten path, Iceland is worth a browse.
Waitrose leans premium: think artisan bars, high-quality ice cream sandwiches, and thoughtful ingredient lists. If provenance and gourmet flavour combinations matter to you, the selection here will satisfy your discerning palate. Portions and packaging tend to reflect the upscale approach.
Ocado partners with many brands and offers excellent filtering tools online, so finding specific novelty bars — like vegan options or products with under 5 ounces per serving — is straightforward. Their delivery model makes it convenient to source rarer items that aren’t stocked by local supermarkets.
Smaller chains and discounters have upped their ice cream game. Aldi and Lidl surprise shoppers with limited-time premium-style novelties at bargain prices, while Co-op tends to stock regional and popular convenience items. Marks & Spencer focuses on indulgence: luxe coatings, exotic flavour pairings, and elegant packaging that makes eating feel special.
Menkind is a well-known UK retailer for gifts and novelty items, and it’s a go-to spot if you want unique dessert-related kits and gadgets. One standout is the Treat Factory Mochi Ice Cream Kit, which allows you to craft your own mochi at home. It’s part gadget, part culinary lesson, and perfect for social cooking nights.
Mochi hits a sweet spot between technique and reward. The kit typically includes moulds, simple instructions, and sometimes small tools to shape the mochi. Making mochi turns dessert into a hands-on experience; you’re not just eating a treat, you’re producing a tiny piece of edible craftsmanship. Each mochi ball is usually around 1 to 1.5 ounces, making them great for tasting flights.
Using a kit is less intimidating than a full recipe. It shortens prep time and reduces guesswork, which is ideal for first-timers. My tip? Chill your finished mochi for at least 20 minutes before serving — it helps the centre set to a scoopable consistency and keeps the rice dough pleasantly chewy rather than sticky.
Picking the perfect novelty depends on the vibe. Hosting kids’ parties? Go for colourful bars and sandwich multipacks. Date night requires something a bit more refined — think artisanal bars or luxe mochi with exotic fillings. Want to try everything? Buy smaller-size portions or multipacks with mixed flavours so you can taste-test like a pro.
Many brands now offer vegan, low-sugar, or allergen-free novelties. Labels usually list ounces per serving and ingredients, so check for dairy-free coconut-based bars or lower-calorie sorbet sticks if you’re watching intake. Overnight freezes can also affect texture, so follow pack instructions to keep the novelty from turning into an icy block.
Proper storage keeps novelties tasting fresh. Home freezers should ideally be set below 0°F to maintain texture. For short-term serving, let items sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 minutes — that softens the outer shell just enough to reveal creamy interiors without melting into a puddle. If you’re serving multiple flavours, lay out small plates and labelled toothpicks so guests can sample without confusion.
Transporting novelties? Pack them in a cooler with ice packs—aim for around 0°F during transit if the trip is over a half-hour. Use insulated bags for shorter journeys. For longer drives, consider frozen gel packs that maintain temperature without leaking water when they thaw.
Novelties can range from budget-friendly to gourmet-pricey. Buying multipacks and seasonal bundles often reduces the per-ounce cost. Watch store apps and weekly flyers for promotions — supermarkets frequently rotate novelty deals to clear seasonal stock. Also, consider trying smaller or sampler packs before committing to a pricey premium bar or box.
Sometimes the higher price buys a true difference: better chocolate coating, real fruit purées, or handcrafted fillings that justify an indulgence. If texture and ingredient quality matter — say, for a special celebration — splurging on a premium novelty can feel like upgrading from standard TV to a cinema screen: the experience is noticeably richer.
Ice cream novelties follow the seasons closely. Summer sees fruity sticks and pops, while autumn brings spiced and salted caramel flavours. Limited editions — think pumpkin-spice bars or festive peppermint-coated cones — often create buzz and sell out fast. If you discover a seasonal hit, consider grabbing an extra pack; once it’s gone, it might not return until the next year.
If you’re looking to balance indulgence with moderation, novelties can actually help. Single-serve portions make it easier to track calories and sugar than scooping from a tub. Sorbet sticks and lower-fat frozen yogurts often clock in at fewer calories per ounce, so they’re worth considering when you want a lighter lift without sacrificing fun.
Want to level up your novelty game? Try making mini ice cream sandwiches using 1.5- to 2-ounce scoops between small cookies, or coat small bars with a thin layer of melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped nuts before it sets. Kits like the Treat Factory Mochi Ice Cream Kit make DIY projects approachable, letting you experiment with flavours like matcha, mango, or dark-chocolate raspberry.
Online retailers often carry niche novelties not found in local supermarkets. Websites provide filters for vegan, gluten-free, and portion size, so you can quickly zero in on what you want. Delivery can be a game-changer for sourcing limited-edition imports or premium brands that don’t distribute widely across store chains.
Before you hit “add to basket,” run through a mini-checklist: decide on portion size (ounces), check for dietary tags, compare price per ounce, and read recent customer reviews for texture and taste notes. This small ritual transforms casual shopping into a strategic hunt for the best bite.
Ice cream novelties are more than a quick sweet fix — they’re little moments of joy, creativity, and nostalgia packaged in single-serve perfection. From supermarket classics at Tesco or Sainsbury’s to specialist finds from Menkind like the Treat Factory Mochi Ice Cream Kit, there’s a novelty for every taste, occasion, and budget. Whether you stick to tried-and-true bars or explore mochi-making at home, the key is to enjoy the journey: sample broadly, store smartly, and treat every bite like a tiny reward.
| Ice Cream Novelties | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Treat Factory Mochi Ice Cream Kit | £ 8,- |
