If there is one thing that can bring the UK together, it's that we all want to run to the ice cream van as soon as the summer sunshine officially arrives.
Let's face it, if there is one thing that can define our summers growing up, it is nagging our mum for a couple of pennies to grab a 99 as soon as we hear the ice cream van jingle. If we can't get a 99 from the ice cream man, then there is always the vast amounts of ice cream cones and ice lollies that you can get from any supermarket during the weekly big shop.
Whether you are someone who loves a good old fashioned choc ice, or prefer to be fancy with a Magnum, everyone knows that stocking the freezer with ice cream is a staple for the summer time.
As for me? Personally, I am a huge fan of a simple, but oh so satisfying, chocolate and vanilla ice cream cone. To be fair, I love any ice cream with a cone over all the others out there.
Nothing screams summer to me more than indulging in velvety smooth chocolate and vanilla ice cream, and a crispy wafer that is filled with more ice cream and a chocolate tip.
It's like an absolute dream to me, and I am sure chocolate lovers will agree with me right there.
Now, I know that there is technically only one brand that we all know and love for their popular ice cream cones - Cornetto. Also, let's face it, we all remember them from the infamous "there's only one Cornetto" ad, and, if you don't, then you're missing out on a national treasure.
While I am a huge fan of Cornetto myself, I did want to see if there were any supermarket ice cream cones that would be worth stocking my freezer with for the rest of the heatwave.
Visiting M&S, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, I decided to see which supermarket ice cream cone could be an absolute crowd-pleaser for the summer heatwave.
Here is what I thought of each ice cream cone...
M&S Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream Cones
Price: £1.70 for a box of 4
These weren't just any chocolate and vanilla ice cream cones, they were M&S ice cream cones...
Alright, so jokes aside, I decided to start out my summer taste test with M&S as it is hard not to associate their food with anything but top quality.
Also, at almost £2 for a box of four ice cream cones, they were the dearest of the bunch, so I had double the high expectations.
And it just fell slightly short.
First up, I will officially state that I did not dislike M&S' ice cream cones at all. I loved the balance between smooth chocolate and velvety vanilla ice cream, and they arguably had the most hazelnut pieces on the top.
That being said, I did find that the wafer was slightly on the soggier side, rather than giving me that bold crunch, which really bugged me, because every ice cream cone needs a crunch.
The one thing that really bugged me though, was the fact that the ice cream was far too soft. Yes, I know it may sound silly, but this cone literally melted as soon I took the cardboard topper off. It was just a bit too messy for my liking. That may have been alright when I was a kid, but as an adult, I want to look a bit more respectable while eating my ice cream cone.
Quite frankly, with the heat we are currently experiencing, these ice cream cones don't stand a chance.
Rating: 2.5/5
Morrisons 4 Nutty Chocolate Cones
Price: £1.19 for a box of four
Up next on the list was a box of 4 Nutty Chocolate Cones from the supermarket chain Morrisons. Working out at just 29p per cone, they were that bit cheaper than M&S' messy affair.
But, where they any better?
If I have to be absolutely honest, they did surprise me by being a whole lot better than M&S' rather expensive option. Turns out money doesn't always mean quality.
Truth be told, Morrisons chocolate and vanilla ice cream cone managed to impress me on both the creaminess of the ice cream - which didn't melt as soon as I opened it - and the texture of the wafer cone.
First up, they had a decent smattering of roasted hazelnut pieces on the top - they really didn't skimp on that part - and the ice cream was think and creamy.
Of course, there has to be a downside, and I want you all to bare with me here...It was too chocolatey.
When I pick up chocolate and vanilla ice cream cones, I want both flavours of chocolate AND vanilla - not just one, which was the case with Morrisons.
The chocolate sauce was really heavy with this one and, added with the chocolate cone tip, it felt like there was just that bit much for my tastes. If you love chocolate, then this is the one for you.
Rating: 3.5/5
Sainsbury's 4 Chocolate and Nut Cones
Price: £1.25 for a box of four.
Last, but certainly not least, was a box of 4 chocolate and nut cones from Sainsbury's which, in terms of price, were bang in the middle of the previous two offerings.
Working out at 32p per cone, I was intrigued to see where this one would rank in my summer taste test. Let's just say, I have a few thoughts.
The ice cream? Creamy and smooth. The wafer cone? Crunchy, flaky and slightly sweet. The vanilla and chocolate flavours? Perfectly balanced and velvety smooth and rich.
Honestly, I could go on for a bit longer, but Sainsbury's ice cream cone just hit all the rights notes for me. The ice cream was softer than Morrisons, but not about to melt the same way M&S' cone did.
The top was loaded with deliciously roasted hazelnuts, the tip was deeply filled with chocolate, and the ice cream was the perfect swirl of velvety vanilla and smooth chocolate.
Add on the absolute crowning glory that was the perfect blend of vanilla and thick ripple of chocolate sauce throughout the core, and I had an absolute winner.
Honestly, this ice cream was heavenly for me and I would absolutely stuff my freezer full of them if I could.
Rating: 5/5
Overall verdict
If you are looking for a chocolate and vanilla ice cream cone that is both heavenly and indulgent, then I have to say that Sainsbury's own-brand ice cream cones are the one for you...and, obviously, me.
The supermarket's chocolate and nut cone stole the show with its perfect blend of creamy ice cream and crunchy wafer. It also helped that it was the second cheapest on the list, so you can't complain.
If you prefer a bit more chocolate with your ice cream cone, then Morrisons Nutty Chocolate Cones are the one for your freezer.
M&S, unfortunately, melted under the pressure (literally) with their soft and melted Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream cones, which, at the cost of nearly £2 a box, should have been a lot better.
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