Best Frozen Desserts for Summer Parties – Including Viennetta

There's something magical about the moment you bring out a frozen dessert at a summer gathering. The collective gasp when you slice through a Viennetta, revealing those iconic rippled layers – it's a moment of pure nostalgia that transcends generations.

When the British summer finally decides to grace us with warm weather (and let's be honest, we make the most of every sunny day), a well-chosen frozen dessert can transform an ordinary garden party into something truly memorable. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party, a casual barbecue, or a children's birthday celebration, the right frozen treat makes all the difference.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the best frozen desserts available at UK supermarkets – from beloved classics like Viennetta and Arctic Roll to trendy newcomers like Little Moons mochi. I've tested, tasted, and compared dozens of options so you don't have to (tough job, I know).

Why Frozen Desserts Are Perfect for Summer Parties

Let me be completely honest: fresh desserts are lovely, but they're also stressful. There's nothing worse than watching your carefully crafted pavlova collapse in 28-degree heat while your guests politely pretend not to notice.

Frozen desserts solve virtually every summer entertaining problem:

Make-ahead convenience – Most frozen desserts can be prepared (or simply purchased) days in advance. No last-minute whisking, no racing against the clock.

Temperature control – They're supposed to be cold. No melting cream disasters, no drooping chocolate decorations.

Portion predictability – A Viennetta serves 8, an Arctic Roll serves 6. Done. No awkward "is there enough?" mental arithmetic.

Crowd-pleasing appeal – From toddlers to grandparents, frozen desserts have universal appeal. Try saying that about a deconstructed lime curd tart.

Budget-friendly options – You can feed a dozen guests for under a tenner with supermarket frozen desserts. That's impossible with most homemade alternatives.

The Iconic Viennetta: A British Summer Staple

If one frozen dessert could be crowned the unofficial pudding of British summer, it would undoubtedly be Viennetta. Launched by Wall's in 1982, this layered ice cream cake has graced dinner tables, garden parties, and Sunday lunches for over four decades.

What Makes Viennetta Special?

The genius of Viennetta lies in its construction. Waves of soft vanilla ice cream are interlaced with thin, crispy layers of chocolate – creating a texture that's simultaneously creamy and crunchy. It's not just ice cream; it's an experience.

Each Viennetta serves approximately 8 portions, making it ideal for sharing at dinner parties or family gatherings. And here's a hosting tip I've learned the hard way: always buy two. Someone will inevitably want seconds, and there's nothing sadder than an empty Viennetta box.

Viennetta Flavours Available in the UK

The classic Vanilla Viennetta remains the bestseller, but Wall's has expanded the range to include:

• Viennetta Vanilla – The original and still the champion. That combination of vanilla ice cream and chocolate ripples is simply perfect.
• Viennetta Mint – A refreshing twist that's particularly brilliant on hot days. The mint is subtle rather than overwhelming.
• Viennetta Salted Caramel – A newer addition that's become surprisingly popular. The salted caramel adds a grown-up edge.

According to Ocado sales data from 2023, Viennetta sales were up 55% compared to the previous year, with Viennetta Mint more than doubling at 124% growth. Clearly, the British public's love affair with this dessert shows no signs of cooling.

Where to Buy Viennetta

Viennetta is available at virtually every UK supermarket, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons, Co-op, and Ocado. Prices typically range from £2.50 to £3.50, making it one of the most affordable premium-looking desserts you can serve.

Use Grocefully to compare prices across supermarkets – you might be surprised how much prices vary for the exact same product.

Arctic Roll: The Nostalgia Champion

If Viennetta is the sophisticated dinner party guest, Arctic Roll is the friendly neighbour who always brings joy to any gathering. This cylinder of vanilla ice cream wrapped in sponge cake with a jam layer has been a British favourite since the 1950s.

The Arctic Roll Revival

Here's something fascinating: Arctic Roll sales have skyrocketed in recent years. Ocado reported a 143% increase in Arctic Roll sales in early 2023 compared to the previous year. Why? Several factors seem to be at play:

Nostalgia marketing – In uncertain times, we often seek comfort in familiar foods. Arctic Roll reminds many of us of childhood Sunday dinners at Nan's house.

Cost-of-living considerations – At roughly £2-3 for a dessert that serves 6, Arctic Roll offers exceptional value. During the cost-of-living squeeze, shoppers have pivoted toward affordable indulgences.

Reduced food waste – Unlike fresh desserts that need eating within days, frozen options last for months. Practical households are embracing this flexibility.

Serving Suggestions for Arctic Roll

The traditional approach is simply slicing and serving, but I've discovered some brilliant variations:

• The Deluxe – Drizzle with chocolate sauce and top with fresh raspberries
• The Afternoon Tea – Serve thin slices alongside clotted cream
• The Sundae – Crumble over ice cream with sprinkles for children's parties

Ice Cream Gateaux: When You Want to Impress

For those occasions when you need something a bit more "special" than a straightforward ice cream log, ice cream gateaux step up beautifully.

Top Ice Cream Gateaux Picks

Tesco Finest Double Chocolate Gateau (£3.00) – Rich, indulgent, and genuinely impressive-looking. The chocolate layers are intense without being overwhelming.

Sainsbury's Triple Chocolate Gateau (£1.75) – Incredible value for money. It doesn't quite match premium options, but at this price point, it's fantastic for casual gatherings.

ASDA Chocolate Gateau (£2.98) – Serves 8 generously. The chocolate sponge layers provide excellent texture contrast with the ice cream.

Iceland Luxury Triple Chocolate Gateau (£4.50) – Worth the extra spend for special occasions. The quality difference is noticeable.

Little Moons Mochi: The Trendy Choice

No discussion of modern frozen desserts would be complete without mentioning Little Moons. These Japanese-inspired mochi ice cream balls took TikTok by storm and have become a permanent fixture in UK supermarket freezers.

Why Little Moons Works for Parties

Perfect portions – Each mochi ball is a self-contained dessert. No cutting, no plates, no fuss.

Instagram appeal – Let's be honest: these look absolutely gorgeous. Guests will photograph them before eating.

Flavour variety – From classic vanilla to passion fruit mango, there's a Little Moons for every palate.

Dietary options – The Chocolate Fudge flavour is vegan-friendly, and most varieties are gluten-free.

Little Moons Flavours to Try

The 2025 range includes some exciting options:

• Brown Butter Caramel (new for 2025) – Caramel gelato with chocolate-covered caramel pieces. Absolutely divine.
• Chocolate Fudge – Vegan-friendly milk chocolate gelato with soft fudge chunks.
• Passionfruit & Mango – Tropical and refreshing, perfect for summer.
• Alphonso Mango – Rich, authentic mango flavour that tastes like actual fruit.

At around £5 per box, Little Moons are pricier than traditional options. However, they're sold as a pack of 6, and their wow factor often justifies the premium.

Premium Ice Cream Options

When budget isn't the primary concern, premium ice cream brands deliver exceptional quality:

Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs remains the gold standard for premium ice cream. Their mini cups are perfect for parties – no scooping required, individual portions, and that unmistakable quality.

Top picks for summer parties:

• Salted Caramel – The best-selling flavour for good reason
• Belgian Chocolate – Intensely chocolatey without being sickly
• Strawberry Cheesecake – Summer in a cup

Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's brings the fun factor. Their chunky, loaded ice creams are conversation starters.

Party favourites:

• Cookie Dough – The chunks of actual cookie dough never disappoint
• Phish Food – Chocolate ice cream with gooey marshmallow and caramel swirls
• Half Baked – For those who can't choose between cookie dough and brownie

Budget-Friendly Frozen Desserts

Summer parties shouldn't break the bank. Here are my top picks for impressive desserts under £3:

Best Value Options

Supermarket Own-Brand Options

Don't overlook supermarket own-brand frozen desserts. Tesco, Sainsbury's, and ASDA all produce perfectly decent ice cream gateaux that won't embarrass you at a party.

My honest opinion: for casual barbecues and children's parties, own-brand options are absolutely fine. Save the premium stuff for dinner parties where presentation matters more.

Ice Cream Sandwiches: The Crowd Pleaser

Ice cream sandwiches offer grab-and-go convenience that's hard to beat at summer parties.

Ready-Made Options

Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches – Two Oreo biscuits sandwiching cookies and cream ice cream. Criminally good.

M&S Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches – Soft cookies with vanilla ice cream. A cut above the rest.

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches – Lower calorie option that doesn't taste like a compromise.

DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches

For a fun party activity (especially with children), set up an ice cream sandwich station:

1. Lay out various biscuits (chocolate chip, oat, ginger)
2. Provide several ice cream flavours
3. Add toppings: sprinkles, crushed nuts, mini marshmallows
4. Let guests build their own

This approach costs less than pre-made options and creates a memorable interactive experience.

Magnum Bars: Individual Luxury

Magnum bars deserve a special mention. While not technically a sharing dessert, serving a selection of Magnums at a summer party never fails to delight guests.

Best Magnum Varieties for Parties

• Magnum Classic – Thick milk chocolate shell, vanilla ice cream core
• Magnum Almond – Crunchy almond pieces in the chocolate coating
• Magnum White – White chocolate for those who prefer something sweeter
• Magnum Double – For serious chocolate lovers only

Pro tip: Buy multipacks rather than individual bars. A box of 4 Magnum Classics typically costs around £4, while individual bars from corner shops can be £2+ each.

How to Serve Frozen Desserts at Summer Parties

Getting the serving right can make or break your frozen dessert experience:

Temperature Timing

Most frozen desserts benefit from 5-10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This softens the ice cream just enough to slice cleanly while maintaining structural integrity.

Viennetta – Remove from freezer 5 minutes before serving

Ice cream gateaux – 10-15 minutes for easier slicing

Mochi – 2-3 minutes; they're designed to be softer

Magnums/lollies – Serve straight from freezer

Presentation Tips

• Use a cake stand for Viennetta – it elevates the presentation dramatically
• Pre-portion gateau slices on individual plates before bringing to the table
• Arrange mochi on a wooden board for rustic charm
• Keep backup supplies in the freezer; nothing kills a party faster than running out of dessert

Serving Equipment

Invest in a good serrated knife for slicing frozen desserts. Standard kitchen knives struggle with the frozen layers and can result in crumbly, uneven portions.

Frozen Desserts for Dietary Requirements

Summer parties often include guests with dietary restrictions. Here's how to accommodate everyone:

Vegan Options

• Little Moons Chocolate Fudge – Genuinely delicious vegan mochi
• Swedish Glace](/uk/explore/brands/swedish-glace) – Excellent vegan ice cream in multiple flavours
• Ben & Jerry's Non-Dairy – Several flavours available including Cookie Dough

Gluten-Free Options

• Little Moons – Most varieties are gluten-free
• Häagen-Dazs – Most flavours are naturally gluten-free
• Plain ice cream tubs – Serve with gluten-free cones

Lower Sugar Options

• Oppo Ice Cream](/uk/explore/brands/oppo) – Lower calorie, lower sugar ice cream that actually tastes good
• Halo Top – Popular American brand now widely available in the UK

Planning Your Summer Party Dessert Station

For larger gatherings, consider setting up a dedicated dessert station:

Essential Elements

1. A showpiece – Viennetta or ice cream gateau as the centrepiece
2. Individual options – Magnums, mochi, or ice cream sandwiches
3. DIY elements – Toppings, sauces, sprinkles
4. Cool storage – Cool box or insulated container for backup supplies

Quantity Guidelines

As a general rule:

• 1 Viennetta per 8 guests
• 2-3 pieces per person for individual items (mochi, Magnums)
• Allow for seconds – about 30% extra

Frequently Asked Questions

How many portions are in a Viennetta?

A standard Viennetta serves approximately 8 portions when sliced properly. Each slice should be about 1-1.5 inches thick. For children's parties or smaller appetites, you can stretch it to 10 portions, but I'd recommend sticking with 8 for satisfying servings.

What flavours does Viennetta come in?

In the UK, Viennetta is available in three main flavours: Classic Vanilla (the original and best-seller), Mint (refreshing with a subtle mint flavour), and Salted Caramel (a newer addition with a sophisticated taste). Availability may vary by supermarket, with Vanilla being the most consistently stocked.

Can you use Viennetta as a birthday cake?

Absolutely! Viennetta makes an excellent birthday cake alternative, especially for summer celebrations. You can add birthday candles directly into the top – just push them gently between the ripples. For a special touch, add fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce around the base. Some creative hosts have even spelled out names using chocolate writing.

Where can I buy Viennetta in the UK?

Viennetta is widely available at all major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons, Co-op, Waitrose, and Iceland. It's also available for online delivery through Ocado and supermarket delivery services. Prices typically range from £2.50-£3.50 depending on the retailer and any current offers. Use Grocefully to compare current prices across supermarkets.

What is the best frozen dessert for a summer party?

The best frozen dessert depends on your party style. For dinner parties, Viennetta or a premium ice cream gateau creates an impressive centrepiece. For casual barbecues, ice cream sandwiches and Magnums offer grab-and-go convenience. For trendy gatherings, Little Moons mochi provides Instagram-worthy presentation. For children's parties, Arctic Roll or DIY ice cream sandwiches are reliable crowd-pleasers.

Can you refreeze Viennetta once defrosted?

It's not recommended to refreeze Viennetta after it has fully defrosted. The texture and quality deteriorate significantly when refrozen – the chocolate layers lose their crispness and the ice cream becomes icy and grainy. If you've taken it out of the freezer, serve it within 30 minutes. Any leftover slices should be eaten rather than returned to the freezer.

How long does Viennetta last in the freezer?

An unopened Viennetta typically lasts until the best before date printed on the packaging, usually 12-18 months from manufacture. Once opened, consume within 1 month for best quality. Always keep it tightly covered or sealed to prevent freezer burn and absorption of other food odours. Store at -18°C or below.

Is Viennetta suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Viennetta is suitable for vegetarians. The product contains dairy and eggs but no meat-derived ingredients. However, it is not suitable for vegans due to the dairy content. Always check the packaging for the most up-to-date ingredient information, as formulations can occasionally change.

Conclusion: The Perfect Frozen Dessert for Every Occasion

Summer parties in the UK deserve frozen desserts that deliver on taste, presentation, and practicality. Whether you choose the timeless elegance of Viennetta, the nostalgic charm of Arctic Roll, or the modern appeal of Little Moons mochi, there's a perfect frozen treat for every gathering.

My personal recommendation? Keep a Viennetta in the freezer at all times during summer. It's the ultimate emergency dessert – always impressive, always delicious, and ready in minutes. Pair it with some fresh berries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and your guests will think you've put in far more effort than you actually have.

For help finding the best prices on frozen desserts at your local supermarkets, browse our frozen desserts and ice cream categories. Happy entertaining!

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Last updated: January 2026