December is a unique time of year when the cold weather and festive spirit combine to change how we eat. In the UK, takeaway deliveries become especially popular during this season. People want the comfort of a hot meal delivered straight to their door after a long day in chilly weather. What’s interesting is how often these meals are paired with a treat many might not expect… ice cream.
Ice cream isn’t just a summer dessert anymore. The demand for ice cream stays strong even in winter, supported by quality ingredients and clever packaging that keeps products fresh throughout delivery.
Recent data shows delivery orders made up 64% of takeaway sales last December, with many customers adding premium ice cream to their orders as a dessert option. This shows that ice cream isn’t just a summer treat; it’s now a standard finish for many takeaway meals throughout the year.
Takeaway operators pay close attention to the ice cream they offer. Whether it’s traditional dairy bases or plant-based alternatives for vegan customers, offering innovative flavours, like matcha or tahini, appeals to a wide audience. Fresh, local ingredients fit customer expectations for quality and sustainability, which is increasingly important.
Packaging also plays an essential role in this equation. Eco-friendly, insulated tubs with resealable lids ensure that ice cream travels well without melting or losing appeal. These packaging solutions align with growing environmental concerns and customer preferences for sustainable products.
So, in December, takeaway deliveries and ice cream go hand in hand. The convenience of a hot meal combined with the delight of a chilled dessert is a winning formula. For businesses, understanding this dynamic and sourcing quality ice cream with practical packaging can provide a competitive edge during one of the busiest times of the year.
If you’re in the food service industry, it’s worth thinking about how ice cream can complement your takeaway offerings this winter. It might just be the finishing touch that customers look forward to most.
Takeaway Habits in December: Deliveries Take Centre Stage
Last December delivery orders accounted for 64% of off-premise takeaway sales, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year, while collection and click-and-collect orders declined. We can expect a similar pattern this year. This shift reflects consumers’ preference for convenience during the busy and dark winter evenings, when a hot meal delivered to the door fits well with festive routines.
Certain cuisines stand out in popularity: Chinese dishes lead with a 26% share of orders, making them a staple for many families and groups. Pizzas also remain a frequently chosen option, prized for their shareability and ease of eating. The average spend per order typically hovers around £20, with bundles and meal deals playing a big role in encouraging higher order values.
The delivery market itself is dominated by well-known platforms such as Uber Eats, which holds a significant share of the market alongside Just Eat and Deliveroo. Uber Eats, notably, secured about 27.2% of delivery occasions in 2024, reflecting its strong digital presence and growing user base.
Delivery continues to thrive because it matches consumer needs for ease and flexibility during a month that’s often packed with social commitments and cold weather. Many customers also add a dessert component to their orders, with ice cream frequently chosen to round off the meal, a trend that ties neatly into takeaway consumption patterns at this time of year.
Ice Cream Ingredients for Takeaway
Takeaway operators prioritise premium ice cream bases to meet customer expectations for indulgence and variety. High-fat dairy options provide the rich, creamy texture that defines quality gelato and ice cream, while plant-based alternatives, such as soy or oat formulations from brands like Magnum, cater to rising vegan and flexitarian demand. Global flavours add excitement, with matcha, tahini, black sesame, and even British-inspired twists like treacle tart gelato proving popular draws.
Key staples include:
- Local sourcing of fresh milk and seasonal fruits, which lowers the carbon footprint and ensures peak freshness for UK producers.
- Functional additions like probiotics, low-sugar sweeteners, or protein boosts, aligning with health trends without sacrificing taste.
- Nostalgic options such as sticky toffee pudding or treacle tart gelato, which resonate with consumers seeking comfort in winter orders.
These mixes perform reliably in delivery scenarios, resisting melt and maintaining firmness during transit, essential for off-premise sales. At Takeaway Supplies (TAS), we specialise in these high-quality ingredients, offering everything from Cremolinea bases and flavour pastes to stabilisers tailored for takeaway and ice cream businesses. Our 30+ years of expertise ensures operators get sustainable, ready-to-use solutions that streamline production and boost menu appeal.
Packaging and Delivery Fit: Smart Packs for Winter Orders
Eco-friendly ice cream packaging is gaining momentum in the UK, with compostable films and recyclable paperboard tubs projected to grow at a 3.4% CAGR, perfectly aligning with takeaway bundle needs and sustainability regulations.
Here are practical tips for operators:
- Select insulated, recyclable tubs to ensure safe door drops without melting.
- Incorporate resealable lids for easy family sharing after delivery.
- Adopt minimalist designs with QR codes to share brand stories and boost engagement.
- Choose single-serve formats that appear alongside snacks in delivery apps.
- Choose biodegradable sleeves that reduce waste and comply with UK plastic regs.
These solutions pair seamlessly with takeaway meals, enabling full dessert-inclusive orders that arrive fresh. At Takeaway Supplies (TAS), our packaging range, from PLA bioplastic tubs to custom-printed lids, supports this trend with fast delivery for busy December peaks.
December’s Perfect Pair: Takeaway Deliveries and Ice Cream Treats
Takeaway deliveries dominate December in the UK, commanding 64% of off-premise orders and growing 6% year-on-year, while smart ice cream ingredients, like premium dairy bases, plant-based options, and global flavours, and eco-friendly packaging elevate the full meal experience. This synergy turns cold evenings into indulgent feasts, blending convenience with quality.
Source these high-quality supplies now from trusted partners like TAS to test takeaway-ice cream bundles that boost average order values around £20. This winning mix keeps UK winters tasty, efficient, and sustainable, driving sales through the festive rush.