Consumers can save up to 82 percent on ice cream costs by choosing multipacks over single-serve items, according to a recent price analysis by Nettavisen. While summer promotions are common, current data from Rema 1000 shows that bulk purchasing creates a significant price gap, with single-serve units costing nearly five times more than their counterparts in six- or eight-packs.
Why are single-serve ice creams so much more expensive?
The price discrepancy between single-serve ice cream and multipacks is driven by retail logistics and consumer behavior, according to savings expert Rune “Gjerrigknarken” Nikolaisen. Retailers prioritize high-margin, impulsive single-item sales at the checkout, while multipacks are positioned as value-driven bulk commodities. Nettavisen’s analysis confirms that a single Krone-is retails for 22.00 NOK, whereas a six-pack costs 28.10 NOK. By spending just 6.10 NOK more than the price of a single ice cream, shoppers secure five additional units.
Depending on the brand, purchasing Gullpinne in a multipack can be 82 percent cheaper per unit than buying the same item individually at the freezer display, according to Nettavisen’s price check.
Are you getting the same amount of ice cream?
Shoppers should verify product volume, as some multipacks contain smaller portions than single-serve alternatives, warns Nettavisen. While Krone-is and Sandwich maintain consistent sizes—125 ml and 120 ml respectively—across both formats, the Gullpinne line differs. A single Gullpinne sold individually contains 90 ml, whereas those found in multipacks are reduced to 65 ml. Despite this volume difference, the per-liter price remains substantially lower in the bulk format.
How to maximize grocery savings during seasonal sales
Nikolaisen suggests that consumers should coordinate purchases to avoid the “single-serve premium.” His strategy involves asking other shoppers to split the cost of a multipack if they only intend to consume one item. He notes that retailers are currently focused on matching competitor pricing rather than further aggressive discounting, making now an optimal time to capitalize on existing promotions. Anders Førde Midtbø, a communications advisor, confirmed to Nettavisen that Rema 1000 intends to maintain sufficient stock levels throughout the promotional period to prevent empty shelves.
Comparison of unit prices
The following table illustrates the cost efficiency of bulk purchasing based on current retail data:
| Product | Single Price | Per Unit (Multipack) |
|---|---|---|
| Krone-is Jordbær | 22.00 NOK | 4.68 NOK |
| Sandwich | 26.00 NOK | 5.68 NOK |
| Gullpinne | 26.00 NOK | 4.65 NOK |
Always check the unit price (price per liter or per kg) on the store shelf label rather than the retail price of the package. This is the only way to accurately compare value when manufacturers change portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it always cheaper to buy multipacks? Yes, per-unit costs are significantly lower in multipacks, even when the individual ice cream volume is smaller, according to data from Nettavisen.
- Why do some multipacks have smaller ice creams? Manufacturers often adjust portion sizes in multipacks to reach a specific price point, according to retail industry observations.
- Will prices drop further? Savings expert Rune Nikolaisen expects prices to stabilize as chains focus on matching competitors rather than engaging in further price dumping.
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