A scoop of ice cream could cost 600–700 HUF in 2026: pastry shops are preparing for Easter and the election weekend

Closings survival instead, postponement instead of development

According to the profession, the biggest blow was the drastic increase in energy prices and high inflation, while the labor shortage, the extraction of wages and contributions are also serious pressures. Balázs Erdélyi said: in many places, there was no opportunity for development in the “fight for survival” of recent years, so any tool that helps with investments may be important for businesses.

The “end of the month” is already visible at the counter

The restraint in consumption is very concretely reflected in guest traffic: it was said in the interview that in many places 10–14 days can be lost from a month, because guests disappear at the “end of the month” and typically only return after paying. Confectionery prices will therefore remain an “affordable luxury” for many, but many people would rather afford a coffee and a cookie than a restaurant meal.

How much will it be in 2026: ice cream and cake prices

The industry has been restrained in price increases: according to Balázs Erdélyi, in recent years it has been more about tracking inflation and minor price corrections. He told Pénzcentrum that

• a slice of cake in many places is already priced at around 1500–2000 HUF, which is a luxury for many, but still an “affordable luxury”,
• a scoop of ice cream typically costs 600–700 Ft in 2026.

The price of ice cream is more easily accepted by guests because in the heat, the experience is “needed”, while the psychological limit for cakes is reached sooner, where fewer people reach into their wallets.

Ingredients: chocolate and vanilla have breathed, fruit is pressing

According to the interview, the prices of ingredients coming from abroad are also influenced by the forint-euro exchange rate, shipping costs and stock market movements. He mentioned as good news that the world market price of cocoa beans decreased significantly at the end of last year, but this only became noticeable in domestic purchase prices with a delay of about half a year. The price of vanilla has also decreased, which is also a relief. In contrast, he sees a sharp increase in the price of several fruits: raspberries and blueberries are “slowly becoming unaffordable”, and they are often mostly imported. Among domestic fruits, the prices of previously staple strawberries and apricots have also risen in recent years.

Trendy flavors and “photogenic” offerings

Attending younger guests is now a separate business issue. According to Balázs Erdélyi, many confectioners respond quickly to social media trends, and “trendy products that can be photographed well” are a strong attraction, while the quality of the content, the environment and the service are also needed for a return.