Many Hungarians flee to malls to escape the heat – research

The more than 1,300 respondents surveyed mostly try to survive the summer heat with air conditioning (68%), but light, summer clothing, ice cream, cold water and fruits, and ice baths are also essential tools for refreshment. When it comes to summer drinks, iced tea or lemonade became the favorite, along with water, but many also voted for iced coffee and other soft drinks. The vast majority of respondents (70%) say that the ideal refreshing drink should be ice-cold and refreshing, but many expect it to be made with fresh fruit (44%) and healthy ingredients (42%).

Among ice creams, the classic scoop is the clear leader, with more than half of the participants (52%) choosing it most. In second place is ice cream on a stick (22%), followed by vegan or sugar-free alternatives (10%) and machine-made cream ice cream (8%). In terms of flavors, fruity and special, trendy (e.g. pistachio, salted caramel, matcha) ice creams are the most popular, followed by chocolate or vanilla. More than two-thirds of respondents eat ice cream at least once a week during the season, but some include a cooling dessert every day (5%).

“The majority of shoppers (53%) consider 23-24 degrees to be the ideal indoor temperature, and many prefer 1-2 degrees cooler or warmer (23% and 16%) in the summer. The most important things to do against the heat were to drink enough fluids, stay in a shaded or air-conditioned room, and dress appropriately and protect themselves from the sun. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (61%) visit shopping centers specifically because of the pleasant, cool temperature. A similar proportion spend this time watching movies or shopping, while many also go to a mall for coffee, drinks, meals or ice cream in the hottest weather,”

said Dóra Vámosi, asset manager at Etele Plaza.