Mobile catering compared: why the ice cream van is so often the best choice
Food truck, cocktail bar, coffee van, popcorn stand – the choice of mobile catering for events is huge. But which option really delights every guest, suits almost any budget, and is still easy to plan? We compare the most popular types of mobile catering honestly – and show why the ice cream van is so often the best choice, especially on hot summer days.
The most popular types of mobile catering at a glance
| Catering type | Ideal for | €/person | Suitable for all guests? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍦 Ice cream van | Summer, afternoon, every age group | approx. €3–5 | Yes (vegan/lactose-free) |
| 🍔 Burger food truck | Evening events, main meal | approx. €10–18 | Limited |
| 🍕 Pizza van | Main meal, groups | approx. €8–15 | Limited |
| 🍸 Cocktail bar | Evening, adults | approx. €8–15 | No (alcohol) |
| ☕ Coffee van | Mornings, cool days | approx. €3–5 | Partly |
| 🍿 Popcorn / sweets | Children, extra treat | approx. €2–4 | Partly |
Indicative prices per person, depending on vendor and region.
Why the ice cream van wins so often
1. It really does taste good to everyone
Ice cream is one of the few foods that works across every age group – from small children to grandparents. While there are always guests who have to pass on burgers, cocktails or spicy street food, almost nobody says no to a scoop of ice cream.
2. The perfect way to cool down
On a hot summer day, ice cream is exactly the refreshment everyone's craving. A hearty burger or a hot coffee sits heavy in your stomach at 30 degrees – ice cream, on the other hand, cools you down from the inside and instantly lifts the mood. No other catering suits summer weather as well.
3. Easy to plan
No hot kitchen, no cold chain for raw meat, no elaborate menu briefing. The vendor arrives, sets up, serves and packs down again. For you as the host, that means minimal effort and maximum effect.
4. Budget-friendly
At around €3–5 per person, ice cream catering is one of the most affordable highlights out there – less than a single cocktail at a corporate party, but with far more wow factor. You can find out exactly what a booking costs in our cost guide.
5. Something for everyone – even with dietary needs
Vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, reduced-sugar: good ice cream catering has a suitable flavour for almost every diet. That way nobody has to just watch while everyone else enjoys themselves – a real advantage over many other types of catering.
When other catering is a better fit
Let's be honest: ice cream isn't always the answer. For a winter evening event, when the catering needs to replace the main meal or guests are expecting a hearty snack, a food truck or a cocktail bar is the better choice. The pro tip from many event planners: just combine them – the burger truck in the evening, the ice cream van to cool things down in the afternoon.
Which type of ice cream van suits your event?
Once you've decided on ice cream, you have a choice: from the classic ice cream van to the nostalgic ice cream Ape and the sustainable ice cream bike, through to a soft serve machine or an indoor-friendly display freezer. Our vehicle comparison explains which type suits which occasion.
In summary
Mobile catering comes in many forms – but few delight every guest as reliably as an ice cream van: affordable, easy to plan, refreshing and inclusive. Especially on hot days, ice cream is the safe choice. Start the ice cream planner, enter your location and date, and see matching vendors from your area with a total price straight away – free and with no obligation to book.
