A Screwball's defining feature sits right at the bottom of the tub, a single ball of bubblegum buried underneath the ice lolly rather than mixed through it.
A UK Ice-Cream Van Tradition
Screwball became a regular sight on British ice-cream vans through the 1970s and 1980s, sold alongside 99 cones from the same hatch. It is served in a small plastic tub with a peel-back or push-off lid, eaten with a flat wooden or plastic spoon rather than on a stick.
Why Bubblegum at the Bottom
Burying the bubblegum under the ice lolly was a simple but effective piece of design. It gave children an incentive to eat the whole tub rather than abandon it half-melted, and turned the last few spoonfuls into a small discovery rather than an afterthought.
Flavours and Variations
The classic Screwball comes in lemon or raspberry, with cola versions also produced by some manufacturers. The format has barely changed since it first appeared, which is exactly why it remains one of the more recognisable names in retro sweets and nostalgia treats.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Screwball?
A Screwball is a lemon or raspberry-flavoured ice lolly served in a small tub with a piece of bubblegum moulded into the base, a fixture of UK ice-cream vans since the 1970s.
Why does a Screwball have bubblegum in it?
The bubblegum sits at the bottom of the tub as a built-in bonus, giving children a reason to finish the whole lolly and extending the treat once the ice has gone.
Is Screwball still sold in the UK?
Yes, Screwball lollies are still made and sold by British ice-cream van operators and wholesalers, largely unchanged since they first appeared.