Penny lick

Penny Lick

A collection of penny lick glasses

The penny lick was a small glass used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for serving ice cream. It was named for its cost, a penny, and the manner in which the ice cream was consumed, by licking it directly from the glass. The penny lick was a popular street food item in Victorian era London and other urban areas.

Design

The penny lick glass was typically made of thick glass with a shallow depression at the top to hold a small amount of ice cream. The design was simple and utilitarian, allowing vendors to serve ice cream quickly to customers. The thick glass made the portion of ice cream appear larger than it actually was, which was a clever marketing tactic.

Hygiene Concerns

Close-up of a penny lick glass

The use of penny licks raised significant hygiene concerns. Since the glasses were reused without proper washing, they became a vector for the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The practice of sharing these glasses among multiple customers without adequate sanitation led to public health issues.

Discontinuation

Due to the health risks associated with penny licks, they were eventually banned in many areas. In the early 20th century, they were replaced by more hygienic alternatives such as the ice cream cone, which was disposable and did not require washing. The introduction of the ice cream cone marked the end of the penny lick era.

Legacy

Despite their discontinuation, penny licks remain a part of culinary history and are sometimes collected as antiques. They serve as a reminder of the evolution of food safety standards and the impact of public health on food service practices.

Related Pages

• Ice cream cone
• Victorian era
• Public health