- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- ChocolateDessertSweet Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 28
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍦
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day arrives every March 28, commemorating the invention of America’s first chocolate-covered ice cream bar. This sweet observance invites everyone to indulge in a classic frozen delight, celebrating its rich history and enduring appeal. Grab your favorite chocolate-dipped treat, explore new flavors, and share your frosty indulgence with friends and family.
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Expected Eat an Eskimo Pie Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that Eat an Eskimo Pie Day often inspires sweet deals from major frozen treat brands and confectioners. Look for discounts on chocolate-covered ice cream bars, cones, and other frozen desserts from companies like Klondike, Magnum, Good Humor, and Nestlé. Local ice cream parlors and grocery stores may also feature special pricing on their own chocolate-dipped creations. Keep an eye out for promotions from premium chocolate brands such as Ghirardelli or Godiva that might offer chocolate coatings or dessert ingredients. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March 28 approaches.
Platform Guide for Eat an Eskimo Pie Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EatAnEskimoPieDay. Share photos of your favorite chocolate-covered ice cream bar or a homemade frozen treat.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #EatAnEskimoPieDay. Film a ‘taste test’ video comparing different brands of chocolate-covered ice cream bars.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #EatAnEskimoPieDay. Share your favorite memories of enjoying a chocolate-covered ice cream bar.
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day Hero
Clarence Nelson
History of Eat an Eskimo Pie Day
In the summer of 1920, high school teacher and candy shop owner Christian Kent Nelson witnessed a boy torn between buying ice cream or a chocolate bar. The boy eventually bought the chocolate. Nelson asked him why he didn’t buy both, and the boy responded that he only had one nickel, so he couldn’t buy his favorite treat. At this moment, Nelson came up with the idea of combining both treats to satisfy more children.
A month later, he successfully produced the official chocolate-coated ice cream bar, which he called an ‘I-Scream Bar.’
Nelson first made 500 bars without the sticks and sold them at a fireman’s picnic. After successfully selling his first few batches, Nelson began searching for a manufacturer to take his business to the next level. He partnered with chocolate maker Russel C. Stover and renamed the ice cream bars Eskimo Pies. Over time, Nelson and Stover sold the rights to local ice cream shops in their area.
By the spring of 1922, roughly 2,700 different shops sold the Eskimo Pie, selling over a million per day. In 1934, the popularity of ice cream bars was at its peak. It was then that sticks were introduced to make the pies easier to eat, shaping them into the modern version we know and love today. Nelson retired in 1961 and passed away on March 8, 1992, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed the global ice cream industry.
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day timeline
Christian Kent Nelson comes up with the idea of combining vanilla ice cream and chocolate into one after witnessing a boy who couldn’t afford both.
Kent and his business partner Russel C. Stover team up and sell the rights of their Eskimo Pies to local ice cream shops.
The stick is introduced to Eskimo Pies to make them easier to eat.
After changing the global ice cream industry, Nelson steps back and retires.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Eat an Eskimo Pie Day
Local ice cream shops and dessert cafes can celebrate Eat an Eskimo Pie Day by offering special deals on chocolate-dipped ice cream bars or creating unique limited-time flavors. Bakeries might feature chocolate-covered frozen desserts, while grocery stores could highlight their frozen treat aisle with discounts. Businesses can also host ‘build-your-own’ ice cream bar events, allowing customers to customize their chocolate coatings and toppings, engaging the community in a sweet celebration.
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day FAQs
When is Eat an Eskimo Pie Day?
In 2027, Eat an Eskimo Pie Day is observed on Sunday, March 28, making it a sweet way to wrap up the weekend. Gather friends and family for a delightful frozen dessert experience.
How many ice cream bars are eaten annually?
The global ice cream market is projected to reach significant valuations, with individual frozen novelties like ice cream bars making up a substantial segment. Millions enjoy these convenient, delicious treats regularly.
What is the history of the Eskimo Pie?
Originally patented as the ‘I-Scream Bar,’ the Eskimo Pie gained immense popularity after its launch. Its innovative design of a vanilla ice cream bar coated in chocolate revolutionized the frozen treat industry, paving the way for countless variations.
Why was the name 'Eskimo Pie' changed?
The decision to rename the product reflected a commitment to inclusivity and respect for all communities. The company acknowledged the harmful connotations of the original name and took steps to align its branding with modern values, ensuring a more respectful product identity.
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day Activities
Support your local ice cream shops
Pay a visit to your favorite ice cream shops and buy one or two ice cream bars on Eat an Eskimo Pie Day. You could also take your friends, family, or children with you.
Try artisanal ice cream bars
Check out modern artisanal ice cream bars on Eat an Eskimo Pie Day. You could get creative by adding dried fruits, nuts, candies, or chocolate shavings to your ice cream.
Go on a picnic
Pack a basket of Eskimo Pies and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family. There’s nothing better than enjoying a frozen treat while sitting under the warm sun.
5 Interesting Facts About Eskimo Pies
They’re now called Edy’s Pies
In 2020, Dreyer’s division of Nestle announced that they’re changing the name from Eskimo Pie to Edy’s Pie.
Kent’s broad patent caused him legal troubles
The Eskimo Pie Company used to spend $4,000 in legal fees per day defending the rights to the broad coverage of ice cream bars and for trademarking the word ‘pie.’
The price of cocoa beans increased
In 1922, the popularity of Eskimo Pies caused the price of cocoa beans to increase.
Klondike pioneers the different Eskimo Pie flavors
While Christain Nelson Kent invented the chocolate bar, it was Klondike that introduced a variety of flavors like maple and cherry.
The French Eskimo Pies
In France, Eskimo Pies are called ‘Esquimaux Bricks.’
Why We Love Eat an Eskimo Pie Day
It’s two desserts in one
The Eskimo Pie still lives true to its purpose: offering two desserts in one. Who doesn’t love chocolate and ice cream in one bite?
It brings back memories
Ice cream reminds us of plenty of childhood memories. A bite of the Eskimo Pie is like being a kid all over again.
It helps support local ice cream shops
It’s always good to patronize local businesses in your area. Help them boost their sales by buying a bar of Eskimo Pie on this holiday.
Social Media Tips for Eat an Eskimo Pie Day
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