- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- DessertIce CreamSweet Food
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Third Sunday of July
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍦
National Ice Cream Day scoops up pure joy every third Sunday in July. This sweet holiday, established by President Reagan in 1984, celebrates a treat enjoyed by over 90 percent of Americans. Grab a cone, build a sundae, or discover a new flavor to make the most of this delightful occasion.
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History of National Ice Cream Day
There’s no known inventor that can be credited with creating ice cream, unfortunately. But the history of ice cream is as rich as gelato. It’s been said that ice cream-like food was first consumed in China sometime between 618-97 AD. The first dish was made from flour, buffalo milk, and camphor, an organic compound commonly used in lotion. It’s also been noted that Alexander the Great adored ice and snow flavored with nectar and honey.
We’ve also identified that the Bible indicates that King Solomon enjoyed iced drinks during the harvest season. Speaking of homemade, during the Roman Empire, Caesar would send people to gather snow from the mountains, just to cover it in fruit and juices.
Close to a thousand years later in Italy, Marco Polo had returned from the Far East and bought back a recipe for what we now know as sherbet. It is assumed that this recipe developed into what we now know as ice cream which was once called ‘‘Cream Ice.’ It was in 1660 that the general public was presented with ice cream. An Italian man named Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli decided to perfect a machine made by his fisherman grandfather which produced top-quality gelato in his café. The recipe blended milk, butter, eggs, and cream and was sold in Paris.
The first mention of ice cream in the United States derives from a letter written in Maryland in 1744 by Governor William Bladen’s guest. Then, the New York Gazette on May 12, 1777, printed the first advert for ice cream in the United States. Following the American Revolution, ice cream became super popular in the US.
Since then ice cream has exploded onto the desert scene with the creation of home machines, as well as the emergence of ice cream vans, ice cream floats, sundaes, and well-known brands like ‘‘Ben and Jerry’s’’ and ‘‘Haagen-Dazs’’ that we still consume to this day. The effect of ice cream on society is so great, that the brain of an ice cream lover has been likened to that of an addict. When the brain wants ice cream, it reacts like a passionate fanatic.
National Ice Cream Day timeline
Persians invent an ice cream recipe for their royal families made from saffron, iced rose water, vermicelli and fruit.
Colonists from Scotland bring an ice cream recipe to North America.
American mass production of ice cream is accomplished to boost morale of allied troops in Europe, popularizing the loveable dish all over the world.
The production of pre-packaged ice cream is flourishing in supermarkets and ice cream parlors.
National Ice Cream Day - Survey Results
National Ice Cream Day By Numbers
1851 – the year when commercial ice cream production started in Boston, U.S.A.
48 pints – the amount of ice cream consumed by the average person in the U.S. every year.
90% – the percentage of households in America that consume ice cream.
24 tons – the weight of the biggest ice-cream sundae made in Alberta, Canada.
250 years – the time it took for the recipe for ice cream to come to North America.
1904 – the year when ice cream cones were invented.
9000 – the gallons of ice cream that can be made by the milk produced by a cow in its lifetime.
12,096 pounds – the weight of the world’s largest ice cream cake.
50 – the average number of licks it takes to finish one ice cream.
3 – the number of levers on a standard ice-cream machine.
National Ice Cream Day FAQs
When is National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day 2026 falls on Sunday, July 19, making it a perfect weekend occasion for indulging in your favorite frozen treat. This date is set annually as the third Sunday in July, a tradition established by President Reagan.
How popular is ice cream in the U.S.?
Ice cream remains incredibly popular across the U.S., with approximately 90% of Americans enjoying the treat regularly. The average American consumes about 23 pounds of ice cream per year, solidifying its status as a national favorite.
What are the most popular ice cream flavors?
While regional preferences vary, vanilla consistently ranks as the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S., followed closely by chocolate. Other top contenders include cookies ‘n’ cream, mint chocolate chip, and strawberry, showcasing a mix of classic and innovative tastes.
Who declared National Ice Cream Day?
National Ice Cream Day was officially declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He designated the third Sunday in July as the day to celebrate, also proclaiming July as National Ice Cream Month, recognizing the dairy industry’s contribution.
National Ice Cream Day Activities
Get it on sale
If you want to partake in this awesome day, many stores and ice cream parlors are having great sales and special deals online and in-store to commemorate this day. Buy extra just because you have the sweetest excuse!
Make your own
Never tried to make ice cream at home before? Well, this is your chance. Homemade ice cream is simple yet rewarding. You can jazz it up by adding bits of your favorite fruit, chocolate, or even classic cookie dough. If you're tired of the usual vanilla and strawberry flavors, get creative and taste test to your heart’s desire.
Create an ice cream bowl
Just like that favorite mug you have in the kitchen, why not immortalize your love for ice cream on this day and make an ice cream bowl. Simply head on over to your local ceramics store and create your own bowl so you can gobble some ice cream on this day and always.
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5 Super Cool Facts About Ice Cream
It was used as a greeting
Because of its lush taste, ice cream was used as a greeting when immigrants arrived on Ellis Island.
Thomas Jefferson loved it
Thomas Jefferson was an ice cream fanatic and the Library of Congress collected his original handwritten recipe for vanilla ice cream.
How dairy?
It is said that nine percent of all the milk produced in the US is actually used on making ice cream.
Vanilla takes it all
In the United states Vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor, with 29% of total sales.
Long Beach eats it the most
Compared to all other cities, the most ice cream is consumed in Long Beach, California.
Why We Love National Ice Cream Day
Choice
Cookie Dough. Vanilla bean. Mint chocolate chip. There are multiple flavors to choose from to satisfy your national ice cream day cravings.
I have an ice dream
Ice cream is the textbook dessert for all seasons. You can cool down in the summer with a scoop of your favorite flavor, or enjoy it in the winter accompanied by a warm cake or pie. You can also whizz it in a blender and make a milkshake. No matter the season, does ice cream ever disappoint?
A lick of pint
Though some ice cream comes in half-gallon cartons, for some reason we still crave the pint. Why? It’s just the perfect size when you want to eat out of the container and watch a movie.
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