From Cone to Culture: Celebrating National Ice Cream Month
Did you know that on average, Americans eat about nineteen pounds of ice cream each year—that’s roughly four gallons per person! It’s no surprise that this creamy, beloved treat peaks in popularity during the summer, offering people of all ages a fun way to cool down. Across the United States, new ice cream flavors debut every year, adding to the already impressive variety. Some of my personal favorites? Peppermint stick, watermelon, baseball nut, and strawberry cheesecake. Whether you’re a fan of fruity swirls or rich, decadent classics, there’s something for everyone.
The Sweet Scoop on the Ice Cream Industry
According to a survey by the (IDFA), the majority of ice cream companies in the U.S. are family-owned—and many have been around for over 50 years. Even sweeter? Ice cream isn’t just a dessert—it’s a major contributor to the U.S. economy.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
- $11 billion in direct contributions to the national economy
- 27,000+ jobs supported by the ice cream industry
- $1.9 billion in direct wages
- In 2024 alone, U.S. ice cream makers produced more than 1.3 billion gallons of ice cream!
A Presidential Scoop: The History of National Ice Cream Month
The celebration of this delightful dessert has official roots. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day. Since then, Americans have proudly carried on the tradition.
One of the biggest events is the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, organized annually by the IDFA. In 2024, the event featured:
- Over 950 gallons of donated ice cream
- 32 ice cream cakes
- Thousands of guests enjoying countless flavors and community fun
This year, in 2025, we’ll be celebrating the 41st anniversary of this national tradition that brings everyone together—one scoop at a time.
Flavor Trends: From Classic to Creative
While I mentioned my own favorites earlier, the IDFA survey revealed that America’s top five flavors are:
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Butter Pecan
- Cookie Dough
Interestingly, 97% of Americans say they like or love ice cream—but there’s also growing interest in unique combinations, especially those that mix spicy and sweet. Recently, I visited Baskin-Robbins and tried Paloma Paradise—a citrusy grapefruit sorbet with hints of chili and lime. It was surprisingly mild, refreshingly tangy, and absolutely delicious—a perfect example of how adventurous today’s ice cream landscape has become.
More Than a Cone: Creative Ways to Enjoy Ice Cream
Ice cream has come a long way from the standard cone. Here are some fun and tasty ways people are enjoying it today:
- Ice Cream Tacos
- Ice Cream Nachos
- Fried Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Doughnut Sandwich
- Stuffed Ice Cream Cones (with candy, cereal, cookies, etc.)
- Mochi
- Floats
- Sundaes
- Cakes
- Milkshakes
So, whether you’re celebrating with a classic vanilla scoop or trying something totally new, July is the perfect time to embrace your love of ice cream. Grab your friends, family, and co-workers, and make time to treat yourself this National Ice Cream Month!
Reference: July is National Ice Cream Month. IDFA. (2025, April 29). https://www.idfa.org/july-is-national-ice-cream-month
Andrea Capriotti – Infant and Toddler Specialist.
