Yes, that is correct, Ice cream has its very own special day in the annual calendar, in fact, there’s a whole month that is dedicated to celebrating this delicious frozen treat!
This year, National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, 21st July 2024 – the coolest day of the year!
So mark your calendars and get your taste buds ready, because National Ice Cream Day 2024 is just around the corner. This is the day when we all have the perfect excuse to indulge in our favourite frozen treats!
National Ice Cream Day is not only about savouring a scoop (or two or three) of the finest gelato or the creamiest soft serve. It’s also about embracing the celebration and sweet moments that come with every lick and bite.
In our previous article, National Ice Cream Day: A Day of Frozen Deliciousness. we detailed the origins and significance of this special day. For those who missed it, here’s a brief recap along with some exciting updates and ways to celebrate in 2024.
Reflecting on the Sweetness: National Ice Cream Day 2023 in Review
Last year, National Ice Cream Day was a delicious celebration that had us all reaching for our favourite scoops. In our 2023 article, we traced National Ice Cream Day back to the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan declared the third Sunday of July a celebration of ice cream, recognising it as “a fun and nutritious food enjoyed by over 90% of the nation’s population.” It has since become a cultural staple.
We touched upon the essence of National Ice Cream Day, acknowledging its significance beyond the creamy swirls and sprinkles, showing that it was about community, family, and savouring the simple pleasures in life as the day not only promotes the economic well-being of the ice cream industry but also encourages the unity of people across the country, sharing joy one scoop at a time.
We delved into 2023’s flavour trends, which saw classic favourites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry maintaining their top spots, while exciting fusions inspired by global cuisine began to ripple (see what we did there? lol) through the market.
Artisanal makers pushed boundaries with bold combinations, taking palates on a delicious journey of discovery. From the lactose intolerant to the calorie-conscious, last year catered to all with an array of dairy-free and low-calorie options, ensuring everyone could indulge without compromise.
For a deeper dive into the history of ice cream, check out our previous post: National Ice Cream Day: A Day of Frozen Deliciousness.
Fresh Flavours and Frosty Innovations: What’s New in 2024
Ice cream, much like fashion, sees new trends emerging each year. As we gear up for National Ice Cream Day 2024 (Sunday, 21st July), let’s take a look at some new trends and exciting updates in the world of ice cream:
Innovative Flavours and Textures:
Artisanal ice cream makers are pushing boundaries, introducing organic ingredients, dairy-free alternatives, and unexpected combinations that wake up the taste buds. From the exotic zest of dragon fruit to the smoky hints of bourbon-flavoured treats, taste profiles have definitely gone up a notch. Artisanal ice cream shops are also experimenting with unique textures, incorporating crunchy mix-ins and velvety smooth bases.
Sustainable Practices:
The industry as a whole is also adopting more sustainable practices. Eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients are not just buzzwords but actions many parlours are taking seriously. It’s impressive to see how these initiatives enrich both the product quality, our local economies, and our environment.
Health-Conscious Choices:
The demand for healthier ice cream options continues to rise. From low-sugar and keto-friendly varieties to dairy-free and plant-based alternatives, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without compromising on taste.
Events Near You:
And what about events? Well, there’s an array of frosty festivities scheduled for National Ice Cream Day this year. From sundae-building contests in Brighton to the Ice Cream Dash in Edinburgh, and with plenty of events being held in between there’s lots of opportunity for families and connoisseurs alike to have plenty to look forward to.
Technology Continues to Abound:
Finally, ice cream technology has had its fair share of upgrades, too. Some parlours now offer custom flavour creation booths, where you can mix and match ingredients to create your signature scoop on the spot. It’s a brave new world for ice cream, with 3D printing and AI flavour prediction leading the way!
Celebrating National Ice Cream Day 2024
Here are some fun and exciting ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day this year:
Try New Flavours:
Visit your local ice cream parlour and explore the latest flavour innovations. Many shops offer special promotions and limited-edition flavours to mark the occasion.
Support Local Artisans:
Celebrate by supporting local ice cream makers. Many small businesses offer handcrafted ice creams made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Make Your Own Ice Cream:
Get creative in the kitchen and try making your own homemade ice cream. Experiment with different ingredients and flavour combinations to create a unique frozen treat to suit your palate.
We have countless recipes listed here on our website, all of which provide detailed step-by-step guides to enable you to make your own homemade ice cream. Be that a classic Strawberry or chocolate or a delicious Oreo or Mango Ice Cream, we’ve got a flavour for everyone’s palate.
Click on Recipes and Methods in the menu above and find a recipe you would like.
Click on the following link to go straight there; ===> Recipes & Methods
Host an Ice Cream Social:
If you’re feeling adventurous why not gather your friends and family together for an ice cream social party? Set up a DIY sundae bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone create their own delicious concoctions.
Getting Ready for National Ice Cream Day!
With just under three weeks to go until the special day, make sure you have everything you need to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in style. We’ve listed some accessories and items you might need along with useful links for them all:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For Making Ice Cream:
- Ice cream makers and attachments
- Mixing bowls and measuring spoons
- Ice cream scoops and spatulas
- Popsicle moulds and sticks
- Whipped cream dispensers
- Decorative sprinkles and food colouring
Additional Accessories:
- Fun Ice Cream themed serving platters and bowls
- Ice Cream themed colourful napkins and tablecloths
- Ice Cream Festive paper plates and cups
- Ice cream cones and waffle bowls
National Ice Cream Day Celebration Accessories:
- Ice Cream Party T-shirts
- Banners and bunting with ice cream designs
- Ice Cream Balloons and streamers in bright colours
- Ice Cream themed Fairy lights
- Outdoor games and activities related to ice cream (e.g., ice cream relay races)
Apparel and Decorations:
- Ice cream-themed aprons and oven mitts
- Ice cream cone hats
- Fun face paint and temporary tattoos with ice cream motifs
- Decorative ice cream yard signs and posters
- Picnic blankets and beach towels with ice cream patterns
With these items, you can ensure your National Ice Cream Day celebration is fun, festive, and filled with sweet treats!
Wrapping Up National Ice Cream Day 2024
Share Your Celebrations:
Join the fun on social media by sharing your National Ice Cream Day celebrations. Use the hashtag #NationalIceCreamDay2024 and tag your favourite ice cream shops to show them some love or share your favourite discoveries and mouth-watering memories on social media.
As if you need a reason, National Ice Cream Day 2024 is the perfect excuse to indulge in the creamy, sweet delight that has captivated hearts and taste buds for generations.
Whether you’re trying new flavours, making your own ice cream, or simply enjoying a scoop with loved ones, this day is all about celebrating the joy of ice cream.
We hope that our article has got you buzzing with excitement for National Ice Cream Day 2024, equipped with a ‘sundae’ glass full of ideas on how you can celebrate.
Whether it’s friends over for a sundae par-tee or heading out to your favourite local ice cream parlour to try out some new flavour combinations, or if you plan to whip up your own ice cream concoction at home, be sure to make it a day of Ice Cool Celebrations!
We’d love to hear about your favourite ice-cold indulgences. What new flavours have tickled your taste buds this year? Leave us a comment below and share your favourite ice cream memories or new discoveries!
Let’s all raise a cone, a cup, or indeed, a towering sundae to National Ice Cream Day 2024. May your scoops be ever sumptuous and your toppings plentiful!
Happy National Ice Cream Day 2024!
We hope you have enjoyed our article – National Ice Cream Day 2024 and we really hope that we have inspired you to make plans to celebrate the very special occasion in style!
Stay connected for more homemade ice cream inspiration! Join us for mouthwatering recipes, expert tips, and exclusive updates. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and X by clicking on any of the social media icons below.
Hi I loved this excellent article. I love Ice Cream too and it’s no surprise that there is a National Ice Cream Day as Ice cream is a product that is enjoyed globally by millions of people. It is great to see that there are so many more choices for those who have health challenges, like being lactose intolerant or glucose intolerant.And even vegans are being catered for in the latests trends for ice cream. I agree that there is no better way than to enjoy this frozen delight, than having an ice cream party. Thanks for the ideas of things to do on the day, I will be sure to try out some of the recipes you’ve got listed, there are so many amazing ones to try out.
Hey there,
Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to share your thoughts. Yes, I could not agree more, Ice cream is enjoyed the world over and so it 100% deserves a special day in the annual calendar. In fact, a month of celebrations! Not a bad idea I say.
Indeed, as you have noted, there are lots more choices available today, not just for those with health issues, but also for those who simply wish to try alternative diets. there is something for everyone which makes Ice cream inclusive for all.
~Glad you like the selection of recipes we have listed on our site, hopefully, there are a few there that will appeal to you and you’ll try out.
In our ‘Make Your Own’ drop-down menu section, we have lots of tutorials offering tips, hints, and tricks to make delicious homemade ice cream, our article – How to make Delicious, Indulgent, Homemade Ice Cream – takes you through all the stages and provides various techniques to help you get the best results.
Thanks once again for your comment and wishing you a Happy National Ice Cream Month!
All the best
Cherie🍦🙂