Eat an Eskimo Pie Day

Eat an Eskimo Pie Day is an American holiday dedicated to the classic chocolate-covered ice cream bar on a stick, often made with vanilla ice cream and sometimes coated with crushed nuts. This frozen treat has become one of the most recognizable ice cream formats in the world. The holiday is celebrated annually on March 28.

History

The history of Eat an Eskimo Pie Day is closely connected to the invention of chocolate-covered ice cream. The story begins in the summer of 1920, when candy store owner Christian Kent Nelson noticed a boy struggling to choose between buying ice cream or a chocolate bar, as he only had enough money for one treat. Nelson came up with a simple but brilliant idea to combine both into a single product.

Later that same year, the first chocolate-covered ice cream bars were created. The new dessert quickly gained popularity. Within two years, it was sold in nearly 3,000 stores across the United States, and by 1934, chocolate-covered ice cream bars were enjoyed in many countries around the world.

Interesting Facts

• The name Eskimo Pie was introduced with the help of Russell Stover, who assisted Nelson in expanding production and turning the dessert into a commercial success.
• Wooden sticks became widely used for ice cream bars in the 1950s, helping standardize the format that remains popular today.

How to Take Part

Celebrate by buying your favorite ice cream bar on a stick. Modern versions come in a wide range of varieties, including different types of chocolate coatings, nut toppings, and fillings such as caramel, fruit, or berries.

Sharing memories and opinions on social media is another way to take part. Asking others when they first tried an ice cream bar on a stick and which version they prefer can be part of the celebration.

When is Eat an Eskimo Pie Day in 2026?

Eat an Eskimo Pie Day is observed every year on March 28.

Observations