National Soft Ice Cream Day

Who doesn’t love ice cream? On National Soft Ice Cream Day, you can enjoy this refreshing treat guilt-free! Celebrated in the heart of summer, this holiday is the perfect excuse to cool down with something sweet.

History

Historians believe that early forms of ice cream date back to around 200 BC, though it’s impossible to verify exact origins. In the U.S., soft ice cream made its debut in the 18th century. The first known advertisement appeared in 1777, and at that time, it was a rare and exotic luxury available only to the wealthy.

By the early 1800s, ice cream’s popularity soared as production increased and the dessert became more widely available.

Interestingly, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once worked as a chemist and contributed to the development of soft serve ice cream during her early career.

Interesting Facts

• During World War II, ice cream was served to American troops to boost morale.
• George Washington reportedly spent over $200 on ice cream in one summer.
• Soft serve is more challenging to produce than hard ice cream due to its temperature and air content requirements.

How to Take Part

Visit your favorite café or dessert shop and treat yourself to a cone or cup of soft ice cream. Many establishments offer special deals in honor of the day.

Planning a family outing? Head to a local amusement park and top it off with a visit to the nearest ice cream stand.

Feeling adventurous? Make your own soft serve at home—just gather the ingredients and give it a try!

When is National Soft Ice Cream Day in 2025?

National Soft Ice Cream Day is observed on August 19 each year.

Observations