Fun Ice Cream Facts

Ice cream was invented in China around 200 B.C., when the Chinese packed a soft milk and rice mixture in the snow.

Ice cream became a sensation at the White House in 1812 when First Lady Dolly Madison served ice cream at the second inaugural ball.

Vanilla is the #1 selling flavor in the U.S. with sales reaching almost 30% of total ice cream sales.

Americans eat enough ice cream every year to fill The Grand Canyon!

The first ice cream parlor in America opened in New York City in 1776.

In 1983, Cookies 'N Cream, made with real Oreo cookies, became an instant hit, climbing to number five on the list of best-selling ice cream flavors. It also holds the distinction of being the fastest growing new flavor in the history of the ice cream industry.

The average number of licks to polish off a single scoop ice cream cone is approximately 50.

98% of all households purchase ice cream.

California produces more ice cream than any other state.

Adults consume nearly one-half of all ice cream novelties.

In 2001, 1.6 billion gallons of ice cream were produced. That’s equivalent to 23 quarts per person!

The Twin Pop was created during The Great Depression so that two children could share a Popsicle for just a nickel!

Popsicle sticks are made from birch!

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population.