National Ice Cream Day 2022: Date, History and What Companies are Offering

National Ice Cream Day 2022 takes place on July 17, or the third Sunday in July, and lands in the middle of National Ice Cream Month. Here’s everything you need to know about the history of National Ice Cream Day and what various companies are doing to celebrate the holiday, including special offers and free ice cream.

History of National Ice Cream Day 

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan wanted to commemorate a treat enjoyed by a vast majority of the US population. That year, he proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in July. The US still leads the world when it comes to ice cream consumption, with the average American consuming 23 gallons (or 48 pints) per year.

Despite this, ice cream was not invented in the US. While no known inventor can be credited with the creation of ice cream, it’s been said that the first ice cream-like food was consumed in China sometime between 618 and 97 AD. This ice cream iteration was made from flour, buffalo milk and camphor, an organic compound used in lotion.

Related: Plant-Based Ice Cream Brand Coconut Bliss Adds Dairy to Product Lineup

organic compound used in lotion.

However, some point to Naples, Italy, as the birthplace of the ice cream we know today. They give credit to Antonio Latini who was born in 1642 and created a milk-based sorbet. Ice cream finally made its way to the US when the Quaker colonists brought over their ice cream recipes in the mid-1650s. Ice cream shops began popping up in New York City and other cities during the colonial era. 

Since then, ice cream has exploded in the desert scene with the creation of home machines, the emergence of ice cream trucks and innovations like ice cream floats and sundaes. Brands like Ben and Jerry’s and Haagen-Dazs, which were founded in 1978 and 1960, respectively, are still widely consumed. Due to new entrants and continuous innovation, the US ice cream market was valued at $13.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $15.8 billion by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.49 percent. 

What Companies are Offering for National Ice Cream Day 2022

Because July is National Ice Cream Month, there are deals on ice cream all month long. Here is what some companies are offering for National Ice Cream Day as well as during the month of July.

Baskin-Robbins

Throughout the month of July, customers can get a free regular-sized scoop as an in-app offer when they download the Baskin-Robbins app. The ice cream chain is also offering $5 off any $15 or more purchase.

Carvel

Customers that purchase an ice cream sundae will receive another one for free every Wednesday throughout National Ice Cream Month.

Cold Stone Creamery

Customers that are new to the ice cream chain’s My Cold Stone Club Rewards can get a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on Creations throughout the month of July.

Dippin’ Dots

During a two-hour window, participating Dippin’ Dots locations will be handing out free mini cups of ice cream.

Marble Slab Creamery

Rewards members can redeem a randomized prize in the app at any point during National Ice Cream Month. 

McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream

On National Ice Cream Day, stop into a store to get an additional scoop added to a single cup or cone. If customers are shopping online, they can take 20 percent off an order with the code “NICD2022.”

Aside from national chains, local ice cream shops will also be offering special deals and giveaways for National Ice Cream Day 2022.