There are a lot of causes to scream proper now—from cyclospora to deprave politicians avoiding accountability.
What if as a substitute we collectively squealed for ice cream on Nationwide Ice Cream Day? Effectively, we’re in luck as a result of it’s immediately: Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Right here’s some historical past together with offers to make this cool snack a fair sweeter deal with.
Earlier than machines, how was ice cream made?
Ice cream is made up of cream, sugar, air, and frozen water. Flavors had been added based mostly on a person’s style preferences. Earlier than fridges and machines, these elements had been mixed in a separate container, surrounded by ice and salt, which reached temperatures under freezing.
The combination was then stirred and churned by hand. Due to this labor-intensive course of, ice cream was as soon as only a dish for the rich elites.
Who invented ice cream?
A captivating facet of this chilled delight is that many cultures created their own frozen desserts, paving the best way for ice cream.
Throughout the Tang Dynasty in historical China, a precursor to ice cream was a candy drink of iced camphor-infused buffalo milk. The Roman Emperor Nero favored to sweeten his iced drinks with honey. In India, kulfi, a frozen condensed milk dish, was loved by Mughal emperors.
In England, Elias Ashmole recalled King Charles II of England being served a plate of ice cream at a flowery banquet.
In America, President Thomas Jefferson served ice cream on the White Home. After his dying, he left behind many writings, together with solely 10 recipes, considered one of which was for French vanilla ice cream.
What innovations helped deliver ice cream to the lots?
In 1843, Nancy M. Johnson invented the primary hand-cranked ice cream maker. She was additionally clever sufficient to patent her “Synthetic Freezer.” This machine minimize down on the onerous guide labor and allowed ice cream to final half-hour.
The invention of the home refrigerator in 1910 additionally helped speed up ice cream’s reputation. By the Forties, many had ditched the outdated ice field for the brand new know-how.
What does Ronald Reagan must do with Nationwide Ice Cream Day?
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July Nationwide Ice Cream Month. He designated the third Sunday as Nationwide Ice Cream Day.
The place are you able to get Nationwide Ice Cream Day offers?
Now ice cream belongs to the folks. Right here’s the place you’ll be able to fulfill your objective on the large day.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs reward members are eligible for a buy-one-get-one-free deal by way of the Sundae Funday Membership.
Decide between the Caramel Cone Sundae, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Sundae, or Sizzling Fudge & Caramel Sundae. This deal is legitimate each Sunday in July and ends on the twenty sixth.
16 Handles
Whilst you would possibly consider 16 Handles as a frozen yogurt spot, it additionally has ice cream. (And froyo can also be scrumptious, anyway.) On Nationwide Ice Cream Day, rewards members can rating a free cup, as much as a $5 worth.
Blue Bell Ice Cream
Blue Bell Ice Cream is celebrating all month like Reagan meant. It launched a limited-time taste, Chocolate Lava Cake.
Petco
Ice cream is healthier when it’s shared. Not less than that’s what the canine need us to imagine.
Fortunately, Petco is providing rewards members a free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pup cup at collaborating places whereas provides final. If you’re not a rewards member, it’s free to enroll.
Dairy Queen
At Dairy Queen, after making a $1 in app buy, DQ Rewards members shall be rewarded with a free Dilly Bar.
If you end up in Chicago and experience the prepare, you may be in for a candy shock.
Petty Cool Ice Cream
Fairly Cool Ice Cream and the Chicago Transit Authority are setting up on the Logan Sq. Blue Line and Fullerton Brown Line at 12 p.m. and ninety fifth St Pink Line and Pulaski Orange Line at 2:30 p.m.
The primary 300 individuals who present up and in addition comply with @prettycoolicecream and @chicagocta will get a free popsicle based mostly on the completely different traces.
Dippin’ Dots
Choose Dippin’ Dots places shall be giving out free mini cups of the distinctive deal with throughout a particular two hour window. Click on here to discover a location and timeframe close to you.
If you would like much more Dippin’ Dots, head to Chuck E. Cheese. On the place the place a child is usually a child, you can too get one free small Dippin’ Dots per family.
Shout for pleasure. The horrors of the world will preserve whilst you eat your frozen deal with.

