National Ice Cream Day: 34 Deals Worth Screaming For

Cooling down with a scoop, or two, or three, of ice cream is one of the pure joys of summer. The love for the cold sweet treat is hardly limited to one day each year, but on National Ice Cream Day, we feel even more inclined to celebrate our favorite dessert. The origins of ice cream day date back to President Ronald Reagan declaring July as National Ice Cream Month back in 1984. Since then, July 19 has become a day where ice cream enthusiasts celebrate the rich history and the pure joy of ice cream. Today, more than 2,600 ice cream shops across the United States offer a vast array of unique flavors and toppings that cater to every ice cream lover.

On July 19, many retailers and restaurants are helping ice cream lovers pay tribute to soft serve, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches by serving up some sweet deals. To kick off the celebration, 16 Handles customers can score a free frozen yogurt (up to $5) at any location on July 19 in the chain's app. Meanwhile, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar customers who dine in on National Ice Cream Day can order a milkshake for $5. Baskin-Robbins rewards members can save $5 on an order of $20+ between July 19 - 25 while ordering in stores or in the chain's app/website. The offer is valid at participating locations.

Other retailers joining in on the fun include Birdcall, which is giving away a free mini chocolate or vanilla shake when customers buy an entrée on July 19. Bruster's Real Ice Cream customers can enter an Instagram giveaway for the chance to win free ice cream for a year. As part of the celebration, Carvel is running a 'dessert disaster' contest where fans can upload a photo of a dessert mishap for the chance to win a free small Carvelanche. Casey's customers can get one free Casey's Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich on July 19. The offer is valid in stores, online, or in the chain's app.

Cold Stone Creamery rewards members can text LOVEIT26 to 568348 to get an offer for $5 off a purchase of $10+. The chain is running an Instagram giveaway, where five social media users will get the chance to win free ice cream for a year. Dairy Queen rewards members can get a free Dilly Bar with a purchase of $1 or more in the chain's app on July 19. DashMart customers can take advantage of the following deals for National Ice Cream Day, including buy-one, get-one-free deals on ice cream sundaes.

Additionally, Dippin' Dots is giving away free mini cups of Dippin' Dots at participating locations on July 19 during a designated two-hour window. Dippin' Dots is also hosting a free Dippin' Dots giveaway on Instagram on the holiday. Friendly's customers can get a free cone or dish on July 19, with no purchase required. Gopuff customers can order two Halo Top Pints for $10 through July 19.

Graeter's is running two deals for National Ice Cream Day: a free scoop of ice cream with the purchase of any cone or sundae, and a limited-edition ice cream flavor for a special discount. Hagen-Dazs is celebrating National Ice Cream Day by offering buy-one, get-one-free deals on three select sundaes in Hagen-Dazs shops. Handel's Ice Cream customers can get a free limited-edition Handel's baseball cap with any ice cream purchase on July 19.

Harry Potter Shops in New York and Chicago will give away a free ice cream with toppings to the first 100 customers on July 19. Jeni's customers can get free sauce with any scoop shop order on July 19. Kilwins is launching a sweepstakes on Instagram, offering followers the chance to win free ice cream for a year, which is given away in the form of a $650 gift card.

Krystal rewards members can enjoy a buy-one, get-one-free deal on shakes on July 19. Meanwhile, Marble Slab Creamery loyalty members can score a free small ice cream in-store on the holiday. Yogurtland rewards members can earn double points on any purchase on July 19.

The ice cream industry has transformed significantly over the years, with the increasing popularity of unique and artisanal flavors, as well as the expansion of non-traditional ice cream shops in urban areas. 'We have a growing population that's more educated and adventurous in terms of the flavors and ingredients they want in their ice cream,' says an ice cream expert. 'This changing market landscape is driving innovation and growth in the ice cream industry.'

While many retailers and restaurants are offering a sweet treat on National Ice Cream Day, it's essential to acknowledge the environmental impact of the ice cream industry. The production, transportation, and storage of ice cream contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. However, some companies are embracing sustainable practices by using eco-friendly packaging, sourcing materials locally, and implementing energy-efficient equipment.

Looking ahead to the future, the ice cream industry is predicted to continue its growth, driven by the demand for unique and high-quality flavors. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global ice cream market size is expected to reach USD 87.5 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1% from 2020 to 2025. As consumers become increasingly conscious of sustainable practices and high-quality ingredients, ice cream shops will need to adapt to meet these demands.

With the rise of plant-based diets and veganism, there's a growing demand for dairy-free and vegan ice cream options. Many ice cream shops are now offering vegan and dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut milk and almond milk ice cream. The growth of the plant-based ice cream market is expected to continue, driven by the increasing popularity of veganism and the need for more sustainable and healthier food options.

As we celebrate National Ice Cream Day, let's not forget the rich history and cultural significance of ice cream. Ice cream has been a beloved dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. From ancient Egypt to modern-day shops, ice cream has evolved into a versatile and delicious treat that brings people together. As the ice cream industry continues to grow and innovate, it's essential to preserve this cultural heritage and continue to celebrate the joy of ice cream.