National Soft Ice Cream Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Soft Ice Cream Day (2025) that no one tells you about. National Soft Ice Cream Day is observed on August 19th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Soft Ice Cream Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you ought to know about National Soft Ice Cream Day.

What day is National Soft Ice Cream Day 2025?

In 2025, National Soft Ice Cream Day is on Saturday, August 19th. It is the 3rd Saturday in August; in 2024, it is Monday. There are 149 days until the next observance. You also can explore all the fun details and facts about August 19, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Soft Ice Cream Day, celebrated on August 19, not only gives us a great excuse to indulge in as much soft serve as we want, but it also brings back cherished memories of enjoying this delightful dessert. Whether it’s the county fair from our childhood or a recent trip to an amusement park with friends, soft ice cream always seems to be associated with happy times. Furthermore, this beloved treat has an intriguing background worth exploring.

National Soft Ice Cream Day History

Soft-serve ice cream made its way to America in the 1740s, but it wasn’t until 1777 that it started appearing in advertisements. George Washington even had ice cream pots at his Mount Vernon house and was known to spend a significant amount of money on ice cream. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that ice cream became widely available to the general public, thanks to the construction of ice houses and the establishment of ice cream manufacturing. This led to a thriving industry and the integration of ice cream into American society, including the creation of soda fountains and sundaes. During World War II, ice cream was given to troops for morale-boosting, and there were even floating ice cream shops for sailors in the Pacific. The invention of soft-serve ice cream is debatable, with different claims from companies like Carvel and Dairy Queen. There are even allegations that Margaret Thatcher, the former UK Prime Minister, played a role in developing soft-serve recipes while working as a scientist at a food firm. However, the exact origins of soft-serve remain unknown. Nonetheless, it has become a beloved treat enjoyed at various exciting venues like sporting events, amusement parks, and fairs, evoking fond memories for many people.

National Soft Ice Cream Day Facts

It’s fluffy
Soft-serve ice cream is fluffier than hard ice cream because it contains 35% air.

It’s the preferred frozen snack
One study suggests that the majority of consumers, around 70%, have a preference for soft-serve ice cream over hard ice cream.

It’s harder to make
Preparing soft-serve ice cream requires more complexity compared to making traditional hard ice cream, as it involves using a liquid mix, utilizing precise technology, and mastering the art of pouring.

Why Is National Soft Ice Cream Day Important

One of the most delectable days of the year is National Soft Ice Cream Day. We enjoy having an excuse to eat one of the greatest desserts in town. No low-fat or frozen yogurt for us; we want soft ice cream!

While ice cream has been around in some form for thousands of years, soft-serve ice cream first appeared in the 1940s! It’s a very delectable twist on an already great dish.

Over the years, soft-serve ice cream has been synonymous with fairs, carnivals, amusement parks, and other fun events. Many of us associate the first lick of a soft-serve cone with happy childhood memories, which may explain why it has been a best-selling dessert for decades.

How To Observe National Soft Ice Cream Day

Post #NationalSoftIceCreamDay on social media
Capture the beauty of the mesmerizing soft-serve swirl and showcase it on your Instagram feed. By sharing your delicious treats on social media, you can help promote this delightful holiday to a wider audience.

Make ice cream
Although it may be challenging to make soft ice cream at home, today is a great opportunity to try making traditional hard ice cream. All you require are basic ingredients like milk, sugar, and ice, and there are numerous recipes you can explore today.

Have an ice cream taste test
No two soft serve ice creams are the same. Get together with your friends and embark on a delightful soft ice cream adventure across the city, trying as many flavors as you can handle. We guarantee you’ll have a fantastic time.

When is National Soft Ice Cream Day?

You can view all August holidays, including Food & Beverage and other Dessert holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about National Soft Ice Cream Day. So be sure to check back soon.