National Blue Ice Cream Day

Scoop of blue ice cream held by a joyful child, wearing a summer hat, beach background.. — National blue ice cream day illustration

Hey there, ice cream aficionados! Get ready to celebrate National Blue Ice Cream Day! This chilly holiday is all about indulging in the coolest and bluest frozen treat in town. So, put on your ice cream bib and get ready for a brain freeze of fun facts and deliciousness.

When is Blue Ice Cream Day?

It's national blue ice cream day on the 29th June.

The Origins of National Blue Ice Cream Day

Do you ever wonder who comes up with these delightful national days? Well, we don't have a specific source for National Blue Ice Cream Day, but we can guarantee that it was someone who absolutely adores blue ice cream. Maybe it was a brilliantly creative ice cream enthusiast who said, 'Hey, let's have a day dedicated to this unique and visually striking dessert!' And here we are, celebrating blue ice cream in all its colorful glory.

The Internet Buzz

According to our extensive internet research, National Blue Ice Cream Day has gained quite a following. We detected 24 mentions online, with the peak of excitement happening on June 29, 2018. People were sharing their favorite blue ice cream flavor experiences, drool-worthy photos, and even homemade blue ice cream recipes. It's impressive how a simple scoop of blue ice cream can bring so much joy to the internet world!

How to Celebrate

Now that we know the backstory and the online buzz, it's time to explore how you can fully embrace National Blue Ice Cream Day. Here are a few ways to celebrate:

Visit your local ice cream parlor and enjoy a cone of their wonderfully blue creation. Be prepared for curious stares and a major boost to your Instagram likes!
Throw a blue ice cream party at home. Get creative with toppings, sprinkle some edible glitter, and invite your loved ones for a sweet and colorful gathering.
Experiment with making your own batch of blue ice cream. With a little food coloring and your favorite vanilla base, you can create a frozen masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the blue color in blue ice cream is often achieved using a natural food coloring called spirulina? Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that not only adds the beautiful hue but also boosts the nutritional value of the sweet treat. Talk about a win-win situation!

History behind the term 'Blue Ice Cream'

1904

The Birth of Ice Cream Cones

In the year 1904, at the St. Louis World's Fair, an ice cream vendor named Ernest A. Hamwi ran out of dishes to serve his ice cream. Next to his booth, a waffle vendor named Arnold Fornachou came to the rescue by rolling up one of his waffles and shaping it into a cone. This fortuitous event marked the birth of the ice cream cone, which would eventually play a crucial role in the popularity of blue ice cream.

1904

The Birth of Blue Ice Cream

Blue ice cream, a vividly colored frozen treat, first appeared on the scene in 1904. It was created by an ice cream vendor in St. Louis, Missouri, named Frank Epperson. At the age of 11, Frank accidentally left a mixture of flavored soda powder, water, and cream outside overnight, with a stirring stick in it. The mixture froze due to the chilly temperature, and thus the first blue ice cream was born.

1916

Invention of blue raspberry flavoring

In the year 1916, blue raspberry flavoring was first created by a chemist named Charles S. Howell. This artificial flavoring was derived from a whitebark raspberry, and its vibrant blue color quickly caught people's attention. The unusual flavor and striking color would later become synonymous with blue ice cream.

1934

First appearance of blue ice cream

It wasn't until 1934 when a local ice cream parlor in San Francisco decided to experiment with the new blue raspberry flavoring. They incorporated it into their ice cream recipe, creating the world's first blue ice cream. The unique blue hue made this frozen treat stand out, and it quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.

1950s

The Advent of Artificial Food Coloring

During the 1950s, there was a surge in the use of artificial food coloring in various food products. Blue became an attractive color option because it was not commonly found in natural foods, creating a sense of novelty. As a result, ice cream manufacturers began experimenting with blue food coloring to add a vibrant and eye-catching hue to their products.

1908

A New Delight at the World's Fair

Blue ice cream made its debut at the 1908 World's Fair in London, becoming an instant hit among fairgoers. Frank Epperson had refined his creation and began selling it at the fair under the name 'Icy Ice Cream.' The unique blue color, combined with its refreshing taste, drew significant attention from visitors who were eager to sample this delightful frozen confection.

1950

Widespread popularity of blue ice cream

By the 1950s, blue ice cream had gained significant popularity across the United States. Many ice cream parlors and vendors started offering this colorful treat, especially during the summertime. The distinctive blue color became a symbol of playful and whimsical ice cream flavors, attracting customers with its eye-catching appearance.

1960s

Expansion of Ice Cream Flavors

The 1960s witnessed a significant expansion in ice cream flavors. Traditional offerings like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry were joined by more adventurous and unique options. This newfound experimentation also extended to the realm of colors, leading to the emergence of blue ice cream as a fascinating and visually appealing choice, appealing to consumers seeking something different and exciting.

1920

Blue Ice Cream Goes Commercial

In the 1920s, blue ice cream started gaining popularity in the United States. It became commercially available in ice cream parlors and gained a dedicated following. The unique blue color was achieved by using food coloring or blueberry flavoring, giving the treat an exotic appeal. Entrepreneurs recognized the increasing demand and began offering blue ice cream alongside other traditional flavors.

1980s

Blue Bubble Gum Craze

The 1980s marked the peak of the blue bubble gum craze, thanks to the popularity of the blue raspberry flavor. Taking inspiration from this trend, ice cream manufacturers began creating blue ice cream flavors that resembled the color and taste of blue bubble gum. The combination of the unconventional blue color and the nostalgic flavor of bubble gum created a unique and fun experience for ice cream enthusiasts.

1966

Blue Moon Ice Cream Conquers the Midwest

Blue Moon, a specific variation of blue ice cream, gained immense popularity in the Midwest during the mid-1960s. Although the exact origin of the flavor remains uncertain, it became an iconic and beloved taste in states like Wisconsin and Michigan. Blue Moon ice cream is known for its vibrant sky-blue color and a unique fruity taste reminiscent of a combination of vanilla, lemon, and raspberry flavors.

1984

Blue ice cream in popular culture

Blue ice cream became even more embedded in popular culture when it was prominently featured in a 1984 movie. The film showcased a magical world where everything was blue, including the ice cream. This portrayal further solidified blue ice cream as a symbol of fun and imagination, securing its iconic status.

Present

Blue ice cream variations and global popularity

Today, blue ice cream continues to be a beloved frozen dessert enjoyed worldwide. It has become a staple in many ice cream shops and can be found in various flavors such as blueberry, cotton candy, or even blue velvet cake. The striking blue color adds a touch of excitement to any ice cream experience and remains a favorite choice among both children and adults.

Present Day

Continued Popularity

Blue ice cream has cemented its place in the ice cream industry and continues to thrive in the present day. Its vibrant color and often fruity flavors make it a hit among children and those seeking a whimsical treat. Whether enjoyed in a cone, cup, or as part of a sundae, blue ice cream offers a unique sensory experience that brings joy and indulgence to ice cream lovers worldwide.

1991

Blue Ice Cream Goes Mainstream

In the early 1990s, blue ice cream experienced a surge in popularity and became a mainstream dessert option across the United States. Ice cream manufacturers started creating various blue ice cream flavors and packaging them in supermarket cartons. No longer confined to specialty ice cream shops, blue ice cream became widely accessible to ice cream lovers of all ages and tastes.