National Soft Ice Cream Day

A cheerful family enjoying soft ice cream cones by the beach, with vibrant beachwear and a beautiful sunset in the background.. — National soft ice cream day illustration

Alrighty then! Buckle up and put your taste buds on alert because we're about to dive into the deliciously frosty world of National Soft Ice Cream Day. Yes folks, even our beloved whippy ice cream gets its day to shine. No waffling on this one (pun totally intended), so let's continue to the incredible journey of this tasty treat.

When is Soft Ice Cream Day?

It's national soft ice cream day on the 23rd August.

A Swirl of History

When thinking about soft ice cream, your mind may be swirling with thoughts of hot summer days and that iconic jingle of the ice cream truck. But do you know the astonishing story behind this delightful treat? Ironically, it's pretty cool!

The mention of 'Soft Ice Cream Day' first started to gently dot the internet landscape as far back as 2011. It was not until the sweet summer day of 23rd August 2017 where we recorded the most mentions of the day ever. On this day, it seemed the world stopped to raise their wafer cones in unison to celebrate. 2569 online salutes were made to this frosty delight, more than any other day.

The Soft Side of Ice Cream

Soft serve, also known as soft ice, is a type of ice cream that is smoother and less dense than regular ice creams due to air being introduced during freezing. It was first introduced by the Dairy Queen company way back in 1938, and it's been stealing our hearts (and enticing our taste buds) ever since.

Why We Should Salute Soft Serve

Despite not actually needing a reason to devour soft ice cream on any day (because let's be honest, it's just that good), National Soft Ice Cream Day gives us an official license to relish this heavenly treat without any guilt. It encourages us to take a pause from our chaotic lives, and imbibe in the simple, yet profound joy that comes from a well-served cone of this creamy delight. So, here's to the soft ice cream, for being the champion of ice creams, the master chiller and the nostalgia inducer!

History behind the term 'Soft Ice Cream'

1934

Invention of soft ice cream machine

In 1934, Tom Carvel was selling ice cream out of his truck in Hartsdale, New York when his truck broke down. To prevent his ice cream from melting, Carvel sold the softened ice cream, and customers loved it. This incident inspired Carvel to invent a machine that could produce soft ice cream.

1936

Introduction of soft ice cream machine to the market

In 1936, Tom Carvel opened his first permanent ice cream store in Westchester County, New York, and introduced his patented soft ice cream machine. This machine allowed the production of smooth and creamy soft ice cream, unlike the traditional hard ice cream that required a different process.

1945

Soft ice cream becomes a sensation

Soft ice cream gained immense popularity in the 1940s when World War II ended, and people were looking for something sweet and refreshing to enjoy. The smooth texture and easy-to-eat consistency of soft ice cream made it a sensation among ice cream lovers.

1950

Soft ice cream franchises emerge

In the 1950s, soft ice cream franchises started to emerge, contributing to the widespread popularity of soft ice cream. Notable franchises like Dairy Queen and Carvel's own franchise expanded rapidly, offering soft ice cream in countless flavors and variations.

1980

Invention of twist soft serve machine

In 1980, the twist soft serve machine was invented, allowing two different flavors of soft ice cream to be dispensed and twisted together, creating the iconic swirl. This innovation further enhanced the visual appeal of soft ice cream, attracting customers with its unique presentation.