Ice cream is a big part of summer, but did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? It was designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He recognized that 90 percent of the nation’s population enjoyed ice cream as a fun and nutritious food.
“According to the International Ice Cream Association, the U.S. ice cream industry generates billions in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens,” said Ellen Schack, founder and CEO of Cowabunga Ice Cream. “They report that about nine percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream.”
Cowabunga Ice Cream, in Forked River, offers a number of designer flavors, including cake batter, Almond Joy, New York cheese cake, red velvet cake and Rice Krispy treat. “We of course offer original flavors as well,” said Schack. “However we like to try new things with ice cream flavors regularly.”According to the International Ice Cream Association, the most popular flavor in the U.S. is vanilla, followed by chocolate, strawberry, chocolate chip and butter pecan.
Dippy’s Custard & Ice Cream on Route 45 in Mantua, sells more of the common flavors. “We have some, as you would call it ‘designer flavors’, but we do more of the regular everyday flavors,” said manager Dawn LeGrand.
Ice cream consumption is highest during July and August, according to the International Ice Cream Association. “One more fun tidbit is that the average number of licks to polish off a single scoop of ice cream is approximately 50,” said Schack.