What comes to mind when you think of your favorite dessert? Many Americans immediately visualize ice cream cups with a scoop or two of this delicious dessert. Given that 90% of the households within the United States regularly indulge in ice cream, it’s not surprising that 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream and similar desserts are produced in this country every year. In fact, a survey by the NPD Group found that 40% of the United States’ population will have ice cream at least every two weeks and an average of 28.5 times this year!
Since ice cream is likely one of your favorite desserts, what flavors do you enjoy? A recent survey was conducted with the International Ice Cream Association member companies. This survey revealed that vanilla continues to be among the most popular flavors with their consumers. It goes without saying that vanilla can be a creamy and delicious accompaniment to a variety of other flavors.
Do you enjoy your ice cream plain or with toppings? Ice cream sundaes with all the trimmings are popular with many Americans. So, too, is ice cream with just a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Chances are that you may also enjoy your ice cream with these and other accoutrements, such as warm apple pie or a wedge of chocolate cake.
When was the last time you treated yourself at a local ice cream shop? One of the reasons so many Americans enjoy going out for ice cream is being able to taste new flavors. Even though you may have a favorite flavor or two, you most likely ask for a tasting spoon to experience a new taste sensation.
The next time you go out for ice cream with family and friends, make it a point to learn more about how this delicious treat is created. Thanks to American dairy farmers, around nine percent of the milk they produce is used to create ice cream. Whether you all enjoy your ice cream cups in the shop or take them to-go, remember that ice cream can be enjoyed all year long.