8 Fun Facts About the History of Ice Cream

Ice Cream Has (Probably) Been Around for a Long Time

According to mythology, Ancient Greeks enjoyed a dish comparable to ice cream around the 5th century B.C. Marco Polo reportedly introduced ice cream to Italy in the 1300s.

It Was Brought to America in the 1700s

America didn't have ice cream until the 1700s, even though Europe had in the 1300s. Because of its pricey components and primitive refrigeration, it was a delicacy.

New Zealand Eats the Most Ice Cream

Ice cream is popular globally. World Atlas says New Zealand consumes the most, 28.4 liters per year. Australia is third with 18 liters, followed by the U.S. with 20.8.

Ice Cream May Have Some Benefits

Ice cream is usually considered a sweet treat, not a low-fat food. However, research suggests the frozen treat may have benefits. One research indicated that diabetics who ate half a cup of ice cream daily had a decreased heart disease risk.

Ice Cream Sundaes Have a Fun History

Ice cream is excellent without toppings, but a sundae is always a fantastic idea. They weren't always there. Sundaes were invented in Evanston, Illinois, in the late 1800s when Sunday sales of ice cream with flavored soda were forbidden.

Vanilla's Massive Popularity

Vanilla ice cream is a classic because surveys reveal it's the most popular taste in the U.S., Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Brazil, and China. Chocolate and cookies and cream follow.

Neapolitan & Birthday Cake are Unpopular Flavors

Though vanilla and chocolate are the most popular, America has a least favorite. One survey found that just 2% of Americans like Neapolitan, a vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate blend. 

Ice Cream Cones Were Created Around 1904

Italo Marchiony, an Italian immigrant to New York City, invented the first ice cream cone in 1896 and patented it in 1903. Another account claims Ernest A. Hamwi built the cones in 1904 during the St. Louis World's Fair.