Sweet Facts About Ice Cream

By Jenni of Winners Drink Milk

July is National Ice Cream Month and Indiana has every right to celebrate. Ice Cream Month was designated by Ronald Reagan in 1984. The Hoosier State is ranked second in production of regular and low-fat ice cream.  Not only does that 'sweeten up' the state but that contributes a signficant about to the State's economy and provides jobs. Who doesn't love trivia? Lets celebrate Ice Cream Month with fun facts about America's favorite treat. 

Did you know....

• It takes about 50 licks to finish one scoop of ice cream.
• An average dairy cow can produce enough milk in her lifetime to make a little over 9,000 gallons of ice cream
•  America's favorite flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, chocolate chip and butter pecan.
• It takes about 12 pounds of milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream.
• More than 90% of American families purchase ice cream.
• The U.S. enjoys an average of 48 pints of ice cream per person, per year, more than any other country.
• One of the most important ingredients in ice cream is air. Without it, ice cream would be as hard as a rock.

The skinny on the ice cream....

• In the U.S., all ice cream needs to have a minimum of 10% milk fat if it is to be labeled "ice cream". 
• This includes custard based (French Style) ice creams.
• Reduced fat, has at least 25% less total fat than regular ice cream.
• Light, has at least 50% less fat and 33% fewer calories than regular.
• Low-fat, can't have more than 3 grams of fat per serving.
• Nonfat, has less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

Ice cream is good for you... Ice cream provides great nutrition. Its base ingredient is milk, which is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals. It is a source of calcium that satisfies your sweet tooth and helps build strong bones. It is also great paired with nutrient rich foods such as strawberries, bananas and nuts.