National Ice Cream Day 2026: Deals, Favorite Flavors, and Fun Facts

Published July 18, 2026, 7:02 a.m. ET

Imagine a whole day dedicated to the cold, sweet treat we all love — that’s National Ice Cream Day! Let’s break down what this day is, what Americans like most, and where you can grab sweet discounts.

What is National Ice Cream Day?

National Ice Cream Day is a special day to celebrate ice cream.

• It happens every year on the third Sunday of July.
• The whole month of July is also called National Ice Cream Month.
• Back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially declared both of these celebrations.

Important Point: National Ice Cream Day 2026 is on Sunday, July 19.

America’s Favorite Ice Cream (According to Instacart)

A company called Instacart (think of it like a grocery delivery app) shared data on July 8 about what people ordered in 2025.

• Vanilla is the most-ordered ice cream flavor for the third year in a row.
  • It made up nearly 21% of all ice cream orders.
  • It was the #1 flavor in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
• The top 5 flavors overall:
  1. Vanilla
  2. Chocolate
  3. Cookie dough
  4. Cookies & cream
  5. Chocolate fudge/brownie

Most Popular Brands

• Häagen-Dazs was the #1 ordered brand.
• Ben & Jerry’s was a close second.
• Breyers came in third.
• Tillamook and Halo Top rounded out the top five.
• Fast-growing (quickly getting more popular) brands are mostly “better-for-you” premium pints like Alec’s, Rebel, Straus Family Creamery, and Van Leeuwen.

National Ice Cream Day 2026 Deals

Here’s where you can scoop up free or discounted ice cream this year!

Dairy Queen

• DQ Rewards members get a free Dilly Bar with any order of $1 or more made through the DQ App.
• Valid through July 19.
• Limit: one deal per person.
• How to get it:
  1. Download the DQ App.
  2. Sign up for DQ Rewards.
  3. Make a $1+ order in the app.

Baskin-Robbins

• Starting July 19, Rewards members get $5 off orders of $20+ (through July 25).
• On July 26, Rewards members get Buy One Get One Free single scoops.

Friendly’s

• On July 19, everyone gets a free cone or dish — no purchase needed!
• Available for dine-in or carry-out at all U.S. locations.

Dippin’ Dots

• On July 19, get a free mini cup at participating locations (including 128 franchise spots).
  • Valid during a 2-hour window, no purchase needed.
• Use promo code “NICD26” for 25% off online orders.
• Enter to win free Dippin’ Dots for a year on their website.

Wendy’s

• $1 classic chocolate or vanilla Frosty from July 20 to Aug. 23.
• Rewards members get early access on July 19.
• Available via app/website for dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru. Delivery excluded.

Graeter’s

• 10% off online orders with code “ICECREAMDAY10” (July 17–19).
• $1.56 single-dip sugar cones for Sweet Rewards members in-store (celebrating 156 years!).

DoorDash

• DashPass members: Buy 2 Häagen-Dazs pints, save $4 (July 16–22).
• Also get a free Wendy’s Frosty with $20+ purchase (July 16–22).

Dunkin’

• Dunkin’ Rewards members earn 4x points on donuts and Munchkins on July 19.

Cold Stone Creamery

• Enter their National Ice Cream Week Giveaway.
• Final giveaway: starts 9 a.m. July 19, ends 11:59 p.m. July 22.
• Five winners get a $450 gift card plus hoodie, hat, and tote.

Insomnia Cookies

• Free two-scoop ice cream cup with $5+ purchase (July 17–19).
• No membership needed; members earn double points.

Important Point: Deals often need a free loyalty app sign-up — check each brand’s website before you go!

Summary

National Ice Cream Day is July 19, 2026, and July is Ice Cream Month. Vanilla is still America’s top flavor, and many stores (like Dairy Queen, Friendly’s, and Dippin’ Dots) are giving away free treats or discounts. Whether you like classic scoops or tiny frozen dots, there’s something sweet for everyone!

FAQ

Q: When is National Ice Cream Day in 2026?
A: It’s on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Q: Do I need to buy something to get free ice cream?
A: Some places (like Friendly’s and Dippin’ Dots) give free ice cream with no purchase. Others (like Dairy Queen) need a small order or app sign-up.

Q: What is the most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S.?
A: Vanilla — it was #1 in every state and D.C. in 2025.

Q: How do I get the Dairy Queen free Dilly Bar?
A: Download the DQ App, join DQ Rewards, and spend $1+ through the app by July 19.

Q: Are the deals available everywhere?
A: Most are at participating U.S. locations — check the brand’s app or website to be sure.