Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor in America as National Ice Cream Day arrives on Sunday, July 19.
Vanilla continues to be the most-ordered ice cream flavor in the United States, accounting for nearly 21% of all orders in 2025. Data from Instacart shows that vanilla was the top pick in every state and Washington, D.C. Chocolate, cookie dough, and cookies & cream followed as the next most popular choices. National Ice Cream Day, which falls on the third Sunday of July, was established in 1984 by a congressional resolution and a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. The average American consumes approximately 18 pounds of ice cream annually. To celebrate the occasion, several national chains are offering discounts. Dairy Queen is providing a free Dilly Bar for rewards members, while Baskin-Robbins is offering $5 off orders of $20 or more. Friendly's will offer a free cone or dish to all guests, and Wendy's is featuring a $1 Frosty. Local events in Montgomery County also include a 24-hour marathon at Carmen’s Italian Ice and a free family ice cream social at Twinbrook Quarter.