Answers to the sweet stuff — gelato vs custard, dairy-free and vegan options, what things cost, and how to find the best scoop near you.
The classic banana split — its three scoops, three toppings, and traditional build — plus its history and fun variations. Here's how to make the iconic sundae the right way.
A countertop nugget ice maker gives you unlimited chewable "Sonic-style" ice at home. Here's what to look for, typical prices, and how to choose in 2026.
From classic vanilla to salted caramel and cookies and cream, here are the most popular ice cream flavors in 2026 and what to look for at an artisan shop.
The main types of home ice cream makers — frozen-bowl, compressor, and hand-crank — compared on price, convenience, and results, so you can pick the right machine for how you'll actually use it.
A guide to the best ice cream toppings — sauces, crunchy add-ons, fruits, and candy — plus how to balance them for the perfect sundae or topping bar.
Opening an ice cream shop costs about $50,000 to $250,000 in 2026 depending on format. See startup cost breakdowns for scoop shops, and franchise vs independent.
Dairy-free ice cream uses coconut, oat, almond, or cashew bases instead of cream. Here's how vegan ice cream tastes, what to look for, and how to find it.
Frozen custard contains egg yolks and less air than ice cream, making it richer, denser, and smoother. Here's how frozen custard and ice cream compare.
Frozen yogurt is made with cultured milk and usually has less fat than ice cream, but often more sugar. Here's how froyo and ice cream really compare.
Gelato has less butterfat, less air, and is served warmer than ice cream, giving it a denser, more intense texture. Here's how the two really differ.
The "healthiest" ice cream depends on your goal — lower sugar, lower fat, higher protein, or dairy-free. Here's how to choose a better-for-you frozen treat without the letdown.
Ice cream is made by blending a cream base, pasteurizing, aging, then churning while freezing to whip in air. Here's how ice cream is made, step by step.
A typical half-cup of ice cream has about 140-300 calories depending on richness. Here's a calorie guide by type and serving, plus how gelato, froyo, and sorbet compare.
A single scoop of artisan ice cream runs about $4 to $6 in 2026. See current prices for scoops, cones, pints, and shakes at local scoop shops, plus why prices vary.
How much ice cream to buy for a party — per-person servings, how many scoops in a pint, quart, and gallon, and a simple formula for sundae bars and events.
The best ice cream shops make it in-house, nail simple flavors, and keep the case clean. Here's how to spot a great local creamery before you order.
You can make ice cream at home with a machine, a no-churn method, or even a bag of ice. Here's how each method works, plus tips for smooth, scoopable results.
No-churn ice cream needs just two main ingredients and no machine. Here's the simple method, why it works, and how to flavor it — creamy homemade ice cream from your freezer.
Keep ice cream smooth by storing it at 0°F or colder, deep in the freezer, sealed and pressed against air. Here's how to store ice cream and avoid freezer burn.
An ice cream social is an easy, crowd-pleasing party. Here's how to plan a sundae bar — how much ice cream to buy, toppings, setup, and keeping it from melting.
Ice cream cakes cost about $30 to $70 in 2026 depending on size and shop. See prices by size, custom cake costs, and how to order from a local creamery.
Ice cream catering costs about $5 to $12 per guest in 2026, or $250 to $600+ for a cart or sundae bar. See pricing by format and how to book a local shop.
How to make a perfect ice cream float — the classic root beer float, why it foams, the best soda-and-ice-cream pairings, and popular variations.
A great sundae is ice cream, sauce, a topping, and a finish. Here's how to build the perfect sundae, plus the classic sundaes — hot fudge, banana split, and more.
Booking an ice cream truck costs about $400 to $900+ for a private event in 2026. See pricing models, what's included, and how to hire a truck near you.
Plain ice cream is often gluten-free, but many flavors and cones aren't, and cross-contamination is a real risk. Here's how to tell and what to ask at the shop.
Lactose-free ice cream still contains dairy (just no lactose); dairy-free has no milk at all. Here's the difference and which to choose for lactose intolerance vs a milk allergy or vegan diet.
A malt is a milkshake with malted milk powder added, giving it a richer, toasty flavor. Here's the difference between a milkshake and a malt, and how each is made.
National Ice Cream Day falls on Sunday, July 19, 2026, capping National Ice Cream Month. Here's what it is and how to find free and discounted ice cream deals.
Nugget ice — the soft, chewable "good ice" — is sold at Sonic, Chick-fil-A, and more, and you can make it at home. Here's where to find nugget ice near you in 2026.
Nugget ice is soft and chewable, crushed ice chills fast but melts quick, and cubed ice lasts longest. Here's how the three types compare and when to use each.
Soft serve has more air, less butterfat, and is served warmer and softer than regular ice cream. Here's how soft serve and hard ice cream really differ.
Sorbet has no dairy, sherbet has a little, and gelato is milk-based. Here's how sorbet, sherbet, and gelato differ in ingredients, texture, and flavor.
Gelato, ice cream, frozen custard, froyo, sorbet, sherbet, soft serve, and more — here's what makes each frozen dessert different, in one simple overview.
Cake, sugar, waffle, pretzel, and dipped cones each taste and hold up differently. Here's a guide to the types of ice cream cones and which to choose.
Brain freeze happens when cold hits the roof of your mouth and blood vessels react. Here's what causes an ice cream headache and how to stop and prevent one.
An affogato is a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream "drowned" in a shot of hot espresso. Here's what an affogato is, how to order it, and how to make one.
Rolled ice cream is made to order on a frozen steel plate, then scraped into delicate rolls. Here's how Thai rolled ice cream works and how it tastes.
Sonic ice is nugget ice — soft, chewable pellets of compacted ice flakes. Here's what makes it special, why people love it, and how to get it near you.
Icy, grainy ice cream comes down to ice crystals from melting and refreezing, air exposure, and temperature swings. Here's why it happens and how to keep ice cream smooth.