I Scream, You Scream

We're halfway through July, which means we still have two weeks to celebrate National Ice Cream Month! Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984, and for the past 27 years, we've had a full 31 days to formally recognize the frozen treat that keeps us cool all summer.

Since my ice cream post last year, food manufacturers have created new concoctions for consumers to enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for a decadently sweet dessert, a low-fat creamy delight, or something in between, ice cream companies have you covered! Take a look at these new ice cream lines that have hit store shelves so far this year.

In March, Ben and Jerry's launched Late Night Snack, a flavor inspired by a "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" skit. The vanilla ice cream combines a sweet and salty combination with a caramel swirl and crunchy fudge-covered potato chip clusters.

Ben and Jerry's welcomed two more flavors in May, available only at Target. Volun-Tiramisu and Peanut Butter World are intended to promote volunteerism, joining last year's philanthropic ice cream debut of Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder.

This company isn't the only one, however, adding a new twist to their tried and true lineup. Klondike is mixing it up with new taste sensations like Mint Chocolate Chip and Caramel Pretzel. Blue Bunny, Hershey's Ice Cream, and Breyers also keep us guessing with new items unveiled constantly.

For kids and kids at heart, Popsicle brand frozen treats introduced Jolly Rancher ice pops. With long-lasting flavors straight from the hard candy, each pop combines cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, and grape flavors.

Looking for a healthier way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month? Reach for one of new Weight Watchers' new ice cream treats. For those on the diet program, the frozen treats range from one to four points to keep your eating plan on track. Try a Strawberry Smoothie Bar, a GIANT Latte Bar, a Dark Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream Bar, or many of the other low-fat varieties the manufacturer offers.

Skinny Cow from Nestlé also provides a lower fat ice cream option. From sandwiches and truffle bars to individual cones and cups in mouth-watering flavors including Strawberry Cheesecake and Caramel Cone, Skinny Cow is another tasty alternative to help ice cream lovers snack smartly.

Of course, you can always visit your nearest Maggie Moo's or Baskin-Robbins or head to your grocer's freezer to enjoy your favorite ice cream flavor this month – and all year! – long.

So tell me, what's your favorite ice cream flavor? Drop me a note and tell me how you're planning to celebrate National Ice Cream Month!

We All Scream for Ice Cream

Nothing says summer like an ice cream cone on a hot July day. That's why it makes perfect sense that July is National Ice Cream Month! How will you celebrate and honor this frozen confection?

Many of today's ice creams have jumped from the candy aisle into your grocer's freezer. M&M's now offers such goodies as ice cream sandwiches and character cakes. Snickers produces ice cream bars, cones, and brownie sandwiches. You can find Twix bars and 90-calorie miniatures in the ice cream aisle. Breyer's must also like the idea of marrying candy and ice cream. Its line of fun flavors includes mixes of Oreo cookies, Reese's peanut butter cups, Snickers bars, and Heath candies.

Dove, however, has the opposite story. Founder Leo Stefanos started covering his ice cream bars in rich, creamy chocolate in the 1950s. Dovebars were a hit, and in 1986, M&M/Mars acquired the idea. In 1991, the company started manufacturing the chocolate ice cream covering on its own, introducing it as Dove Promises.

Some ice cream makers sell their products in their shops as well as supermarkets. Patrons to Ben & Jerry's, Carvel, and Friendly's can go into their favorite ice cream boutiques nationwide or just head to the grocery store to pick up a renowned pint, cake, or individualized sundae.

Of course, some ice cream brands you can only find at the supermarket. Blue Bunny, Dreyer's/Edy's, and Häagen-Dazs are staples that continue to crank out creative flavors year after year, like Birthday Party, Nestlé Drumstick Sundae Cone, and Bananas Foster.

Of course, it's always possible to customize your own creation at a place like Coldstone Creamery, Dairy Queen, or Marble Slab.

Ice cream is definitely meant to be enjoyed year-round, but there really is nothing like delighting in a cold treat melting quickly as the mercury rises. When I hear the melodic tune of the Good Humor truck and see that van round the corner, I know we are in the thick of summer. Does it get any better?

What's your favorite ice cream indulgence? Leave a message and tell me how you'll ring in this year's National Ice Cream Month!