Scoop It Up For July Ice Cream Month: 90 Percent Of Americans Eat Ice Cream Regularly

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., & MODESTO, Calif., July 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer is in full gear and temperatures are on the rise, what better way to cool off than with California ice cream? California is the nation's number one ice cream producer, churning out over 142 million gallons of ice-cold creamy goodness each year. In honor of July Ice Cream Month, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), representing California's more than 1600 dairy families, surveyed consumers to find out just where they find themselves enjoying some good-old fashion ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato.

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Key survey results include:

• Over two-thirds of consumers nationwide say they find themselves eating ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato most frequently in front of the TV or on the couch (64%).
• Women are more likely than men to eat ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato in bed.
• Young adults, ages 18-34, say they find themselves eating ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato on the couch more frequently than others (20%).
• Maybe it's the drip factor but parents are more likely than non-parents to eat ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato outside (19% versus 11%, respectively).

"Consumers definitely enjoy a good scoop of ice cream on a regular basis.  So much so that former California governor, President Ronald Reagan, recognized America's love for ice cream and declared July National Ice Cream Month back in 1984," said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the CMAB.

Whether on the couch or outdoors, the results are conclusive that most consumers enjoy a good scoop of ice cream every now and again, so here are a few tricks and tips of the ice cream trade:

• To prevent an ice cream cone from becoming soggy while you eat, drop a mini marshmallow in the bottom of the cone before scooping.  
• To soften ice cream, transfer it to the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes before serving. A faster option is to use a microwave but be careful of ice cream soup! Place the ice cream in its cardboard container into a microwave set to High: microwave one pint for 10-15 seconds; one quart for 15-25 seconds; and a half-gallon for 30-40 seconds. (Don't use microwave if ice cream is in a plastic container.)
• After serving ice cream, return carton to the freezer immediately to help prevent the formation of ice crystals that can occur when ice cream is partially thawed and then re-frozen. This will keep the texture smooth for your next bowl (if it lasts that long).

With about 90 percent of Americans regularly enjoying ice cream, the CMAB puts a twist on the classic summer time ice cream float by simply adding seasonal fruits, a sugar cookie, a dash of cinnamon – and a scoop of California ice cream, of course!

FLOATING BLUEBERRY CALIFORNIA COBBLER
Makes 1 float
(Recipe developed by Kristina Vänni on behalf of the California Milk Advisory Board)

1-2 scoops California vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup blueberries
1/2 cup blueberry-flavored soda (such as Izze Sparkling Blueberry)
1 sugar cookie, crushed (about 1 tablespoon)
Ground cinnamon

In a serving glass (or Mason jar), alternate layers of ice cream and blueberries until glass is about 3/4 full. Pour soda into the glass until it reaches the top and ice cream is floating. Top with crumbled sugar cookie and a dash of cinnamon. Sip and smile!

Dairy products made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk or Real California Cheese seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms.

About the California Milk Advisory Board Ice Cream Survey
KGRA designed and analyzed this online omnibus survey fielded by Opinion Research Corporation from April 26 through April 29, 2012. The survey reached 1,006 consumers with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

About the California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state's more than 1,600 dairy families. With headquarters in South San Francisco and Modesto, the CMAB is one of the largest commodity boards in the United States. The CMAB executes advertising, public relations, research and retail and foodservice promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products, including Real California Milk and Real California Cheese. For more information about California dairy products, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RealCaliforniaMilk or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/RealCalifMilk and Pinterest at Pinterest.com/RealCalifMilk.

SOURCE California Milk Advisory Board