The 3 Best Tips for Eating Ice Cream

Quiz: how to mindfully eat ice cream

Posted May 31, 2017

Do you LOVE ice cream?  Most of us do!

The average American consumes almost 22 pounds of ice cream per year.  It's likely that this month your ice cream consumption will increase.  The most ice cream is produced and consumed in the month of June. And 10 percent of people admit that they lick their ice cream bowls clean after they’ve finished their treat.  How can you eat ice cream more mindfully this summer?

Q: If you are bringing ice cream to an event, which one should you bring to avoid leftovers hanging around your fridge?

Source: istock

A: According to research, vanilla is America's favorite flavor of ice cream, in both supermarket and foodservice sales. It is very versatile and can be mixed well with drinks, toppings, and put on top of other bakery items and desserts. The top five favorite individual flavors are vanilla, chocolate, cookie 'n cream, strawberry, and chocolate chip mint.

Q: Should you pick a cone or dish?

A: Cone.  According to a study out of New Zealand, eating ice cream is more satisfying with a cone than a spoon.  Your tongue warms up the ice cream in contrast to a spoon which insulates it from the tongue.  The flavor is released in a different way.  Also, it takes longer and more mindful attention to lick a cone.  Think about brain freeze which naturally slows you down!

Source: istock

Q: What’s the single most important thing to ask when ordering ice cream?

A: Ask to see the size and ask/serve in the smallest bowl. Research indicates we serve ourselves approximately 31 percent more when given a larger dish.

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