Ice cream (originally iced cream) is a frozen dessert made from dairy products such as cream (or substituted ingredients), combined with flavorings and sweeteners such as sugar. This mixture is cooled while stirring to prevent large ice crystals from forming. Although the term "ice cream"is sometimes used to mean frozen desserts and snacks in general, it is usually reserved for frozen desserts and snacks made with a high percentage of milk fat. Frozen custard, ice milk, sorbet and other similar products are often also called ice cream. Governments often regulate the use of these terms based on quantities of ingredients. In the United States, July 16 is National Ice Cream Day as made official by President Ronal Reagan.

Ice creams come in a wide variety of flavors, often with additives such as chocolate flakes or chips, nuts fruit and small candies sweets. Some of the most popular ice cream flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and Neapolitan (a combination of the three). Many people also enjoy ice cream sundaes, which often have ice cream, hot fudge, nuts, whipped cream, cherries and other toppings.