July is National Ice Cream Month, and The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is helping consumers make the most of it with a lineup of homemade recipes made with real dairy milk and cream. The initiative aims to clarify the differences between various frozen dairy desserts and encourage home preparation using quality ingredients.
Ice cream isn't the only frozen dairy dessert in the freezer aisle, but it does set the standard, requiring at least 10 percent milk fat and quick churning for that light, fluffy texture people love. Gelato, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and sherbet all put their own spin on real dairy, from custard's rich egg yolks to frozen yogurt's tangy cultured milk. Real cream and milk are what give any of these treats their signature richness, which is why they remain a summer staple.
To celebrate, The Dairy Alliance is spotlighting two reader favorites for anyone looking to skip the ice cream aisle and make their own this summer. The Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream puts a homemade spin on the viral trend, layering dark chocolate ice cream with a sweet and salty pistachio kadaifi cream and topping it with a chocolate shell and crushed pistachios. For a lighter option, the Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream blends real dairy cottage cheese with fresh strawberries for a no-churn treat that's just as creamy as traditional ice cream, with a high-quality protein boost built in.
"Making ice cream at home lets you control exactly what goes into it, and real dairy milk and cream gives you a texture that feels genuinely indulgent," said Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. "Whether you're recreating a viral trend or keeping it simple with a no-churn recipe, real dairy is what takes it to the next level."
Each recipe comes together with pantry staples and a few hours of freezer time, making them approachable for first-time ice cream makers and seasoned dessert lovers alike. The recipes are available on The Dairy Alliance's website, which offers a full collection of frozen dairy treats for National Ice Cream Month.
This news matters because it underscores the ongoing relevance of dairy products in consumer diets and the organization's role in promoting dairy consumption. By providing easy-to-follow recipes and educational content, The Dairy Alliance supports local dairy farmers and encourages consumers to choose real dairy over alternatives. The emphasis on homemade ice cream also resonates with current trends toward DIY and natural ingredients, potentially impacting consumer behavior and the broader dairy industry.
