Jul 22, 2025 - News
Ice cream prices soar to record highs
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Sometimes, we all scream for ice cream. Other times, we all scream about the cost of ice cream.
Why it matters: At the height of summer, prices for America's go-to frozen treat are hitting new highs, according to federal data.
The big picture: The average price of a half gallon of ice cream was $6.49 last month, up nearly 6% from June 2024, per the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED, released Wednesday.
- The price of a half gallon is up nearly 33% since June 2021, when it was $4.89.
Zoom in: Soaring ingredient costs, extreme weather and hot demand are fueling the higher prices.
- Chocolate-based flavors are impacted by a surge in global cocoa prices, which have increased 150% in the last 12 months.