I Scream, You Scream, Well That Didn’t Work So Let’s Have Some Ice Cream!

We all know that ice cream tastes amazing—but did you know that your favorite frozen treat might actually help your mental health? From activating the brain’s pleasure centers to evoking comforting childhood memories, science says there’s more to ice cream than just sugar and sprinkles. Let’s dig in.

A study from the Institute of Psychiatry in London found that just one spoonful of vanilla ice cream activates the orbitofrontal cortex, the part of the brain linked to pleasure and reward. Yes, that creamy bite actually lights up your brain—literally!

This is thanks in part to dopamine, a chemical your brain releases when you’re doing something enjoyable. Foods high in sugar and fat (hello, ice cream!) give your body a quick dopamine boost, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and sadness—even if just for a little while.

Ever taken a bite of cookie dough and instantly remembered a summer day from childhood? That’s not just a sweet coincidence. A 2022 OnePoll survey found that 67% of adults say nostalgic foods like ice cream help improve their mood and reduce stress.

Comfort food isn’t just about calories—it’s about connection. Ice cream can transport you back to simpler, happier times, and that emotional comfort is something our brains crave in times of stress or sadness.

Eating ice cream can also become a mindfulness moment. Like stated in our "Let's Get Anchored” section, the cold temperature can be grounding. The cold can interrupt a moment of anxiousness or negative thoughts and redirect your focus to the present moment. 

Let’s be clear: ice cream isn’t therapy. But it can be a sweet tool in your emotional toolkit. It offers quick joy, helps manage stress, and creates moments of connection with yourself and others. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

When life feels like a rocky road, maybe fight it with Rocky Road. Mental wellness isn’t just about big steps—it’s also about the little rituals that make you feel human. If ice cream brings you comfort, lean into it. After all, joy is part of the healing too.