National Edy’s Pie Patent Day

National Edy’s Pie Patent Day is a historical food holiday celebrated annually on January 24. In 2026, it falls on January 24. This day commemorates the anniversary of the 1922 patenting of the first chocolate-covered ice cream bar, an invention that fundamentally changed the frozen dessert industry in the United States.

History of National Edy’s Pie Patent Day

The origin of this holiday dates back to 1920 in Onawa, Iowa, where Christian Kent Nelson, a schoolteacher and candy store owner, witnessed a young customer struggle to choose between a chocolate bar and an ice cream sandwich. This moment inspired Nelson to develop a way to combine the two treats. After months of experimentation with cocoa butter to ensure the chocolate adhered to the frozen core, he perfected a “dipped” ice cream bar. Initially sold as the “I-Scream Bar,” the product was later renamed the “Eskimo Pie” after Nelson partnered with chocolate manufacturer Russell Stover.

On January 24, 1922, the United States Patent Office issued patent number 1,404,539 to Nelson for his invention. The patent was famously broad, covering almost any frozen confection encased in an edible container or coating. While the broadness of the patent later led to extensive legal battles and was eventually overturned in 1928, the date remains the official marker for the birth of the commercial ice cream bar. In 2021, the brand was officially renamed Edy’s Pie to honor Joseph Edy, a co-founder of the company that produces the treat, leading to the holiday’s modern name.

Why is National Edy’s Pie Patent Day important?

This day serves as a tribute to American innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit of the early 20th century. Nelson’s invention paved the way for an entire category of “novelty” frozen foods that did not require a bowl or spoon, making ice cream a portable snack for the first time. The success of the patent helped stabilize the dairy industry during economic downturns, as the demand for ice cream bars created a massive new market for milk and cream.

The holiday also highlights the evolution of branding and intellectual property in the food industry. It provides a historical lens through which to view how names and marketing strategies change over time to reflect social values. By celebrating the patent date, enthusiasts acknowledge the technical challenges of food science—specifically the chemistry required to keep chocolate crisp while the ice cream inside stays frozen—that modern consumers often take for granted.

• It marks the official legal recognition of the first chocolate-dipped ice cream bar
• It honors the creativity of Christian Kent Nelson and his persistence in food science
• It celebrates the birth of the portable frozen novelty industry
• It recognizes the economic impact of the invention on the American dairy sector
• It highlights the historical shift in branding from the original 1920s name to Edy’s Pie

How to Celebrate National Edy’s Pie Patent Day

The most direct way to observe this holiday is by enjoying an Edy’s Pie or a similar chocolate-covered ice cream bar. Since the patent was about the “handy” nature of the treat, many people celebrate by eating one while on the go, just as Nelson intended. Sharing the history of the patent with friends or family over a dessert is a common way to mark the occasion. Many social media users post photos of their favorite frozen treats using hashtags related to the patent anniversary.

For a more educational celebration, some people look up the original 1922 patent drawings to see the initial design and description of the “I-Scream Bar.” Families can also try a “dipping” experiment at home by melting chocolate and attempting to coat small blocks of vanilla ice cream, gaining an appreciation for the difficulty Nelson faced in his experiments. Visiting a local ice cream parlor that makes artisanal hand-dipped bars is another popular way to support the legacy of this American invention.

• Buy and enjoy a classic chocolate-covered ice cream bar
• Read about the original 1922 patent and the legal battles that followed
• Try making your own chocolate-dipped ice cream treats at home
• Post a photo of your favorite ice cream novelty on social media
• Share the story of the “I-Scream Bar” with fellow dessert lovers

National Edy’s Pie Patent Day Dates Table