Mental Floss

ICE CREAM

You deserve a bowl full of non-spoiled ice cream.

No one wants to discover a freezer full of spoiled ice cream. Here’s how to tell if the creamy treat is still good—and how to make sure it’s safe to eat for as long as possible.

Marla Mackoul
Yum.

The soft vanilla or chocolate swirl, popularized by Dairy Queen and other franchises, just doesn’t meet strict government guidelines for ice cream. But it’s still delicious.

Nick Keppler








Sorbet or Italian ice? You be the judge.

Italian ice has a sorbet-like texture, but these frozen desserts really aren’t the same thing. So, where does this summer treat really come from—and more importantly, is it even from Italy in the first place?

Marla Mackoul












Here's to a taste of the past.

Not all the classic frozen treats you remember from the ’80s and ’90s are still available today

Mary Beth Skylis




Cupcakes are older than you might think.

Whether you’re wild about whoopie pie, can’t get enough cotton candy, or simply want s’more s’mores, finding out more about the origins of these tasty treats is pretty sweet.

Amanda Green