5 nostalgic ice cream treats bring back childhood memories

National Ice Cream month in July is a great excuse to eat more ice cream. Indulging in one of these 5 nostalgic ice cream treats brings back many childhood memories.

The notorious melody echoes across the playground. During the summer, kids can hear those few notes above any other sound. When the ice cream man in his truck pulled into the neighborhood, everyone ran looking for spare change. Listed on the side of the truck were several frozen favorites. Now these nostalgic ice cream treats have all those childhood memories coming back.

Of course, everyone has a favorite ice cream flavor. From classic vanilla to cookies and cream, ice cream and its many flavors have and will continue to be a popular dessert and treat. But, those special ice cream treats, like the ones found in the classic ice cream truck, are special.

True, everyone will have a different opinion on the best of list. These lists wouldn’t be as popular if people didn’t debate over the items included and left off.

In honor of National Ice Cream month, here are 5 nostalgic ice cream treats that could have childhood summer memories come back into picture.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 15: Guests enjoy CNN Digital branded popsicles at the 4th Anniversary of The Monthly hosted by Turner

Bomb Pops

The red, white and blue frozen treat is not only the colors of summer, but also so tasty. Shaped like a rocket, the frozen treat screamed summer fun. The original flavors are cherry, lime and blue raspberry. Over the years, new flavor combinations were added. WarHeads, Jolly Rancher and even Hawaiian Punch flavors are available.

Bomb Pops were just a fun part of summer. Maybe it was because the colors were symbolic of summer holidays. I still remember enjoying a Bomb Pop while watching fireworks.

Today, bomb pops can be found at local grocery stores and even Walmart. No need to wait for the ice cream truck.

LOWESTOFT, ENGLAND – JULY 17: A giant plastic ice cream cone glints in the sun on the South Beach on July 17, 2014 in Lowestoft, England. The Met Office has issued a heatwave alert as temperatures throughout England and Wales are predicted to reach their highest level of the year this weekend. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Push Pop

When you can play with your food, everyone is happy. The classic push pop made eating a frozen treat fun. After peeling off the cover, you got to slowly reveal the frozen goodness. But, don’t push too quickly or your treat will tumble to the ground.

I remember that there was a careful balance to pushing too much and just enough. If you didn’t push enough, every ice cream lick came with a cardboard aftertaste. If you pushed too far, the ice cream treat dribbled down the side. Over time, every kid found the perfect balance.

Usually, the classic push pop came in an orange flavor. If you were lucky, the treat had a cartoon character tie-in. The classic Flintstone ones were my favorite.

Now, push-pops can be found all over. Some companies even have a make your own push pops. The reusable containers mean that you can customize the frozen treat. Prosecco pops or rose pops anyone?

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 06: A view of ice cream sandwiches provided by Cool Haus at the Madewell And NYLON Magazine Celebrates The Opening of Madewell at The Grove on December 6, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Madewell)

Ice Cream Sandwich

Before the warmth melts the ice cream middle, you bite into the chocolate wafer and smile. Who doesn’t love an ice cream sandwich? The old-school, rectangle shaped ice cream treat is always a good frozen treat. The only downside was the chocolate cookie residue that got stuck to your fingers (admit it, you licked your fingers at the end, we all did).

Today, the classic ice cream sandwich is more than just chocolate cookie and vanilla ice cream. From bold flavored cookies to crazy ice cream/cookie combinations, the flavors are elevated. As people explore new flavors, the ice cream treats follow the trend.

Recently, I had some boozy ice cream sandwiches. With fun names, like Fat Elvis, these ice cream sandwiches were made with a little bit of liquor. On a hot afternoon, a peanut butter cookie with banana/rum infused ice cream is a delightful way to cool off.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: A detail of Salt

Drumstick

Chocolate, peanuts and ice cream in a sugar cone is a popular combination. Drumstick is like having an ice cream sundae on a stick. Sometimes, sitting down to an ice cream bowl isn’t convenient. This ice cream treat lets you enjoy the flavor combination in a convenient packaging.
These type of ice cream cones go back to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. The name, drumstick, originated from the thought the cones looked like a chicken drumstick. Now, Drumstick is an official Nestle brand.

The Nestle brand of Drumstick is the classic version that I remember. Today, the company has added to the original. From extra fudge in the bottom of the cone to new flavor combinations, like Butterfinger, there is a Drumstick for every day of the week.

Just be careful with this popular ice cream treat. Don’t let the ice cream leak from the bottom of the sugar cone. No one wants the ice cream drips.

WESTWOOD, CA – JULY 16: Actress and mom Vanessa Lachey cooled down with icy, refreshing Original Brand PopsicleAE pops at Nickelodeons Kids Choice Sports 2015 on July 16, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images for Unilever/Popsicle)

Classic popsicle and Fudgsicle

During the summer, the freezer was stocked with popsicles. The box of cherry, orange and grape was the classic flavor combination. I always hated orange and that flavor always had to be eaten before mom would buy more. But, popsicles were always part of summer.

Today, popsicles come in all flavors, colors and sizes. From the classic Popsicle brand to home-made ones, these frozen treats are a hit with all ages. Now, popsicles can be made healthy with fresh fruit or even veggie juices (not kale). For adults, some people make some booze infused options. The frozen treat is a great refreshment on a hot day.

For the chocolate fans, there was always the Fudgsicle. The chocolate frozen treat is creamy goodness. Tasting like fudge, the frozen treat appears decadent, but isn’t loaded with calories. Whether a single, skinny version or the larger double option, Fudgsicles are popular with all ages.

What’s your favorite nostalgic ice cream treat?