National Frozen Custard Day is observed annually on August 8 across the United States. The holiday serves as a promotional opportunity for frozen dessert chains and local shops to offer free or discounted frozen custard to consumers. These promotions typically range from completely free items to buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers and reduced-price menu items. While the holiday is unofficial, it has become a consistent date for brands to engage customers through limited-time deals.
Frozen custard differs from traditional ice cream primarily due to the inclusion of egg yolks in the mixture. This addition creates a denser, smoother texture and reduces the presence of ice crystals. The product is churned to eliminate excess air, resulting in a richer consistency. The origin of the treat is traced to Coney Island, New York, in 1919, where vendors Archie and Elton Kohr developed the recipe.
In 2025, National Frozen Custard Day falls on a Thursday. Based on historical data and current press releases, several national chains and regional franchises have announced specific deals valid on or around this date.
Major Chain Promotions for 2025
Several prominent frozen custard and fast-casual chains have released details regarding their 2025 National Frozen Custard Day promotions. These offers vary by location, order method, and eligibility requirements.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is extending its celebration beyond the single holiday date. The brand is offering three distinct pricing tiers for frozen custard shakes and "frosts" over a three-day period from Friday, August 8, through Sunday, August 10, 2025. * Mini Frost or Shake: $1 * Regular Frost or Shake: $2 * Large Frost or Shake: $3
These offers are valid for all guests, not just loyalty members, though the redemption method requires the Freddy’s mobile app or web ordering system. There is a limit of one discounted item per order placed via the app or website. The promotion is valid for dine-in, drive-thru, and app/web orders at participating locations. It excludes third-party delivery services and catering. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons, or promotions.
BurgerFi
BurgerFi offers a specific promotion for National Frozen Custard Day that involves a substitution within their combo meals. Customers visiting BurgerFi locations on August 8, 2025, can swap a standard beverage included in a combo meal for a shake at no additional cost. This effectively provides a free shake with the purchase of a combo meal.
Historical data from 2023 indicates that BurgerFi previously offered a small frozen custard cup for $1 (regularly priced at $3.97) on August 8. While the 2025 press materials specifically highlight the free shake offer, consumers may occasionally see variations in offers depending on the specific franchise location.
Ritter’s Frozen Custard
Ritter’s Frozen Custard takes a multi-day approach to the holiday, designating August 4 through August 8 as "Frozen Custard Week." The week concludes with the specific National Frozen Custard Day deal on Friday, August 8. * Monday, August 4: Buy any Signature Sundae, get a free Kids Sundae. * Tuesday, August 5: 20% off any quart or pint. * Wednesday, August 6: Upgrade a cone, dish, or sundae to a free plain waffle cone or bowl. * Thursday, August 7: Buy any size Glacier, get the second for 50% off. * Friday, August 8 (National Frozen Custard Day): Small dish or cake cone for $0.99.
Ritter’s operates 16 locations across Indianapolis, Indiana; Dayton, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and various locations throughout Michigan.
Andy’s, Freddy’s, and Whit’s
Additional chains including Andy’s and Whit’s are noted as participating in the holiday with deals, though specific offer details for these brands were not detailed in the 2025 press releases. However, the presence of these brands in the promotional landscape suggests a widespread industry participation in the holiday.
Other Brands and Seasonal Promotions
While National Frozen Custard Day is a specific annual event, several brands included in the source data offer recurring free or discounted frozen custard tied to other holidays or special occasions. These programs offer opportunities for freebies outside of the August 8 timeframe.
Zesty’s Custard
Zesty’s Custard maintains a standing policy of offering free single servings of frozen custard to specific groups during designated holidays. The terms require the recipient to be present and usually require a purchase or specific condition to be met. * Mother’s Day: Mothers receive a free single serving of frozen custard with another purchase. * Father’s Day: Fathers receive a free single serving of frozen custard with another purchase. * Happy Birthday: Individuals showing valid ID on their birthday receive a free single serving of frozen custard. * Veteran’s Day: Veterans of the armed forces receive a free single serving of frozen custard as a thank you for their service. * Halloween: Children dressed in costumes receive a free single serving of frozen custard with another purchase.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Ted Drewes is a historic frozen custard institution located in St. Louis, Missouri. While the source data provided only location and hours of operation, the brand is widely recognized for its seasonal promotions. However, based strictly on the provided source data, specific National Frozen Custard Day offers for Ted Drewes were not listed. The brand operates two locations in St. Louis: * Chippewa Location: 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109. Open 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Daily. * S. Grand Location: 4224 S. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63111.
Understanding Frozen Custard
To fully appreciate the promotions associated with National Frozen Custard Day, consumers should understand the product itself. Frozen custard is legally distinct from ice cream in some contexts due to its egg yolk content.
Composition and Texture
Frozen custard is made using cream, sugar, and egg yolks. The addition of egg yolks is the defining characteristic that separates it from standard ice cream. The mixture is cooked to create a custard base, which is then churned. The churning process for frozen custard is designed to incorporate less air than ice cream production (overrun), resulting in a denser, heavier product. The texture is described as smoother and creamier, and it stays cold longer than ice cream.
History
The treat was invented in 1919 by Archie and Elton Kohr on Coney Island, New York. Their discovery was that adding egg yolks improved the texture and longevity of the frozen dessert. The holiday itself, National Frozen Custard Day, is considered unofficial, and its specific origins are unknown, though it has been adopted by the industry as a promotional fixture.
Strategies for Accessing Deals
Consumers looking to maximize savings on National Frozen Custard Day should be aware of specific requirements and limitations associated with the 2025 offers.
Mobile App Requirements
Several chains, most notably Freddy’s, require customers to use their mobile app or web ordering portal to access the discounted pricing. This is a common strategy for brands to capture customer data and encourage loyalty program sign-ups. * Freddy’s: The $1, $2, and $3 pricing is strictly limited to orders placed through the Freddy’s app or website. It is not available for walk-up counter orders or phone orders. * App/Web Orders: Users should download the specific brand app or visit the brand website prior to visiting the location to ensure they can redeem the offer smoothly.
Order Method Restrictions
Promotions often have specific channel restrictions. * Exclusions: The Freddy’s promotion explicitly excludes third-party delivery services (such as DoorDash, UberEats, or GrubHub) and catering orders. * Combination Offers: Most "free" or "discounted" offers cannot be combined with other coupons, discounts, or loyalty rewards. For example, a customer cannot use a "buy one get one free" coupon alongside the National Frozen Custard Day specific pricing.
Location Variability
While national chains attempt to standardize offers, participation can vary. * Franchise Discretion: Some offers, particularly those involving BurgerFi or local independent shops, may be at the discretion of the franchise owner. * Regional Chains: Ritter’s Frozen Custard operates in specific states (Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Michigan). Consumers outside these regions will not be able to redeem their specific "Frozen Custard Week" deals.
Verification and ID
Certain freebies require proof of eligibility. * Birthdays: To redeem a birthday freebie at places like Zesty’s, a valid government-issued photo ID is required to prove the date of birth. * Military/Veterans: For Veteran’s Day promotions, military ID or proof of service is typically required.
Conclusion
National Frozen Custard Day on August 8, 2025, offers U.S. consumers a variety of ways to enjoy frozen desserts at a discount. The primary national deals center on Freddy’s offering tiered pricing on shakes and frosts ($1, $2, $3) via their app, and BurgerFi offering a free shake with a combo meal. Ritter’s Frozen Custard is celebrating with a week-long event culminating in a $0.99 small dish on August 8.
Consumers should note that many of the best offers require the use of brand-specific mobile apps or web ordering systems. Additionally, while the holiday is widely recognized, specific offers are often limited to certain geographic regions where the brands operate. For those seeking free custard outside of this specific holiday, brands like Zesty’s offer recurring promotions tied to birthdays, military service, and other seasonal holidays.