National Sprinkle Day
About National Sprinkle Day
When is National Sprinkle Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 23
Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that make us happy and put a smile on our faces. With a rainbow of bright colors and a great sweet taste, sprinkles are indeed one of the smile-inducing treats in life. Today is National Sprinkle Day. On this July 23 holiday, you’re going to smile from sunrise to sunset, and perhaps a wee bit later. You can begin your day by putting them on your pancakes or waffles. And, the best way to end this fun day, is with a generous amount of them on top of ice cream or on just about any late-night treat you want.
Sprinkles are made of sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, shortening, wax, and food coloring. Some recipes include gelatin.
Sprinkles are popular around the world. And, they are known by a variety of names. In Holland, they are still called “Hagelslag”. In Belgium when you want them on your ice cream, you ask for “muizenstrontjes” or “mouse droppings”. They are also called “Hundreds and Thousands”, and “Nonpareils”. Call them what you will. Certainly, they are the ultimate topper for countless foods.
The History of Sprinkles
In the 1800s, Nonpareils were invented in Europe. Then in 1913, Dutch Confectioner Erven H. de Jong created the modern sprinkles. He called them “Hagelslag”. They made their way to the Northeastern United States in the 1930s where they came to be known as “Jimmies”. To this day, they are still called Jimmies in New England. At the time, the Just Born Candy Company claimed to be the inventor. They claimed they named them Jimmies. However, at the time a cancer charity also claimed to have created the name. The charity created the “Jimmy Fund”. Proceeds from the sale of ice cream topped with Jimmies went to the fund. And, the ice cream was called “Mr. Sprinkles”.
In the 1940s, sprinkles became widely popular when Dr. Edward Bringham started selling ice cream topped with rainbow sprinkles. He charged a penny for the sprinkles. And, the penny went to the Jimmy Fund.
What to Put Sprinkles On or In?
The answer to this question is just about anything. Sure, you might not put it on your steak or a lobster tail. But, it’s a sweet and colorful addition to most deserts. Erven H. de Jong the creator of modern-day sprinkles intended to put it on bread and butter. So, I guess just about anything goes.
Here are some ways to use sprinkles:
- For starters, if you’re putting whipped cream on something, then, sprinkles are a natural item to put on top of the whipped cream.
- Of course, sprinkle some on any kind of ice cream.
- Start your day right. Put them on your pancakes or waffles.
- Mix them into frosting. Or, put them on top of the frosting.
- Sprinkle it on top of cinnamon raisin bread, Pumpkin Bread, Zucchini Bread, and just about any other kind of bread.
- Put them on or in cakes, cupcakes, and pies.
- Sprinkle them on pudding. Or, mix a few into the pudding just before you serve it.
- Your kids will love them on top of applesauce.
- They add color on top of chocolate candies.
- Enjoy them on donuts.
How to Celebrate and Participate in National Sprinkle Day
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate and participate in National Sprinkle Day:
- Enjoy sprinkles. Having them on ice cream is a must today.
- Have an ice cream party. Offer a wide variety of toppings, including sprinkles.
- Make something with sprinkles in or on it.
- Take pictures and share it on social media.
- Bring a goodie covered with them to work to share with coworkers.
Today's Quote
“When I’m no longer rapping, I want to open up an ice cream parlor and call myself Scoop Dogg.” – – Snoop Dogg
History and Origin of National Sprinkle Day
Cookbook author and dessert photographer Rosie Alyea created National Sprinkle Day. She shares her love of sprinkles and other sweets on Sweetapolita.
Our research did not uncover any documentation confirming this to be a true “National” day. We found no congressional records or presidential proclamation. However, we firmly believe that this should be a national holiday. If you feel this should be a true national holiday, please write to your congressperson requesting a congressional resolution.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Charles E. Minches of St. Louis, Missouri fills a pastry cone with two scoops of ice cream, and the ice cream cone is invented. (1904)
- Frank Sinatra’s song “Strangers in the Night” is #1 on the charts. (1966)
- Actor Woody Harrelson was born on this day in 1961.
More July 23 Holidays
In addition to National Sprinkles Day, here are more July 23 holidays you will enjoy:
Related Holidays
People who like National Sprinkle Day will also like:
Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
See all of our Food Holidays.
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Blazing Star
Recipe of the Day: Ice Cream Pie
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