What federal rules mean by ice cream

In the United States, “ice cream” is more than a casual description. Federal regulations define a standard of identity for products sold under that name.

The direct answer

Section 135.110 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations describes required composition and permitted ingredients for products labeled ice cream or frozen custard. The regulation is technical; its purpose is product identity, not restaurant recommendations.

What the standard covers

The rule addresses matters such as dairy ingredients, milkfat, total food solids, optional ingredients, flavoring and labeling. Different provisions apply to products represented by particular flavors or containing bulky ingredients.

• It provides a legal framework for the product name.
• It does not identify the recipe of every shop or flavor.
• It does not make an allergen, nutrition, quality or freshness guarantee.

What shoppers still need to ask

A category name cannot answer whether a specific batch contains egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, sesame or another ingredient. It also cannot describe shared equipment or current availability. Those questions require current information from the seller.

How Pete’s uses the term

Pete’s publishes ice cream as one of its shop categories. For a specific flavor, use the current-flavors page and contact the shop when ingredients or dietary needs matter.