Dippin’ Dots are more than just a unique summertime treat—they’re a nostalgic staple at amusement parks, malls, and sports stadiums. What sets them apart from traditional ice cream is their playful, futuristic shape. Each cup contains thousands of tiny, frozen pellets of flavor bursting with sweetness. It’s no wonder Dippin’ Dots earned the nickname “the ice cream of the future.”
If you haven’t experienced this innovative dessert, it’s definitely worth a try. Not only do they offer a refreshing twist on classic ice cream, but Dippin’ Dots’ cutting-edge cryogenic technology has even extended beyond the world of sweets. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company played an unexpected yet vital role in the global vaccine distribution effort, using its expertise in freezing technologies to help store and transport the vaccines.
Dippin’ Dots were first created in 1988 by a microbiologist. While experimenting with yogurt cultures, he had the innovative idea to use liquid nitrogen to freeze tiny pellets of ice cream. What started as a modest experiment in a garage soon became the foundation of a unique ice cream revolution. By 1992, the company had secured a patent for its groundbreaking ice cream-making process, setting the stage for the rise of this beloved frozen treat.
As Dippin’ Dots gained popularity, the company continued to innovate, developing specialized freezers capable of maintaining the ultra-low temperatures needed to preserve the ice cream’s signature pelletized form. This expertise in cryogenics would later play a pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic. With vaccines requiring storage at a frigid -94°F, Pfizer turned to Dippin’ Dots for support. The company’s cutting-edge freezers were essential in maintaining the “Cold Chain,” ensuring the vaccines stayed at the proper temperature throughout transportation and distribution.
Already experienced in supplying hospitals and pharmacies with specialized freezing equipment, Dippin’ Dots took it a step further by offering training for medical professionals in cold handling techniques to avoid injuries, ensuring the vaccines could be safely delivered to the public. Who would have thought that an ice cream company would play such a crucial role in the success of global vaccinations? Thanks to Dippin’ Dots’ pioneering research in cryogenic storage, not only can you rely on them to help keep vaccines safe and effective, but you can also grab a cup of their delicious ice cream afterward. Talk about a sweet partnership—saving lives and satisfying your sweet tooth at the same time!
Until Next time:
N.F.
Sources:
- Bender, Maddie. “What the Dippin’ Dots “Cold Chain” Can Teach Us About Covid-19 Vaccines.” Popular Science. December 15, 2020. Accessed 27 May, 2025. https://www.popsci.com/story/health/covid-vaccine-cold-chain-dippin-dots-ice-cream/.
- Breen, Kerry. “Why Dippin’ Dots Might Have a Place in the Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan.” Today. December 18, 2020.Accessed 27 May, 2025. https://www.today.com/food/how-dippin-dots-could-help-covid-19-vaccine-storage-t204293.
- “Company History.” Dippindots. 27 May, 2025. https://www.dippindots.com/about/company-history/.
- Rubinstein, Leia. “The Roll of Dippin’ Dots in Covid Relief.” YUObserver. February 11, 2021. Accessed 27 May, 2025. https://yuobserver.org/2021/02/the-role-of-dippin-dots-in-covid-relief/
Antiquated Antidotes 