Food is a big part of our lives. It brings us together, provides comfort and joy, and lets us explore different cultures through flavor. But food can also be fun. One of the best ways to celebrate our favorite food or love for food is through National Food Days. Throughout the year, there's a whole calendar of national food-themed days celebrating everything from pizza to pickles.
Whether you're a food enthusiast, a caterer, a blogger, a marketing professional, or even just someone who likes a good excuse to indulge, these quirky holidays add an element of delight to the year. And the best part? You can celebrate right along with everyone else. This post will break down national food-themed days, exploring why they're great and discussing creative ways to engage with them. We'll also examine how understanding them can boost your business if you're involved in catering. And just for kicks, we'll look at a list of some upcoming national food days.
Whether you are a food influencer, connoisseur, or just a regular joe who likes to eat, there's something for everyone in this list of National Food Days. Note that this is not a complete list and the dates are for the American version of the food holidays.
Pizza is a beloved dish in America, and National Pizza Day on February 9th is the perfect time to celebrate it. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita, a meat-lover’s delight, or a veggie-packed pie, this day is all about enjoying a slice (or several) of your favorite pizza.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as National Pancake Day, is a movable feast that falls the day before Ash Wednesday. This day is traditionally marked by eating pancakes, symbolizing the use of up rich foods before the Lenten fast. Pancake lovers rejoice with stacks of fluffy goodness topped with syrup, fruit, and whipped cream.
On September 18th, we celebrate National Cheeseburger Day. This iconic American food gets its own day for people to enjoy a juicy burger topped with melted cheese. Many restaurants and fast food chains offer special deals to mark the occasion.
National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday in July, during the peak of summer. This holiday was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, and it’s a perfect day to cool off with your favorite flavor, whether it’s a classic vanilla or an adventurous combination.
October 4th is National Taco Day, celebrating the versatility and deliciousness of tacos. From traditional Mexican tacos with soft corn tortillas to Americanized versions with hard shells, there’s a taco for everyone to enjoy.
Apple pie is a symbol of American tradition, and National Apple Pie Day on October 21st honors this classic dessert. Whether homemade or store-bought, served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, apple pie is a beloved treat.
Celebrate the sweet and fruity delight of strawberry ice cream on January 15th. National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is a perfect excuse to enjoy this refreshing dessert, whether on its own or as part of a sundae.
On May 2nd, National Truffles Day, we celebrate the luxurious and decadent chocolate truffle. These rich, creamy confections come in various flavors and make for a delightful indulgence.
National Shrimp Day on May 10th is dedicated to one of the most popular seafoods. Shrimp can be enjoyed in countless ways, from shrimp cocktails to grilled skewers, making it a versatile favorite.
May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Day, celebrating the small but mighty ingredient that makes cookies, muffins, and pancakes so delicious. It’s a day to add chocolate chips to your favorite recipes and enjoy the sweet results.
National Hoagie Day, celebrated on May 5th, is all about the sandwich known by many names, including sub, grinder, and hero. Packed with meats, cheeses, and veggies, hoagies are a satisfying and hearty meal.
On July 28th, National Milk Chocolate Day, we indulge in the creamy, sweet delight of milk chocolate. Whether enjoyed in bars, candies, or baked goods, milk chocolate is a favorite treat for many.
May 25th is National Wine Day, a day to appreciate the complex flavors and rich history of wine. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, it’s the perfect day to raise a glass and toast to this beloved beverage.
Celebrate the iconic cookie filled with fig paste on January 16th. National Fig Newton Day is a time to enjoy this classic snack, which has been a favorite for generations.
On March 1st, peanut butter enthusiasts celebrate National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day. From sandwiches to cookies to simply eating it by the spoonful, there are endless ways to enjoy this creamy or crunchy spread.
National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day on April 2nd celebrates the classic combination that has been a staple in American households for decades. This day is all about enjoying the perfect balance of sweet and salty in a PB&J sandwich.
Lasagna, with its layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, gets its own day on July 29th. National Lasagna Day is a great excuse to enjoy this hearty and comforting Italian dish.
December 4th is National Cookie Day, a time to celebrate all varieties of cookies. Whether you love chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies, this day is perfect for baking and sharing your favorites.
On April 16th, National Eggs Benedict Day, we honor the beloved brunch dish of poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce atop an English muffin. It’s a delicious way to start the day.
National Frozen Food Day on March 6th celebrates the convenience and variety of frozen foods. From vegetables to prepared meals, frozen foods offer quick and easy solutions for busy lifestyles.
National food days might seem trivial, but think about what they represent: a shared love for specific foods. They bring people together over something everyone loves: eating good food. On social media, people share their experiences, pictures, and recipes, making it like a giant online potluck where everyone contributes and enjoys.
National food days often come with special deals that make dining out or purchasing favorite foods more affordable. Restaurants, both fast food and casual dining chains, frequently participate by offering discounts, special menus, or free items. These deals not only attract customers but also create a sense of community as people gather to celebrate their favorite foods.
They aren’t just about satisfying your taste buds. This excitement around food translates to benefits for businesses. Caterers might get flooded with orders, florists might create themed arrangements, and bloggers or food influencers might whip up new content, creating numerous opportunities. These food celebrations aren't fleeting trends either; they are yearly events. This means they provide businesses with recurring opportunities for marketing, sales, and engaging with their customers. It’s almost like everyone’s craving gets aligned, making national food days a powerful tool if you know how to take advantage of them.
The magic lies in making these celebrations work for you. If you run a restaurant, you can offer special discounts on National Cheeseburger Day or Incorporate national food days into your loyalty programs. Offer double points or special rewards for customers or loyalty members who visit on these days. If you're a florist, you could design bouquets incorporating the food item of the day. For example, using lemons as part of an arrangement on National Lemonade Day is a great way to attract customers.
Let’s dive deeper into how caterers, florists, and event planners can tap into this trend:
Now, you can’t just jump onto national food days without some planning. Think of it like preparing for any important occasion. You wouldn't show up to a wedding without an RSVP, so why not apply the same thoughtfulness to national food days? If you are in any of the businesses related to food, it's an opportunity.
The best way to capitalize on national food days, whether as an individual or business, is planning. Grab a calendar (yes, an old-school one will work), and mark those special days throughout the year. This will help you brainstorm creative ideas related to your work or personal interests. If it's National Coffee Day and you’re a blogger, it's a great opportunity to maybe try a no-churn coffee ice cream recipe you've had your eye on. Make sure to share those recipes on social media using the appropriate hashtags. You'll connect with a wider audience.
Another example is Mother's Day, while not a food-specific holiday, is one of the most popular days of the year for dining out. Restaurants often create special menus and offers to honor mothers and provide families with an opportunity to celebrate together. It's a day where food and family come together, making it a significant culinary event.
Don't limit your enjoyment of food to your plate; get online. Social media is bursting with national food day activity, think food pictures and lively discussions about recipes and experiences. Use those food hashtags to your advantage, comment, share, engage. It's a fun way to make the internet a tastier place. And always remember safety. It’s like when your mom told you not to talk to strangers. Look for verified sources and accurate information from reputable sites like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has information about healthy eating choices that’s especially helpful for National Nutrition Month in March of every year.
Use national food days as a chance to learn. If it's National Donut Day, use it to discover where the first donut was made or try whipping up a Boston Cream donut recipe. On national food days, knowledge is as delicious as the dish you're celebrating. These celebrations allow you to learn while celebrating the diversity of flavors across different regions.
For example, you probably know that National Cheesesteak Day will be big in Philly, as their version reigns supreme. But did you know that certain regions in Canada celebrate Poutine with the same intensity on National Poutine Day? If you have a curious mind, you’re in luck. Every national food day is an invitation to expand your culinary horizon.
Maine is famous for its lobster, and old National Lobster Day (June 15) celebrates this delectable crustacean. Maine Senators Susan Collins, has championed the day to honor the state's lobster industry, which is a vital part of Maine's economy and culture
Every day of the year is some kind of food day. Seriously. Every single one. Every month offers a culinary extravaganza honoring ingredients, specific dishes, and even unique food combinations.
We've listed some in a table above, but every year we celebrate the classics like National Pizza Day, National Ice Cream Day, National Hamburger Day, and countless more. Don't be surprised though because new ones are getting added every year to keep up with our expanding palates and changing food trends.
While many national food days originated in the United States, the concept has spread globally. International food days, like International Sushi Day (June 18) and World Food Day (October 16), are celebrated worldwide, highlighting global culinary traditions and encouraging cross-cultural food appreciation.
Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the largest food holiday in the United States, characterized by its historical significance, culinary traditions, and cultural impact. It is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, enjoying a bountiful meal with loved ones. As Americans come together to celebrate Thanksgiving each year, they continue to honor a tradition that has been passed down through generations, making it a cherished part of the nation's heritage.
From boosting your business to giving you a fun excuse to try a new recipe, national food days remind us that enjoying food goes far beyond simple sustenance. It is also a delightful way to celebrate the country's diverse culinary landscape. From fast-food chains favorites to fresh fruit promotions, these days of the year provide numerous opportunities. Embrace them as occasions to try a new recipe, gather with friends, explore a restaurant, or just get excited about food.
Whether enjoying specific deals at casual dining chains or participating in global events like World Food Day, these celebrations highlight the importance of food in our lives and bring people together around shared culinary experiences.
It's not just about indulgence or driving profits; use these days as an opportunity for cultural exploration and education. After all, national food days offer a light-hearted reason to enjoy a slice of shared joy.