Yes Virginia, there is an ice cream fork

We received a question: Is there such thing as an ice cream fork?

An ice cream fork is designed to make it easier to eat ice cream. Ice cream forks have the classic bowl shape of a spoon, topped with three to four tines to help consumers dig into their ice cream. The design of an ice cream fork is also known as a spork. The design of the ice cream fork has been around since at least the 1800s, with numerous patents for the design on file from around this period. While an ice cream fork was designed for eating ice cream it is very versatile.

The difference between an ice cream fork and a spork is usually one of quality and formality, given that the utensils are near-physically identical. Ice cream forks tend to be made from materials like silver, and their handles often have ornate patterns. This implies formality. The sporks tend to be more casual, and they are made from a variety of metals in addition to plastic and wood. Spork is also a term used when the utensil is functioning without eating ice cream.
It is perfectly acceptable to eat ice cream and other desserts with a spoon: the dessert spoon. However, setting out ice cream forks with an ice cream course can be fun, and will create quite a conversation around your table.

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