Ice cream (formerly and properly ice-cream, derived from earlier iced cream or cream ice) is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners. In some cases, artificial flavourings and colourings are used in addition to, or instead of, the natural ingredients. The mixture of chosen ingredients is stirred slowly while cooling, in order to incorporate air and to prevent large ice crystals from forming. The result is a smoothly textured semi-solid foam that is malleable and can be scooped.

The meaning of the phrase "ice cream" varies from one country to another. Phrases such as "frozen custard", "frozen yogurt", "sorbet", "gelato" and others are used to distinguish different varieties and styles. In some countries, such as the USA, the phrase "ice cream" applies only to a specific variety, and most governments regulate the commercial use of the various terms according to the relative quantities of the main ingredients. In other countries, such as Italy and Argentina, one word is used for all variants. Analogues made from dairy alternatives, such as goat's or sheep's milk, or milk substitutes, are available for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy protein, and/or vegan. The most popular flavours of ice cream are vanilla and chocolate.

Amy's Kitchen is a privately held corporation which began operation in 1987, with the purpose of making healthy, organic, and easy-to-prepare frozen food. Owned and run by Andy and Rachel Berliner, Amy's Kitchen took its name from their then-newborn daughter. The company employs over 1,600 people and operates processing plants located in Santa Rosa, California and White City, Oregon. New processing plants are being built in Corby, England, and Greenville, South Carolina. The corporate headquarters is now located in Petaluma, California.

Both proprietors had been long involved in the organic food business; Rachel's family had been growing and advocating organic vegetables and fruits since the 1950s, while Andy was formerly the president and majority shareholder of the Magic Mountain Herb Tea company. Because Amy's Kitchen is a private entity, reports of its annual earnings are not public knowledge.

While Amy's products are vegetarian and vegan, focus is also given to people on halal diets, as well as those who are unable to tolerate ingredients such as wheat gluten, soy, lactose, and maize derivatives. Most of Amy's meals are frozen, but they also make a line of canned soups, chili, beans, pasta sauce and salsas. In 2011, Amy's introduced several lines of products including Light and Lean, Gluten Free, and Light in Sodium for customers with special dietary needs. Amy's places a great emphasis on organic ingredients and will only use conventional ingredients where no organic alternative exists. Amy's never uses meat, eggs, seafood or peanuts, though some contain animal-derived elements (such as dairy and honey). Amy's products are non-GMO and do not contain hydrogenated fats or oils.