When it comes to frozen desserts, ice cream and gelato both reign supreme. But despite how similar they may seem, they’re two very different treats. If you’ve ever wondered what actually sets them apart, you’re in for a cool surprise! Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between ice cream and gelato.
1. Ingredients & Fat Content
The first major difference lies in their ingredients. Ice cream is made with a higher proportion of cream, which gives it a richer, higher-fat content. This creaminess is what makes ice cream so decadent and smooth.
Gelato, however, uses more milk than cream, making it lower in fat. But don’t mistake that for lack of flavor—gelato is often considered to have a more intense taste because the lower fat content allows the flavors to shine through more brightly.
2. Churning Process
Another key difference is in the way they’re made. Ice cream is churned at a higher speed, which incorporates more air into the mixture. This results in a lighter, fluffier texture that’s great for scooping up big, airy portions.
Gelato, on the other hand, is churned slowly, so less air is incorporated into the mix. The result is a denser, creamier texture with a more concentrated flavor. It’s like getting a rich burst of flavor in every bite.
3. Serving Temperature
Ice cream likes to stay cold and firm, which is why it’s served at a lower temperature. This keeps it solid and scoopable, but it can also numb your taste buds a little, making the flavors less intense.
Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, which means it’s softer and melts more quickly. This warmer serving temperature helps the flavors stand out more, giving you a more immediate, rich taste experience.
4. Flavor Profile
Ice cream is known for offering a wide variety of flavors, from the classic vanilla and chocolate to more creative and playful options like “cookie dough” and “rocky road.” The higher fat content also makes ice cream great for mixing in things like candy bits, cookies, or swirls of fudge.
Gelato, by contrast, tends to stick to more traditional and natural flavors, like hazelnut, pistachio, lemon, and chocolate. These flavors are typically more intense and straightforward because the denser texture and lower fat allow the true essence of the ingredients to shine through.
5. Portion Size
Ever noticed that gelato is served in smaller portions? That’s because it’s denser, and a little goes a long way. Gelato is all about savoring each rich, creamy bite.
With ice cream, those big fluffy scoops are perfect for those days when you want to indulge a bit more. Ice cream is lighter, so you get more volume without necessarily getting too full.
Which One Should You Choose?
The great thing is, there’s no wrong choice! It really comes down to your mood. If you want something rich and creamy with a bit of a bite, ice cream is your go-to. If you prefer a denser, more intensely flavored dessert, gelato is the way to go.
So, next time you find yourself facing the eternal ice cream vs. gelato dilemma, you’ll know exactly what to choose—or better yet, why not have a little of both? After all, life is too short to pick just one frozen treat!
Check out our gelato lineup here!