What’s the difference between gelato and ice cream?
While they may seem similar, there are a few key differences that set them apart. They’re both made with milk and sugar, but in different proportions; they also differ in their churning method and fat content.
Gelato is made with milk, sugar, and flavorings, while ice cream is made with milk, sugar, and cream giving it more fat content than gelato.
We’ll be talking about these differences in this article.
Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream
Gelato vs ice cream: what’s the difference? Let’s find out.
Ingredients
Gelato and ice cream are both made with milk, sugar, and other ingredients.
Gelato is made with milk, sugar, and flavorings such as fruit, chocolate, or nuts. It also typically contains less air than ice cream, which gives it a denser, creamier texture.
Ice cream is made with cream, milk, sugar, and flavorings. It also contains more air than gelato, which gives it a lighter, fluffier texture.
Their ingredients both include milk and sugar but in different proportions, with gelato containing more milk than ice cream.
Fat Content
One of the main differences between gelato and ice cream is the fat content.
Gelato is made with milk instead of cream, so it typically has less fat than ice cream. It generally has a fat content of around 4–8%, while ice cream contains no less than 10% milkfat, according to the FDA.
The lower fat content of gelato gives it a more pronounced flavor and makes it lighter than ice cream, while the higher fat content gives ice cream its signature rich and creamy texture, which can also make it feel heavier and more filling than gelato.
Serving Temperature
Another difference between gelato and ice cream is the serving temperature.
Gelato is typically served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, which helps to maintain its soft, creamy texture and prevent it from becoming too hard.
Ice cream is usually served at a colder temperature, which gives it a harder, more frozen texture and longer shelf life.
Churning Method
Gelato is churned at a slower speed than ice cream, which helps to minimize the amount of air incorporated into the mixture and creates a denser texture.
Ice cream is churned at a faster speed, which incorporates more air into the mixture, which gives it the light, fluffier texture. The higher air content also causes ice cream to melt faster than gelato.
Gelato vs Ice Cream Comparison Table
| Gelato | Ice Cream |
| — | — | — |
| Fat Content | Less fat | More fat |
| Flavor Intensity | Intense flavors due to less air incorporated | Less intense flavors due to more air incorporated |
| Serving Temperature | Served at a slightly warmer temperature | Served at a colder temperature) |
| Texture | Denser and creamier texture due to less air incorporated | Lighter and fluffier texture due to more air incorporated |
| Serving Style | Typically served with a spoon, spatula or flat paddle | Typically scooped into a cone with an ice cream scoop |
What are the 3 differences between gelato and ice cream?
The three main differences between gelato and ice cream are the churning method, fat content, and serving temperature.
>>>One, gelato is churned at a slower speed, resulting in a denser and creamier texture, whereas ice cream is churned at a faster speed, resulting in a lighter texture.
>>>Two, gelato typically contains less butterfat than ice cream, which results in a lower fat content.
>>>Lastly, gelato is usually served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, which enhances its creamy texture and flavor.
In general, gelato is considered to be healthier than ice cream due to its lower fat content, although it can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
How is gelato different from sorbet?
Gelato is different from sorbet in that it contains dairy, while sorbet is typically made with fruit juice or puree and does not contain dairy. In essence, sorbet is vegan while gelato isn’t.
Gelato has a smooth, dense texture due to the slow churning process and the presence of milk fat, while sorbet is usually lighter and more granular in texture, with a more icy consistency.
Does gelato need to be refrigerated?
Yes, gelato should be kept refrigerated until ready to serve. Like all dairy products, gelato can spoil if left out at room temperature for too long.
It needs to be stored and served at a temperature slightly above freezing, ranging between 10°F and 20°F (-12°C to -6°C) to maintain its texture and prevent it from melting. Gelato stored at a higher temperature will become too soft and lose its structure.
If stored at a lower temperature, it will become too hard and difficult to scoop. So, it is important to keep gelato in the freezer specifically designed for storing frozen desserts at the right temperature.
Once served, it is best to consume the gelato within a few minutes to maintain its texture and flavor.
That said, gelato doesn’t freeze as a result of the little air it contains. The slower churning method used to make gelato also contributes to its ability to maintain a softer, creamier texture.
Also, gelato is served with a spatula because it has a softer texture than ice cream and can easily be damaged by scooping. A spatula allows for a gentle and precise serving technique that maintains the integrity of the gelato.
Why is gelato not vegan?
Gelato is not vegan because it contains dairy products such as milk and cream. Some may also contain other non-vegan ingredients such as honey, chocolate, or other animal-based additives. Some types of gelato also use eggs as a thickening agent.
However, some gelato shops and brands offer vegan options made with non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almonds, coconut milk, or coconut cream. It’s important to check the ingredients list or ask the server before ordering to make sure that the gelato is vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
While gelato and ice cream may seem similar at first glance, they differ in their ingredients, fat content, serving temperature, and churning method.
Whether you prefer the denser, creamier texture of gelato or the lighter, fluffier texture of ice cream is ultimately a matter of personal preference.