What’s the difference between ice cream and gelato?

Feature image for the difference between ice cream and gelato
You usually have 2 main choices at your local ice cream parlour, ice cream or gelato. So which one should you choose? Well, we will talk about that today as well as other options out there.

Do you have a sweet tooth (Someone who loves to eat sugar and sweets)?  Well, if so, today lesson is perfect for you.  We are looking at the difference between ice cream and Gelato. Ice cream and gelato are just two of many different kinds of frozen desserts but they are probably the two most popular kinds you will find at your local ice cream parlour (shop). However, they are a little different so this lesson could help you decide what to get the next time you are standing in line at your favourite ice cream parlour. 

First let’s look at the basic definition of each one.

What is ice cream?

2 scoops of ice cream in a cone

Ice cream is probably the most well known of all the cold desserts.  It has as been around the longest and said to have been invented in ancient China. 

Ice cream is made of just a few ingredients: milk, cream, a sweetener, like sugar, and some flavourings.  Sometimes ice cream also includes egg yolks. 

What is gelato?

A variety of gelato at a gelato shop

Gelato is not just ice cream from Italy.  It is also made of milk, cream, and a sweetener and some flavourings. (Although often without the egg yolk.) 

They sound like the same thing…Hmmm So what’s the difference between ice cream and gelato???

The differences. Here's the "scoop."

A scoop of ice cream

The differences come in the amounts or proportions of each ingredient and how they are made.

Ice cream has more milk and cream.  Ice cream must have at least 10% fat from milk or cream to be called ice cream.  Gelato has less fat from milk or cream, usually about 4-9%.  Because gelato has less fat, it is generally thought of as more flavourful. 

Ice cream is churned (mixed) faster than gelato.  This gives it more air and makes it lighter and more fluffy.  Gelato is churned slower which means it is denser (heavier) and that means the flavours are stronger. 

Gelato is served warmer, usually about 10-15 degrees warmer. This makes it softer and since it isn’t as cold and doesn’t make your tongue as numb (no feeling), you can actually taste the flavours more. 

 Also, gelato is usually served with a flat spatula which is also used to mix the gelato more and keep it soft.  Ice cream is served with an ice cream scoop because it is harder than gelato and doesn’t need to be mixed. 

Lastly, gelato is usually a little more expensive than ice cream.  This is due to it’s more flavourful taste and often it’s thought of as more of a specialty and more exotic (coming from a different country) than ice cream. 

For more fun, check out this “cool” video below! 

So which is better for YOU?

If you are looking for a dessert than is colder, harder, has more of a buttery and creamy texture and is better on the pocketbook (cheaper), ice cream may be your best choice. 

If you are looking for more flavour, something softer and has less fat, then gelato is the way to go. 

More options?

But you said “ice and gelato are just two of many kinds of frozen desserts.”  That’s right I did.  As an added bonus, here are a few more wonderful desserts to try and how they are different.  There is even one for you vegans (people who don’t eat any animal products) out there!

Sorbet:

3 scoops of sorbet in a glass

Sorbet is made of fruit puree or fruit juice, a sweetener, and some flavouring.  That’s it. No milk or dairy products so it is perfect for you vegans out there.  It is thought of as healthier because of the less fat and calories but be careful there is still as lot of sugar.

Sherbet:

sherbet in a glass cup

Sherbet is basically the same as sorbet except for one thing.  There is a little milk, cream or buttermilk which makes it a little creamier. 

Frozen yogurt:

frozen yogurt in a cup with candy

Frozen yogurt has basically the same ingredients as ice cream except instead of milk or cream, yogurt is used.  This means it has a little less fat than ice cream. It is also usually served in a cup instead of a cone like ice cream.  People also tend to put toppings on a frozen yogurt cup like fruit, nuts or even candy….yum!

Soft serve:

soft serve ice cream in a cone

Soft serve is also like ice cream but it has much more air churned inside which makes it softer. It also has a little less milk fat. The most famous example is probably the ice cream cone at your local McDonalds.

So tell me about you…

Which do you prefer ice cream or gelato.  Have you ever eaten any of the bonus desserts?  Which was your favourite? Are there any other interesting frozen desserts from your country that you can share with us?

Please leave your comments below.

As always, thanks for reading!

Shaun Munro

Shaun Munro

Shaun Munro has been successful in helping people communicate better in English for almost 20 years.  It has been a long journey, with many successes and many challenges.  Read about his amazing story here.  If you would like to send Shaun a quick message, please visit his contact page here.

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