What is the difference between ice cream and gelato?
Part of our Frequently Asked Culinary Questions. Click to see more answers to your questions.
Ice cream and gelato are both frozen desserts, but overall, gelato has a creamier, denser texture and a more intense flavor than ice cream, because of its lower fat content and slower churning process. Gelato is a traditional Italian frozen dessert that is similar to ice cream; “gelato” means “frozen” in Italian.
Ice cream typically contains more cream and sugar than gelato. Gelato has a higher proportion of milk and a lower amount of cream, making it a denser and creamier dessert.
Ice cream is churned at a higher speed than gelato, incorporating more air into the mixture and making it lighter and fluffier. Gelato is churned at a slower speed, resulting in a denser, creamier texture.
Ice cream is typically served at a higher temperature than gelato. Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, giving it a softer, creamier texture.
Popular ice cream flavors include:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Mint chocolate chip
- Cookies and cream
- Rocky road
- Butter pecan
- Chocolate chip cookie dough
- Peanut butter cup
- Birthday cake
Popular gelato flavors include:
- Pistachio
- Stracciatella (chocolate chip)
- Hazelnut
- Tiramisu
- Coffee
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Lemon
- Mango
- Raspberry
- Strawberry