What’s the difference between Ice Cream and Gelato?
So lots of people have been asking what’s the difference Gelato vs Ice Cream?
Gelato is a popular European treat. It is similar to Ice Cream but packs much more flavor per bite.
From Wikipedia:
Gelato differs from ice cream in that it has a lower butterfat content, typically gelato contains 4-8% versus 14% for ice cream. Gelato generally has slightly lower sugar content, averaging between 16-22% versus approximately 21% for ice cream. Non-fat milk is added as a solid. The sugar content in gelato is precisely balanced with the water content to act as an anti-freeze, that is, to prevent the gelato from freezing solid.
In other words, Gelato is healthier than Ice Cream because it contains less or no cream and is lower fat.
Because Gelato doesn’t have as much air mixed into it, Gelato is much more flavorful because with an equal sized bite, you get more.
Gelato in a Store
Is Gelato healthier than Ice Cream?
Gelato has less fat that ice cream.
Being a European treat, somewhat sophisticated, or at least a little more sophisticated than ice cream, the serving size is generally smaller than ice cream.
Because it is more dense and has more flavor per bite, Gelato is more fulfilling than ice cream, so it takes less Gelato to get the same flavor mass than it does with ice cream (not sure if that logic would hold up in a science experiment, but maybe a taste test).
Gelato can also be made without eggs and with no extra cream. Ice cream is, well, iced cream, so you’re going to get a lot less fat content with Gelato.
Is Gelato Better tasting than Ice Cream?
What’s the best way to determine if Gelato is better than ice cream? Have your own taste test!
Find an authentic Gelateria, and give it a whirl. Note, not all places that sell Gelato provide authentic Gelato.
Try to find a real Italian shop, and you’ll have a better chance at tasting some really good Gelato.
Gelato is a more sophisticated treat. Make Gelato for special guests or a special party. It’s taste will have people asking, “Is this ice cream?”
What about making Gelato from home? Is it easier to make than Ice Cream?
Gelati (plural for Gelato) are easier to make than ice cream.
With the right Gelato equipment it only needs to take 25-30 minutes with a self-refrigerating Gelato machine.
Compare that to making ice cream and having to refrigerate the bowl for hours or throughout the night just to get your dessert!
Some Gelato machines double as an ice cream maker as well, but once you get into tasting Gelato, you’ll want less ice cream and more of this sweet stuff!
Lello Musso Pola 5030 Ice-cream & Gelato Maker
For super fans of Gelato made at home, check out the industrial strength Lello 5030 Gelato Maker.
