Gelato Vs Ice Cream: Know These 8 Key Differences

By Shreya Goswami

July 21, 2023

Gelato and ice cream are both delicious frozen desserts, but they have distinct differences. Here are all these differences you should know about.

Origin

Gelato originates from Italy and ice cream, on the other hand, has its roots in ancient China.

Ingredients

Gelato is made with a higher proportion of milk to cream compared to ice cream, which contains more cream.

Fat Content

Gelato typically contains around 3.5% to 8% fat, while ice cream typically has a fat content of 10% or more.

Texture

Gelato has a smoother and silkier texture compared to ice cream, which is icier and less dense.

Churning Process

Gelato is churned at a slower speed compared to ice cream, which helps incorporate less air into the mixture.

Serving Temperature

Gelato is typically served at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream, around 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 to -12 degrees Celsius).

Flavor Intensity

Due to the lower fat content and denser texture, gelato tends to have more intense and vibrant flavors compared to ice cream.

Storage

Gelato is stored at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream to prevent it from becoming too hard.