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4/9/2025
There’s a lot to love about gelato, but its rich, velvety texture is what truly sets it apart from other frozen desserts. If you’re wondering whether gelato contains milk, the short answer is: mostly, yes. But is dairy the secret behind that signature creaminess?
Let’s dive into the world of gelato to uncover what really gives it its luxurious texture, and explore some delicious dairy-free alternatives for those who need them.
What Makes Gelato So Smooth?
Gelato’s signature silkiness comes from a precise balance of milk, cream, and sugar. Milk plays a crucial role in its texture and contributes to its distinct creamy flavor, with the type of milk used influencing the final taste.
Another key factor? Gelato contains less air. Unlike ice cream, it’s churned more slowly, incorporating minimal air, which results in a denser, velvety consistency.
At Talenti, we’re all about honoring the traditional gelato-making process to create something truly authentic. We slow-cook our batches in small quantities using the Bain-Marie technique. This involves gently heating our fresh milk and other ingredients, letting the flavors simmer and deepen, while achieving the signature velvety texture that makes gelato so special.
The Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream
Though both gelato and ice cream are beloved frozen desserts, some key differences set them apart. One of the biggest differences is the fat content. Ice cream typically contains between 10-20% fat, while gelato usually falls between 4-8%. This lower fat content allows flavors to stand out and gives gelato its smooth consistency.
Churning speed also plays a big role. Ice cream is whipped quickly, trapping more air and giving it a fluffy texture. And finally, gelato is served at a warmer temperature than ice cream (approximately 8°F warmer).
Read: The Real Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream
So... Does Gelato Need Milk?
While traditional gelato does include milk, there are also plenty of alternatives available for anyone looking to avoid dairy. And at Talenti, we make sure our dairy-free offerings also deliver the same indulgent experience. Instead of milk, they’re made with alternatives like oat milk and cashew butter.
Or, if you’re looking for a completely milk-free option, try Talenti Sorbettos—made with real fruit for a refreshing, vibrant flavor. They’re light, bright, and perfect for cooling off on a hot day or pairing with your favorite dessert.
Also read: Why Talenti Sorbetto is the Dairy-Free Dessert You Need in Your Freezer
Who Should Avoid Traditional Gelato?
If you’re sensitive to dairy or have a lactose intolerance, traditional gelato might not be your best bet. The good news? There are plenty of delicious dairy-free alternatives that let you enjoy all the creamy, frozen goodness—without the downside.
Try These Dairy-Free Alternatives Instead
Looking for dairy-free options that don’t compromise on taste or texture? You can’t go wrong with these...
Dairy-Free Gelato
Our Caramel Toffee Crunch Gelato is made with oats and cashew butter, rather than dairy. It features swirls of our signature dulce de leche and crunchy almond toffee pieces.
For something a bit more chocolatey, try Double Cookie Crunch Gelato that’s made with oat milk and has both chocolate cookie pieces and swirls of sugar cookie crumbs in a vanilla base.
Dairy-Free Gelato Layers
Our Gelato Layers take smooth, creamy gelato to the next level with decadent sauces and crunchy mix-ins—all carefully stacked for the ultimate bite. And the best part? We offer dairy-free options so everyone can enjoy the indulgence.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Gelato Layers is a chocolate lover’s dream. It starts with a rich layer of chocolate non-dairy gelato (made with cashew butter), followed by fudgy brownie pieces, a luscious chocolate fudge sauce, another scoop of chocolate non-dairy gelato, and a final layer of crunchy chocolate sprinkles.
Prefer something fruity? Blueberry Crumble Gelato Layers (made with oat milk) delivers a perfect balance of tart and sweet. It features blueberry oat gelato, followed by delicious muffin crumble pieces, a swirl of muffin crumble sauce, a layer of creamy vanilla oat gelato, and a crunchy oat topping to finish it off.
Sorbettos
For a lighter dairy-free option, sorbettos always deliver. Try Alphonso Mango (made with the finest ripe mangoes of Maharashtra), Roman Raspberry (that packs at least 97 raspberries per pint) or Cold Coffee Brew (that blends fair-trade Brazilian and Colombian cold brew coffee with everything but the milk) for a deliciously satisfying frozen treat.
You can also enjoy some of our most popular flavors in mini bar form—perfect for a quick, satisfying snack anytime.
Looking for more dairy-free options? If it’s an ice cream texture you’re after, check out Breyers’ Non-Dairy range. These frozen desserts are made with real oat milk and have the same rich and creamy taste that Breyers fans love.
No matter your dietary preferences, there’s a frozen treat for everyone to enjoy. While traditional gelato contains milk, the right dairy-free alternatives can deliver the same rich, smooth experience without compromising on flavor or texture.
So, next time you crave a frozen treat, consider both traditional gelato and its dairy-free counterparts. With so many choices, there’s a perfect option for everyone. Each scoop—dairy or not—is a chance to enjoy a sweet, indulgent moment.
