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1/28/2025
If you line up scoops of gelato and ice cream side by side, you might think they’re just different names for the same thing. But don’t be fooled – they’re actually pretty different. From ingredient proportions to their unique textures and the temperatures they’re served at, there’s a lot that sets them apart. Let’s dive into the details.
What is Gelato?
Gelato is a tasty frozen dessert that mixes milk, sugar, and cream. It has a rich history dating back to the Italian Renaissance.
The original Italian way of making gelato is to churn it slowly to reduce how much air gets into it. That’s what gives it that dense, velvety texture we love so much.
Typically, gelato isn’t served ice-cold. Instead, it’s enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature (between 10 and 22° F). That’s about 8°F warmer than ice cream, which is served at a chillier 6 to 10°F. Why? This warmer temperature makes gelato easier to scoop and makes the flavor really pop.
What is Ice Cream?
Ice cream has its own rich history. Although its exact origin is hard to pin down, iced desserts have been around since at least 4000 BC.
It’s typically made with milk, cream, sugar, and sometimes egg yolk, and churned at a faster rate. This results in its light, creamy texture.
It’s usually served at a colder temperature than gelato (between 6 and 10° F), where it’s soft enough to scoop but cold enough to hold its shape.
Gelato vs Ice Cream: Decoding the Difference
As you may have been able to tell already, gelato and ice cream aren’t the same thing. Let’s zoom in on the finer details.
Ingredients
The ingredients in gelato and ice cream are similar but they’re mixed up in different ways. Gelato uses more milk and less cream, while ice cream packs in more cream and often includes egg yolks. This changes both the taste and texture, giving each its own distinct feel.
Texture
One of the most obvious differences between gelato and ice cream is the texture. Gelato’s slower churning process incorporates less air, making it denser and smoother. Ice cream, on the other hand, is churned faster, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.
At Talenti, we take extra care to create an ultra-smooth gelato experience. Getting the perfect flavor and texture takes time, which is why we use a Bain-Marie culinary technique to slow-cook our ingredients with fresh milk. This process allows the flavors to simmer, develop, and deepen, creating a velvety texture and rich taste that sets our gelato apart. Paired with the best ingredients from around the world, it’s what makes every scoop of Talenti so special.
Temperature
Gelato is typically served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream. This not only affects the texture, making it softer and more pliable, but also enhances the flavor, so you get a richer taste.
Flavor intensity
Since gelato is denser and served warmer, the flavors really pack a punch. Ice cream’s higher fat content can sometimes coat the palate, making the flavors feel a bit toned down.
Gelato or Ice Cream: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between gelato and ice cream comes down to what you’re craving. If you’re looking for a stronger, denser flavor, gelato is the way to go. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it a special treat.
Try: Whatever your flavor mood, Talenti probably has a gelato to match. To start off with, Caramel Cookie Crunch Gelato is one of our best-sellers. It’s got a blend of chocolate cookies with sweet cream gelato and a swirl of our one-of-a-kind dulce de leche, based on a family recipe.
If you’re craving something a little extra, let us introduce you to Talenti Gelato Layers —an indulgence like no other. Each jar offers five decadent layers, combining creamy gelato with mix-ins like cookie crumbles, rich fudge, and smooth sauces. It’s a dessert experience that’s as much about texture as it is about flavor, perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, creamier texture, ice cream is your best bet. It’s a great choice for when you’re craving something cold and satisfying. For example, when we’re in the mood for something comforting, we love scooping up Breyers' Dulce de Leche. Or, for a fun dessert twist, Breyers' Homemade Vanilla can be the perfect base for a quick sundae.
Frozen Treats 101: Understanding the Differences
Aside from gelato and ice cream, there are other frozen treats that offer their own special qualities. Let’s take a quick look at some of them:
Sorbet
Sorbet is a dairy-free frozen dessert made primarily from water, sugar, and fruit. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for those who are lactose intolerant or looking for a fruity dessert.
Sherbet
Sherbet has a touch of dairy, giving it a creamier texture than sorbet but lighter than ice cream. It’s a great option for those craving a bit of creaminess without going all-in on the richness of ice cream.
Sorbetto
Sorbetto is the Italian cousin of sorbet, known for its smoother, more velvety texture. Made with similar ingredients as sorbet, it often has a bit of air churned into it, giving it a luxurious texture.
At Talenti, we craft our Sorbetto with top-quality ingredients to bring you bold flavors that really stand out. Flavors like Roman Raspberry, made with handpicked raspberries from California and Chile, and Alphonso Mango, made with mangoes from India, are customer favorites for a reason! They’re super delicious and taste just like biting into fresh, juicy fruit. Plus, you can enjoy them as mini bars, which are only 45-80 calories each, making them the perfect dairy-free, indulgent treat when you're craving something sweet.
Also read: Sorbet, Sherbet, or Sorbetto? Choose Your Perfect Fruity Treat
FAQs
Gelato’s denser texture and warmer serving temperature enhance its flavor, making it more intense than ice cream.
Yes, there are dairy-free gelato options available, often made with alternative milks like almond or coconut milk. Try our Caramel Toffee Crunch Gelato made with cashew butter—it’s smooth and creamy, with the rich flavor of cashews, swirled with our signature dulce de leche and crunchy almond toffee pieces.
Craving something more decadent? Our Double Cookie Crunch Gelato might be just what you need. It’s a fresh take on cookies and crème, made with oat milk, packed with chocolate cookie pieces and swirls of sugar cookie crumbs folded into a velvety van
Gelato is denser and smoother with more intense flavors, ice cream is lighter and creamier, and sorbet is a dairy-free, fruity frozen treat.
Gelato is churned more slowly with less air, resulting in a denser, smoother texture compared to ice cream.
Take Your Pick!
Gelato and ice cream each have their own standout qualities, and the right choice really depends on what you're in the mood for. Gelato is great for those sunny days when you're craving something a little more special—it pairs so well with fresh fruit or even a glass of Prosecco. Plus, it's super versatile! You can get creative with it and whip up fun desserts like dessert tacos or gelato sandwiches the next time you're hosting friends. On the flip side, ice cream is perfect for indulgent treats like sundaes or going alongside a warm slice of pie.
Whether you prefer gelato or ice cream, there’s no wrong choice. So, why not grab a spoon, try each and see for yourself
Read next: Why the Ultimate Ice Cream Sandwich is Actually Made with Gelato
