Skip to:
3/6/2025
The frozen dessert aisle if often brimming with so many choices. Gelato, ice cream, and sorbetto all look tempting, but how do you know which one to pick? While they may seem similar, each has its own unique flavors, textures, and overall experience.
That’s why we’re diving into the difference between gelato and ice cream, with a little bit of sorbetto thrown in. Let’s explore these treats so you can make the perfect choice – and maybe impress your dinner guests with some sweet knowledge.
What is Gelato?
Gelato isn’t just the Italian word for ice cream, it’s a whole artform in itself. So, how is gelato different from ice cream? Unlike ice cream, gelato uses more milk than cream, resulting in lower fat content. On the flipside, it does contain more sugar, which helps it achieve that soft, scoopable quality we love.
Gelato is also churned at a lower speed, resulting in less air content for a denser, smoother texture. Gelato is best served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, to help with its scoop-ability and release of flavor. So next time you pick up a pint of our Sea Salt Caramel Gelato let it sit on the counter for a few minutes before enjoying.
Discover the secret behind Talenti’s gelato: How Talenti Gelato is Made to Capture the Taste of Italy in Every Scoop
What is Ice Cream?
Ice cream is a beloved frozen treat enjoyed worldwide. With a higher cream content and more air incorporated during churning, it has a light, fluffy texture that sets it apart from gelato. What truly makes ice cream unique, though, is its sweetness and versatility, offering endless flavour combinations and mix-ins.
Compared to gelato, ice cream’s higher fat content gives it a richer taste, though it doesn’t have the same concentrated flavor intensity as gelato. However, this makes ice cream perfect for indulgent desserts. When we’re craving a cold, refreshing treat, we love turning a classic scoop of Breyers Homemade Vanilla into a decadent milkshake.
Wait a Minute… What is Sorbetto?
In the gelato vs ice cream conversation, here’s another sweet contender worth mentioning: sorbetto. Also known as sorbet, this dairy-free treat is made from fruit, water, and sugar, offering a light and refreshing dessert.
When comparing sorbet vs gelato, the biggest difference is its lack of creaminess. Instead, sorbetto has a velvety texture that quickly melts on your tongue for a refreshing burst of flavor. If you’re new to sorbetto, we recommend our Cold Brew Coffee, which might replace your coffee order for good, and the Zesty Lemon, for an Amalfi Coast feel in every spoon.
Gelato vs Ice Cream vs Sorbet: Key Differences
The magic of frozen desserts lies in their variety, with gelato, ice cream, and sorbetto offering distinct delights. While Gelato’s dense, velvety texture feels indulgent, ice cream is light and creamy. And then we have sorbetto that delivers a smooth, refreshing consistency – perfect for cooling off.
Gelato’s lower fat content highlights bold, concentrated flavors, while ice cream leans into sweet, creamy notes. Sorbetto, being fat-free and dairy-free, delights with vibrant, fruit-forward profiles. Each treat brings its own charm, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving!
Is Gelato Better Than Ice Cream?
Now, onto the burning question: is gelato better than ice cream? The answer largely depends on your preference. If you’re craving a decadent treat, gelato’s intense flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect choice. Ice cream, on the other hand, provides a lighter, sweeter treat with universal appeal.
How To Serve Your Favorite Frozen Treats
Whether you’re feeling like a scoop of gelato, ice cream or sorbetto, here are some new and classic ideas on the best ways to enjoy your treat:
Gelato
Serving gelato is both an art and a treat! Scoop it into a classic waffle cone for a timeless experience or spoon it into a chilled cup and top with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for that extra indulgence. Passion for baking? Then try a gelato dessert like our Mini Frozen S’mores Pies.
Feeling adventurous? Let us treat you with our Gelato Layers, designed to deliver the perfect amount of gelato, delicious sauce and crunch. From Strawberry Shortcake to Coffee Cookie Crumble, we’ve got the perfect combinations to share with loved ones or to savor solo on your next relaxing night in.
However you serve it, remember the golden rule: gelato is meant to be enjoyed slowly, letting its creamy texture and bold flavors melt in your mouth. Bon appétit!
Ice Cream
Looking for ways to serve your ice cream? We’re all about making it the star of cozy desserts. Pile it high in a bowl with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top for the ultimate sundae. Breyers has a selection of irresistible ice cream sundaes to browse, from the classic to the unexpected (including the mouthwatering Candied-Bacon Fudge Sundae) if you are looking for dessert inspiration.
Hosting a party? Set up an ice cream bar with toppings like crushed cookies, fresh fruit, and hot fudge for everyone to customize their own creation. Or keep it classic and pair a scoop of vanilla with a warm slice of pie.
Sorbetto
Sorbetto is as versatile as it is refreshing, making it perfect for any occasion, Plus, it’s a solid pick if you're lactose intolerant or want to go dairy-free. Scoop it into a chilled bowl on its own, or toss in some fresh berries for a light, fancy treat.
For a fun twist, try pairing a scoop of our Roman Raspberry Sorbetto alongside sparkling water or champagne for an instant sorbetto float, with a bubbly, sophisticated touch.
Did anyone say cocktail hour? Sorbetto is the perfect base for colorful and indulgent cocktails. Our favorite recipe is the one for Margarita Floats, which turns our Alphonso Mango and Summer Strawberry Sorbettos into tasty concoctions that would definitely be approved by the "it” crowd.
FAQs
Yes! Our Sorbetto is dairy-free and perfect for those avoiding lactose.
Great question! Gelato is typically served at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream to enhance its creamy texture and rich flavors. Serving it this way ensures that the gelato remains soft and velvety, allowing you to savor every bite.
When it comes to health, it’s all about finding balance and choosing the right ingredients. Gelato generally has less fat than ice cream, thanks to its lower cream content. Sorbetto, on the other hand, is dairy-free and often lower in calories. Our gelatos and sorbettos are made with high-quality, natural ingredients and free from artificial additives or unnecessary chemicals,, so you’re indulging in a treat that’s crafted with care.
For a summer party, you can’t go wrong with a variety of our Gelatos and Sorbettos! Whether it’s a dessert board with Belgian Chocolate and Sea Salt Gelato, a Not So Scary Float with Double Dark Chocolate, Mango Ice Pops or a selection of Talenti Mini Bars, we’re there to make your special moments even sweeter.
Gotta Try Them All
Now that you know the difference between gelato, ice cream, and sorbetto, it’s time to taste them all. Each scoop is an adventure, so grab your favorite and indulge!
