Want to Know the Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream? Here's the Scoop

Whether you’re having an over-the-top ice cream sundae, a serving of pie à la mode, or just sneaking a spoonful straight out of the carton, a scoop of your favorite frozen dessert can do no wrong. But with so many options in the freezer aisle to choose from, it can get overwhelming. There are dairy-free varieties, frozen yogurts, gelato, and, of course, plain old ice cream. While the first two have their obvious differences, the latter two, gelato and ice cream, can often be confused as the same thing. Sure, ice cream and gelato appear to be similar—they’re cold, sweet, and taste great with a drizzle of hot fudge. But once you give each one a try (and we do encourage you to taste both!), you’ll notice right away that they’re actually not the same at all. So, what's the difference between gelato and ice cream? One isn’t necessarily better than the other. When it comes to gelato vs. ice cream, it just depends on your personal preferences. But if you’re anything like us, you’ll love both equally, in their own right!

Both ice cream and gelato are made with similar ingredients (a custard base that includes milk and sugar), but that’s about all they have in common. Each sweet treat has its own distinct history, ways of being produced, and unique qualities—from flavor to texture. We’ll break down the differences between gelato vs. ice cream so you can get a better idea for which to choose. If you ask us, the best way to decide between ice cream and gelato is to taste for yourself.

What is gelato?

Gelato is the richer, denser, and smoother relative to American ice cream. In fact, the term gelato actually means ice cream in Italian. In Italy, frozen desserts date back thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the Renaissance that gelato, as we know it today, became popular. Similar to ice cream, gelato is made from a custard base of milk, cream, and sugar. The difference lies in the proportions of each with gelato having more milk (and less cream) compared to ice cream. Gelato also doesn’t usually contain egg yolks the way that ice cream does.

Along with these different ingredients and proportions, gelato is also made in a distinct way. Italian gelato is often described as being dense. This comes from the process in which it’s churned, at a much slower speed compared to ice cream. Once the gelato is churned, it’s stored and served at a slightly warmer temperature that’s not completely frozen. These days, gelato comes in a variety of flavors and if you find yourself at a gelateria (Italian for gelato shop), you’ll be amazed at the dozens of heaping mounds of gelato behind the case. Looking for a good place to start? You can’t go wrong with the classics, like chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, or Stracciatella (a sweet cream flavor with chocolate chips mixed in).

How is gelato different from ice cream?

Despite being practically cousins, ice cream and gelato have some significant differences that set them apart. Ice cream, which first came to America in the 1700s, found its footing as a classic American dessert and became the basis for recipes like ice cream floats, ice cream sandwiches, banana splits, and even ice cream cakes. Ree Drummond has been making her own ice cream for years. “Nothing says warmer weather like a scoop (or two!) of homemade ice cream," she says.

Ice cream is usually described as creamier and fluffier than gelato. Its custard base contains egg yolks and more cream than milk, which means it has more fat (at least 10% fat compared to gelato’s 5 to 7% fat). Unlike gelato, ice cream is whipped at a high speed in an ice cream maker which makes it airier and less dense. To top it off, ice cream is usually served frozen, which makes the flavors less pronounced, but also makes it great for a hot summer day.

Which is healthier: gelato or ice cream?

There’s no denying that both ice cream and gelato are sweet indulgences. Neither are going to help you lose weight. While ice cream usually has more calories and fat, both desserts contain sugar. Let’s face it: We’re not eating either for their healthy qualities.

So, which should you choose?

This is totally up to you! The difference between ice cream vs. gelato is a personal preference. If you prefer something colder and creamier, go for ice cream. If you want to try something rich and silky, try gelato. You can’t go wrong either way!