Scooping Out the Difference: Gelato vs. Ice Cream

Is there really a difference between Gelato vs. Ice Cream?

Picture this. You’re on vacation at a small café on a hot summer day, eagerly ordering a scoop of what looks exactly like any other scoop of ice cream you’ve ever ordered. You go with "Pistachio Gelato," which sounds both exotic and delicious.

When you take that first bite, however, you notice immediately that this is no ordinary ice cream. For starters, it's smoother and a bit denser than what you’re accustomed to. The texture is silky, the sweetness perfectly balanced, and there's a depth of flavor that feels almost like a trip to the Italian countryside.

Well, this isn’t simply ice cream—this is gelato. 

Gelato vs. Ice Cream

No, gelato and ice cream are not the same dessert. Ice cream, as we know it today, can be traced to 18th-century America. Gelato, on the other hand, has its roots more deeply planted in Italy, where every town boasts a local “gelateria.”

As for the actual treat, let's investigate and uncover a few frosty facts that distinguish these creamy delights.

Texture

Ice cream and gelato are both creamy, sure, but you can taste a world of difference when you take that first spoonful. Ice cream is light and airy, whipped up with plenty of air that gives it a softer, almost fluffy quality. Gelato, meanwhile, is denser. How? It has less air churned into it, leaving it richer and almost silkier on the tongue.

Temperature

Maybe the biggest difference between a gelato and ice cream is the temperature they’re served at, and what it does to the flavor profile of each. Gelato is dished out at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, making it softer and smoother and also enhancing the flavor, so when you bite into that pistachio scoop, you’re hit with an intense nutty taste that’s hard to ignore. Ice cream, on the other hand, is often kept at super-cold temperatures to keep it firm; thus, it’s a little frostier, and the flavors may be more muted. 

Ingredients & Ratios

While both treats share some common ingredients—milk, sugar, and cream—it's the ratios that distinguish them. For example, ice cream generally has a higher cream content and, by extension, more fat. The added fat brings that much-loved lusciousness but can also sometimes mask the flavors. 

Gelato, however, uses more milk than cream, lowering the fat content and allowing the flavors to stand front and center. That’s why gelato flavors tend to taste more vibrant, whether it’s a classic hazelnut or a daring basil-lemon combo. Gelato’s sweetness level also tends to be slightly lower, letting the natural flavors shine through.

Flavor Showdown

Both ice cream and gelato have their own distinct worlds of taste. Ice cream flavors tend to lean into the bold and inventive—think peanut butter fudge, birthday cake, or anything swirled with caramel. Ice cream is like a playground of sweetness and surprises, with endless toppings, mix-ins, and the option to go double or triple scoop.

Gelato, in contrast, is all about purity. Flavors are simpler yet more intense, with each one feeling like it’s been crafted to perfection. You’ll find classics like stracciatella (think delicate chocolate flakes in vanilla cream), pistachio, and hazelnut, as well as seasonal fruit flavors. 

Final Verdict

When it comes to gelato versus ice cream, each offers a distinct experience. For a lighter, playful treat with endless flavors, ice cream is a classic choice. But if you’re craving something deeply creamy, intensely flavorful, and a touch more refined, gelato is the perfect pick. 

If you're in or near Parkland, Florida, and craving freshly made kosher gelato, visit Glyk Gelato! Using authentic Italian techniques, we craft our signature dairy and non-dairy gelato with original recipes. Discover more about our offerings on our website, or reach out to us for catering options!