Gelato vs Ice Cream - What's the difference?

Gelato vs Ice Cream - What's the difference?

Most people think gelato and ice cream are the same thing. They are very similar, however, there is a difference!

‍
Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream derived from the Latin word β€œgelātus” (frozen). Gelato is lower in fat because it contains less cream and more milk, and is churned slower resulting in less air and a richer flavour.

If you really want to be a gelato pro, swat up on the facts below:

– gelato has a lower fat content than ice cream
– gelato contains less β€˜air’ as a filler than ice cream giving it a much richer and delicious flavour

Gelato is made with milk, cream, various sugars, and ingredients such as fresh fruit and nut purees. It is simply the Italian word for ice cream, derived from the Latin word β€œgelātus” (meaning frozen).

BUT, gelato is actually different from the traditional recipe of ice cream because it is lighter, having a lower butterfat content than traditional ice cream. At Messina we also use more milk rather than cream.

To put some percentages on it, gelato typically contains 4-8% fat, versus the 14-16% found in ice cream. Gelato also contains less air than most ice cream and is therefore more dense and rich in flavour. Scoop for scoop, you get more gelato than you would ice cream.

Now you know the difference, that makes it the perfect excuse to get two scoops surely?

Gelato is actually lower in fat than ice cream and contains less air than ice cream.

Blog posts

  1. Read more: Geelong store opening soon!
    Geelong store opening soon!

    Geelong store opening soon!

    Geelong, you can stop doing the drive up the M1 for a gelato fix. Messina is about to land at 100 Little Malop St, with the official open date anno...
    Read more
  2. Read more: Five ways to drink a scoop
    Five ways to drink a scoop

    Five ways to drink a scoop

    Spring means a new drinks menu and this one's got a theme running through the whole thing: gelato or sorbet. The gelato gets milk-washed straight i...
    Read more
  3. Read more: Cheesecake Month Lands October
    Cheesecake Month Lands October

    Cheesecake Month Lands October

    We all have that one friend. The one who dives into a shared special and mines out every single good bit before anyone else gets a look in, whil...
    Read more