Gelato vs. Ice Cream

In America, the first question we often get is what is the difference between ice cream and gelato? Gelato vs. ice cream is more dense, creamier, more flavorful, and that it only contains half the fat of ice cream.  Many believe that more fat means a creamier product. The opposite is true. 

Gelato and ice cream are normally sold by volume such as a scoop, a pint, or a quart.  We believe they should be sold by weight, as your typical pint of ice cream would weigh only about half that of a pint of our gelato.  Traditional ice cream contains 15 to 25 percent butterfat, while gelato is in the 6 to 8 percent range.  More fat in the mixture means that more air will incorporate into the end frozen product.  Ice cream has 100% or more air in it, while our gelato contains only about 10%.  Less air means more ingredients resulting in a richer, more dense, more flavorful, and creamier product.    

True artisan “Old World” gelato, like Gemma produces is made completely from scratch by skilled artisans.   Old World requires use of all-natural ingredients and hot process methods of production.  Commercial ice cream is usually made in large factories with pre-made mixes, powders, flavors, colorants and artificial emulsifiers and stabilizers.   Gelato is made with fresh ingredients in small batches and delivered to market shortly after being produced. Although gelato is more expensive than ice cream, you are getting so much more in each serving.