This is the difference between ice cream and gelato

Okay, we agree that real Italian gelato is the most delicious ice cream to eat. But what exactly is the difference between ‘regular’ ice cream and gelato?

And, no less importantly: where in the Netherlands can you find real gelato?

This is ice cream

The ‘regular’ ice cream we often come across in the Netherlands is made from egg yolks, sugar, milk and plenty of cream. So much cream, in fact, that our ice cream has a fat content of at least ten percent. The ingredients are whipped at high speed, which creates a lot of air and volume in the ice cream.

This is gelato

The main ingredients of gelato and ice cream are similar, but the difference lies in the proportions and the preparation method. Less eggs, much more milk and no cream are used for gelato. As a result, gelato has a lower fat content, you can eat more of it and it disappears faster. In addition, the ingredients for gelato are whipped at a much lower speed, which means it contains little air.

Temperature

Because of the difference in air content, ice cream and gelato are served at different temperatures. Ice cream contains a lot of air, which makes it melt faster and therefore means it is stored at a lower temperature, but it can also still be scooped easily at a lower temperature. Gelato is kept at approximately -13°C, while ice cream is about seven degrees colder.

Difference in taste

What do these differences mean for the taste? Gelato has a more intense flavor because it contains less air. And in fruit gelato, the fruit flavor comes through better because it is not masked by the fat. Ice cream often leaves a greasy ‘film’ on the tongue. In addition to the taste, the texture is also different. Because it contains less air, gelato has a very fine texture. That is why they do not scoop it into balls, but spread the ice cream into a cone or cup.

Gelato: where can you find it?

Of course, you can also find delicious Italian gelato in the Netherlands; you do not necessarily have to travel to Italy for it. Roberto Gelato from Utrecht, for example, has already won many international awards. My friends from Haarlem are lyrical about Garrone, where delicious ice cream has been made for generations. And earlier, we named the ice cream from Massimo Gelato the best ice cream in Amsterdam, with surprising flavors such as ricotta with figs and vanilla with candied orange peel.

Now craving an ice cream too?

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