What is the difference between Gelato and American ice-cream?



There are many misconceptions about the differences between Gelato and American ice cream. Both words mean ice cream in their respective languages but are very different. Gelato's main ingredients are comprised of milk and sugar, which are then combined with other natural flavorings such as fruits and nuts, with no added flavors, colors, or preservatives. When the ingredients are milk based, the product is called gelato. Recipes made of a water base and fruits are known as sorbets. Milk based gelato contains one-third the fat and less sugar than ice cream. Sorbets have almost no fat at all and no dairy ingredients. Gelato, when compared to ice cream, offers richer taste and texture and a product that is lower in fat and calories for an unmatched creamy delight!

GELATO = less fat + no air added = rich creamier taste

Gelato		American ice-cream
Made with 90% milk		Made with 50% heavy cream and 50% milk
Butterfat content 0-10%		Butterfat content 10-30%
Fluffy & Smooth air-like texture light on your palate		Dense texture with a heavy feel
Intense flavor from low overrun (amount of air) of about 30%		Diffused flavor from high overrun (amount of air) of about 60-120%
Made with all fresh ingredients (i.e. fruits and nuts) with no added flavors, colors, or preservatives		Made with processed foods, colors, flavors and preservatives