Gelato Vs. Ice Cream

You've eaten ice cream, and you've eaten gelato. Both have adequately satisfied your sweet tooth, and both provide the necessary respite from the heat on a warm summer afternoon. How can you then, identify the difference between the two. Perhaps you assume that there is no difference. It is natural, because both are dairy-based delicious desserts, and even look and taste similar. Both are available in a variety of flavors, with fruits and nuts and several other ingredients. But there is a difference between the two.

Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream

Many say that gelato is the Italian counterpart of the regular ice cream. But there is a difference in the preparation, texture and even nutrition of the two. While the nutritional value of gelato is not anything to speak of, it is true that the calories in gelato are lower than those in ice cream. There are some more differentiating factors.

• Firstly, there is a huge difference in the texture of gelato vs. ice cream. Gelato is creamier than its American counterpart. It is prepared from whole or low fat milk and a small amount of cream, that makes it low in butterfat content. This is unlike ice cream, which is prepared with large amounts of cream. Because of this quality, it also melts faster than ice cream, but this enhances all the flavors in a gelato. It is difficult to freeze gelato, which is why it is prepared and stored in smaller batches.
• Secondly, there is difference in the preparation procedure of the two. In the manufacturing process of ice cream, air is added so that the volume of the ice cream is higher, and so that it is easy to scoop it out. On the other hand, gelato is churned very slowly, so as to avoid the addition of air. There is still, however, a smaller amount of air in gelato. This makes it creamier, minus the heavy calories that you consume with ice cream.
• Thirdly, there is a difference in the calories in gelato vs. calories in ice cream. While a scoop of gelato contains anywhere between 150-170 calories, those in ice cream begin at 200 and may go much higher. However, the calories in both will vary depending on the ingredients added to it.
• One thing to remember is that while ice cream is made with the use of syrups and additional sweeteners, etc., the makers of gelato prefer to remain loyal to the traditional sweetener, namely sugar, that is used to make it, and avoid the use of such products. Of course there may be several exceptions to this case.
• Gelato is maintained at a temperature about ten to fifteen degrees higher than ice cream, because of its high density. This means that a scoop of gelato is firm, but not hard, like ice cream.

The connoisseurs of this yummy dessert would argue that no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to achieve the real consistency of gelato when you try to make it at home. Apparently, it is only the high-end procedures that give it its rich, dense and creamy texture and flavor. However, you can give it a shot and perhaps be the first to refute these arguments.

Whatever the differences between the two, we know that both gelato and ice cream are capable of providing the comfort that a dessert does. It all depends on your taste buds, and your idea regarding which one is 'healthier'. Honestly, as mentioned before, it is not like there is much of a difference in the nutrition of gelato vs. ice cream. For most people, both are just something they turn to, to satisfy their taste buds and sweet tooth, or as just some comfort food when their spirits are low.