3 Reasons Gelato is Better than Ice Cream

ItaliAndrea
1 day ago
2 min read

In Italy, summer signifies one thing: an afternoon gelato, which is the Italian term for ice cream. However, is gelato truly the same as ice cream? No, and I will outline the three main reasons why it's superior.

gelato better than ice cream chocolate pistachio vanilla

1-Gelato is lighter in calories and fat

Gelato is made with a milk base, while ice cream is made with a custard consisting of cream and egg yolks, thus more fat. Additionally, gelato generally contains less sugar than ice cream. Consequently, gelato is a lighter and healthier choice!

Chocolat Padova gelato better than ice cream chocolat pistachio vanilla

2- Gelato's flavor is more intense

Ice cream's higher fat content coats your tongue and tastebuds, masking the flavors of the main ingredients. Furthermore, Italians place great emphasis on the quality and sourcing of primary ingredients in all their food, including gelato. Many gelaterie proudly showcase the origin of their ingredients, such as 'pistachio from Bronte (Sicily) DOP,' which all Italians instinctively know to be the finest.

gelato better than ice cream chocolate pistachio vanilla Chocolat Padova

3- Gelato is more dense

The slow churning method used for gelato produces a denser product with less air. While ice cream depends on fat content for its creamy texture, gelato achieves creaminess through its more labor-intensive production process, which most consider superior.

Bonus difference

Although it isn't necessarily a superior feature, gelato is served at a warmer temperature, which enhances the flavors and lowers the risk of brain freeze, to boot!

These five gelaterie are located in the same square in Padova, Piazza dei Signori in Padova. It's intense competition, yet on any summer afternoon, each one has a queue of people!

Two other gelaterie have opened on an adjacent square, Piazza delle Erbe. This makes 7 in less than 500 feet or 150 meters!

My top choice in Padova is likely Bepi, as it prides itself on being 100% Veneto, our home region. Giotto, Chocolat, Chokkolatte, La Romana, and GROM are also excellent options if you find yourself in Padova.