What's the Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream?

Imagine you’re at Compa’s dessert counter, eyes darting between a vibrant scoop of gelato and a classic ice cream cone. One side has that silky, dense scoop of gelato, bursting with rich flavour. Other side is classic ice cream that’s creamy, cold, and oh-so nostalgic. They both look delicious, but ever stopped to ask: what is gelato, really? And how’s it different from ice cream?

It’s easy to think gelato and ice cream are the same thing. They do share a lot of creamy goodness. But there is a real difference. These two frozen favourites are in a category of their own.

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the difference between gelato and ice cream by exploring their origins, textures, and flavour. Come down to us to try both and satisfy your sweet tooth. Buon appetito!

Let’s start with a little history.

Gelato vs Ice Cream | A Quick Scoop of Origins

Gelato means “frozen” in Italian, has deep roots in Italy. It’s believed to have been first whipped up during the Renaissance by a clever Florentine chef for the legendary Medici family. Fast forward a few centuries, and gelato has become a creamy symbol of Italian dessert culture, lovingly made and savoured across the globe.

Now, let’s talk about ice cream.

Unlike gelato’s Italian roots, ice cream has a more worldly origin. Ancient versions of this frozen dessert showed up in China and Persia long before evolving into the custard-style treat we know and love in Europe and the U.S.

So, What’s the Real Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream?

Think of gelato as Italy’s answer to ice cream, but smoother, denser, and more flavourful. While both gelato and ice cream start with a similar custard base, gelato uses more milk, less cream, and usually skips the eggs altogether. It’s also churned more slowly, which means less air and a silkier, denser texture. Additionally, it’s served slightly warmer than ice cream, allowing those rich, natural flavours to shine with every spoonful.

Classic ice cream is made with milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks, especially in traditional French-style recipes. The mixture is cooked into a creamy custard, cooled, and churned at high speed to whip in air. The results come in a light, fluffy texture with a higher fat content and that signature creamy taste. Most store-bought ice cream is served at very cold temps, making it firmer and easier to scoop.

So, it’s all about how they’re made, their ingredients, the texture, and the experience they deliver. Here’s the breakdown Creed:

Gelato vs Ice Cream | Ingredient Comparison

At Compa, our gelato factory (okay, it’s more of a kitchen, but it’s magical!) crafts gelato with the same love and tradition as those Italian artisans, ensuring every scoop bursts with authentic flavour.

Gelato vs Ice Cream | Texture and Churning

Ever noticed how gelato feels denser and silkier than ice cream? That’s because of how they’re churned:

• Gelato: Churned slowly, incorporating less air (25-30% overrun). This creates a dense, creamy, velvety texture that melts smoothly on your tongue. It’s served at a slightly warmer temperature, making it softer and scoopable.
• Ice Cream: Churned faster, whipping in more air (50-100% overrun). This makes it fluffier and lighter but can feel colder and firmer when served.

Craving something rich and intense? Grab a gelato Maitland-inspired flavor at Compa. Want a lighter treat? Our ice cream Rouse Hill-style scoops are calling your name.

Gelato vs Ice Cream | Serving and Storage

• Gelato: Stored and served at warmer temperatures (-10°C to -12°C) to maintain its soft, creamy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as it doesn’t freeze as solidly as ice cream.
• Ice Cream: Kept colder (-18°C or lower) to stay firm. It has a longer freezer life, thanks to stabilisers, but fresh is always best.

Flavour Intensity: Why Gelato is Ice Cream with Extra Oomph

Here’s where gelato stands out. Because it has less fat and air, the flavours in gelato ice cream are more concentrated. A scoop of pistachio gelato tastes like actual pistachios, not just a hint of nutty flavor. Ice cream, with its higher fat content, can sometimes coat the palate, muting flavors slightly.

At Compa, our gelato & coffee pairings are a fan favorite. Imagine a scoop of hazelnut gelato alongside a bold espresso. Each bite and sip enhance the other, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Our ice cream flavours, like classic vanilla or chocolate, are just as delightful, offering that nostalgic sweetness we all crave.

Is Gelato Vegetarian?

In most cases, gelato is vegetarian. It’s usually made without eggs and doesn’t contain gelatin, which makes it a great choice for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients. Just be sure to check the flavour ingredients. Some might include honey or another non-vegan add-ins.

Compa Loves Both Gelato and Ice Cream

We’re all about “Food & Friendship—Together is Better,” and that includes our love for both gelato and ice cream. Our Italian-inspired café celebrates the joy of sharing desserts, whether it’s a vibrant gelato cone with friends or a comforting ice cream sundae during a solo coffee break.

Our menu features a range of gelato and ice cream options, crafted with authentic ingredients and served with a side of smiles.

Our gelato recipe sticks to authentic Italian methods, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create flavours that transport you to Italy. Our ice cream & gelato menu offers both, so you can compare and pick your favourite or enjoy both.

So, what’s your pick—gelato or ice cream?

Drop by Compa | Grab a Scoop of Delicious Gelato or Ice Cream!

Let’s chat about your favorite flavours. Because at Compa, every bite is a chance to connect, laugh, and savour the sweet life.

Can’t make it in? Order gelato or ice cream through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Menulog for a taste of Italy at home.

Explore Our Menu Here