Gelato is Italy’s answer to ice cream, and while it shares similarities with sorbet—both are frozen desserts—it’s a much creamier, richer treat. Made with whole milk, cream, and sugar, gelato is denser and smoother than sorbet, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.
Milk, cream, sugar, and often egg yolks Low fat content: While it contains dairy, gelato has a fat percentage of around 4-9%, much less than traditional ice cream.
Gelato’s texture is where it really shines. Thanks to its slower churning process, it contains less air than ice cream, which makes it thicker and denser. The result? A smooth, velvety, melt-in-your-mouth experience that coats the tongue and delivers a more intense flavor.
While sorbet is all about fruit, gelato is known for its creamy, rich flavours. Traditional gelato flavours like pistachio, stracciatella (chocolate chip), and hazelnut are beloved for their depth and intensity. Because of its lower fat content, gelato’s flavours are often brighter and more pronounced compared to ice cream, which is richer and more indulgent.
To preserve its creamy texture, gelato should be served at a warmer temperature than ice cream—around 10°F to 20°F. This ensures it’s soft and scoopable while still keeping that signature creaminess intact.
| Category | Sorbet | Gelato |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water, sugar, fruit (dairy-free) | Milk, cream, sugar (contains dairy) |
| Fat Content | 0% fat (dairy-free) | 4-9% fat (lower than ice cream) |
| Texture | Icy, light, slightly crystalline | Dense, creamy, smooth |
| Flavour | Bright, fruity, refreshing | Rich, creamy, often nut-based or chocolate |
| Best Served | At warmer temperatures (10-20°F) | At warmer temperatures (10-20°F) |
If you’ve ever encountered sherbet and wondered how it differs from sorbet, you’re not alone! While both are fruit-based frozen desserts, sherbet includes a small amount of dairy, typically milk or cream, which gives it a smoother texture and a richer flavour.
Contains a touch of dairy (milk or cream) and has a silky-smooth consistency with less iciness than sorbet.
Completely dairy-free, with a crisp, icy texture and a focus on fruity, refreshing flavours.
Sherbet is a middle ground between sorbet and ice cream, offering a balance of creamy and fruity elements, but if you're looking for something 100% dairy-free, sorbet is your go-to.
The decision between gelato and sorbet ultimately depends on what you're in the mood for. Are you craving a rich, creamy indulgence with luxurious flavours? Gelato is your best bet. But if you want something light, refreshing, and entirely dairy-free, sorbet will hit the spot.
So, next time you find yourself at the dessert counter, whether it’s at a summer party or after a nice dinner, you’ll know exactly which frozen treat to choose. Whether it’s the fruity, crisp sorbet or the velvety smooth gelato, you can’t go wrong—just be sure to enjoy every scoop!
