How is Gelato Different from Regular Ice Cream? 2 Essential Benefits
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When you think of regular ice cream, you probably think of that as the ultimate summer treat. However, have you ever wondered why many people tend to shy away from ice cream during the cooler months? Well, that’s because in most parts of the world, ice cream is considered to be a winter treat.
Even though there are several variations and different brands of it available in stores throughout the year. As an Italian invention, gelato is often described as ‘the lighter version’ of regular ice cream.
The main difference between gelato and regular ice cream is in its preparation process and ingredients.
Unlike traditional ice cream which is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat that increases its calorie content; Gelato contains much less fat than regular ice-cream, thus making it healthier to eat on a daily basis.
One of the most wonderful things about summer is that it’s the perfect time to enjoy all kinds of ice cream. From traditional vanilla and chocolate to more exotic flavors like honeycomb or triple citrus, there’s something for everyone.
So, why not try something a little different from usual and opt for gelato instead?
If you aren’t familiar with this dessert, let us explain: gelato is an Italian-style ice cream that is made using different ingredients than standard American-style ice cream.
It has a much denser and richer taste than other ice creams because of its lower water content, smaller amounts of air whipped into it, and higher fat content.
When it comes to frozen desserts, most of us have a go-to: ice cream. With so many different flavors and brands available, it’s hard not to love this classic sweet treat. However, there is another cool concoction that’s beginning to gain popularity among ice cream fans: gelato.
Although both gelato and ice cream are made from the same basic ingredients — milk, sugar, and flavoring — their subtle but important differences make each distinctly stand out on their own.
This article covers everything you need to know about gelato vs ice cream.
That being said, how is gelato different from regular ice cream? Read on to find out more!
What is the Difference Between Gelato and Ice Cream?
The main difference between the two desserts is in their ingredients and preparation process – and their respective calorie content.
While ice cream is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat that increases its calorie content, gelato contains much less fat than regular ice cream.
But that’s not all. When you break it down, you’ll find that there are several other important differences between gelato and ice cream.
How is Gelato Made?
The main difference between gelato and ice-cream is the ingredients used to make them. While ice cream is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat, gelato contains much less fat than regular ice cream.
This is because gelato is made with a much higher percentage of milk than ice cream. Therefore, it contains a much lower butterfat content than ice cream.
Furthermore, gelato also contains less sugar than ice cream as well. However, these differences in ingredients result in a much lower calorie content of gelato compared to ice cream.
This is because a single serving of ice cream contains anywhere between 200-400 calories, while gelato has approximately 170 calories per single serving.
4 Key Differences between Gelato & Ice Cream
Here are 4 Key Differences between Gelato & Ice Cream: – Pre-Freezing of the Base – Unlike regular ice cream which is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat, gelato contains much less fat than ice cream.
As a result, the base does not need to be frozen quite as long, which in turn allows the gelato to retain its creamy texture even when it has been frozen for a longer period of time.
– Different Types of Sugar – As we’ve already discussed, the main difference between gelato and ice cream is in their ingredients. Gelato contains a much lower quantity of sugar than ice cream.
Furthermore, the type of sugar present in gelato is different from the type of sugar present in ice cream.
– Types of Fat – Fat is a crucial factor in determining the health benefits of any food item. While ice cream is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat, gelato contains much less fat than ice cream. Moreover, the type of fat contained in gelato is different from the type of fat contained in ice cream.
– Different Amounts of Milk – Another factor that makes gelato different from ice cream is the type and amount of milk used during the preparation process.
While ice cream is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat, gelato contains much less fat than ice cream.
Moreover, the type of milk used in gelato is different from the type of milk used in ice cream.
3 Ways in which Gelato is Healthier than Ice Cream
While the above-mentioned factors make a compelling case for the fact that gelato is healthier than ice cream, here are 3 ways in which gelato is healthier than ice cream:
– A Lower Calorie Content – The first way in which gelato is healthier than ice cream is its lower calorie content. As we discussed above, a single serving of ice cream contains anywhere between 200-400 calories, while a single serving of gelato has approximately 170 calories.
– Reduced Sugar Content – The second way in which gelato is healthier than ice cream is its reduced sugar content. While ice cream contains a high amount of sugar, gelato contains a much lower amount of sugar. This makes it a healthier option when compared to ice cream.
– A Healthier Fat Content – The third way in which gelato is healthier than ice cream is its healthier fat content. As we discussed above, ice cream is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat. This makes it richer in fat content than gelato.
2 Reasons Why You Should Eat Gelato Over Ice Cream
If you’re still not convinced that gelato is healthier than ice cream, here are 2 reasons why you should eat gelato over ice cream:
– Fat Content – If you’re on a diet or you’re trying to lose some weight, then you’ll definitely want to make ice cream a no-no. However, if you’re on a diet, then you can still enjoy eating gelato as it contains a much lower fat content than ice cream.
– Sugar Content – The second reason why you should eat gelato over ice cream is its sugar content. Although both desserts are made with sugar, but the sugar content in gelato is much lower than ice cream.
Is gelato better for you than ice cream?
Gelato is definitely healthier than ice cream. As we discussed above, a single serving of ice cream contains anywhere between 200-400 calories, while a single serving of gelato has approximately 170 calories.
But that’s not all. When you compare the ingredients between ice cream and gelato, you’ll find that gelato is healthier in many other ways as well.
Is gelato more icy than ice cream?
It’s true that ice cream is a richer and icier dessert compared to gelato. However, this does not mean that gelato is more icy than ice cream.
We discussed that ice cream is made with a combination of condensed milk and heavy Wholesome Cream (HC) fat, which makes it richer in fat content and icier in texture.
On the other hand, gelato is made with a much higher percentage of milk, which makes it healthier and less icy compared to ice cream.
What separates gelato from ice cream?
If you’ve been reading this article till now, then you must have realized that the main difference between gelato and ice cream is in their ingredients. However, that’s not all. There are other crucial differences between gelato and ice cream as well.
Does gelato taste like ice cream?
Although there are many differences between ice cream and gelato, one thing that remains constant is that the two desserts taste very different from each other. While ice cream is a much richer and sweeter dessert compared to gelato, they are still different in many ways.
Conclusion
Ice cream is a richer, denser, and sweeter dessert compared to gelato. However, this does not mean that gelato is any less delicious than ice cream. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to ice cream, then you should definitely opt for gelato over ice cream.
And the good news is that you don’t have to wait till summer to indulge in this yummy treat. Simply order a delicious batch of gelato online, and you’ll be able to treat yourself to a delicious dessert all year long.
Image Source: Gelato vs. Ice Cream: What’s the Difference?
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