Gelato vs Ice Cream Comparison

Traditional gelato uses less cream and fewer eggs than American ice cream, and is churned more slowly (incorporating less air). Quality gelato avoids the stabilizers common in commercial ice cream.

Frozen Treats

Quick Answer

Quality gelato (Level 2) is comparable to premium ice cream (Level 2). Both can be simple. The key is specific brands and ingredient lists, not the category name.

Gelato vs Ice Cream

Gelato

Search our database for specific gelato products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.

Search Gelato products →

Ice Cream

Search our database for specific ice cream products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.

Search Ice Cream products →

Our Verdict

Quality gelato (Level 2) is comparable to premium ice cream (Level 2). Both can be simple. The key is specific brands and ingredient lists, not the category name.

Important Note

Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.

Related Food Guides

Learn more about the individual foods in this comparison.