Gelato vs. Ice Cream: What’s The Difference?

One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Cloud Cups is: “What’s the difference between gelato and ice cream?” We get it—both are delicious, creamy, and frozen, so what really sets them apart?

If you’ve ever wondered why gelato has a richer texture and more intense flavor than traditional ice cream, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down!

1. Gelato Has Less Air Than Ice Cream

One of the biggest differences comes down to air—yes, air!

Ice cream is churned at a higher speed, which incorporates more air and gives it a light and fluffy texture.
Gelato, on the other hand, is churned at a slower speed, meaning less air gets mixed in. This results in a denser, silkier, and creamier texture that makes every spoonful extra indulgent.

2. Gelato Uses More Milk, Less Cream

Another key difference is the milk-to-cream ratio:

Ice cream contains more heavy cream and sometimes eggs, which gives it a richer, fattier consistency.
Gelato is made with more milk and less cream, resulting in a smoother, lower-fat dessert that allows the flavors to shine.

At Cloud Cups, we craft our gelato with the perfect balance of ingredients, ensuring a creamy yet intensely flavorful experience.

3. Gelato Is Served at a Warmer Temperature

Have you ever noticed that gelato is softer and melts faster than ice cream? That’s because:

Ice cream is stored at a much colder temperature (around 0°F or lower), making it firmer and requiring more time to soften before eating.
Gelato is served at a warmer temperature (between 10-20°F), giving it that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture right away.

Since gelato isn’t frozen solid, it coats your tongue more evenly, allowing you to taste the flavors more intensely.

4. Gelato Has a More Intense Flavor

Because gelato contains less fat and air, the flavors are more concentrated. That’s why when you take a bite of our Blueberry Mascarpone or Peanut Butter Stracciatella, you get an explosion of flavor.

With ice cream, the higher fat content can coat your taste buds, slightly muting the flavors. But with gelato, each spoonful delivers a bold, true-to-ingredient taste.

5. Gelato Typically Has Less Fat

If you’re looking for a lighter treat, gelato is the way to go.

Ice cream contains around 14-25% butterfat because of the heavy cream.
Gelato usually has 4-9% butterfat, making it a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing richness.

So, Which One Is Better?

We might be biased (okay, we definitely are ), but gelato takes the crown for texture, flavor, and overall experience. If you haven’t tried our handcrafted Cloud Cups Gelato yet, what are you waiting for?