Why Is Gelato So Expensive? (4 Reasons)

Why Is Gelato So Expensive?
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Why Is Gelato So Expensive?

Let’s start by getting one thing out of the way – gelato is not the same as ice cream. While some say that gelato is just an Italian word for ice cream, there are definite differences. And it’s not just the price. Before looking at why gelato is more expensive than ice cream, let’s look at the differences.

While gelato begins with a custard base as ice cream does, it has a higher proportion of milk and less cream and eggs. In many cases, gelato contains no eggs at all.

Also, gelato is churned more slowly. This means that less air is incorporated into it, resulting in a denser consistency than ice cream. Gelato’s texture is also more elastic and smoother than that of ice cream.

In terms of fat, ice cream usually contains between 15 and 20 percent whereas Italian gelato only contains between 4 and 9 percent fat. Less fat in your mouth means that the flavors can be experienced better. It also makes for a healthier dessert.

Something else that makes for an enhanced flavor is that gelato is served at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream. Gelato is served at around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas ice cream is served about 10 degrees colder.

The Italians say that serving it at a higher temperature means that your mouth isn’t frozen when you eat it. Thus, your sense of taste can work better.

A small difference here – ice cream is served with a rounded scoop, whereas gelato is served with a flat scoop like a small spade.

Now that we know what gelato is, let’s look at why it’s more expensive than ice cream.

Why Is Gelato So Expensive?

1. Supply And Demand

Italy ice cream gelato
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The demand for gelato is generally low compared to regular ice cream. For this reason, the supply of gelato is limited. Limited stock means a higher price.

Few store owners make their own gelato and it’s often imported from other countries. This means that they have to pay high taxes. Hence, they have to spend a lot of money just to buy gelato and import it to their country.

2. High-Quality Ingredients

Gelato is hands down healthier than regular ice cream. This is because gelato is made with real dairy ingredients of superior quality. These ingredients are higher in price than artificial additives.

Gelato is also usually flavored with real fruits or fruit juices instead of the artificial flavorings of commercial ice cream.

3. Less Overrun

kitchenaid ice cream maker attachment doesn't fit
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Many commercial ice creams have a lot of air whipped into them. This is referred to as “overrun.” You can see this when you accidentally allow your full tub of ice cream to melt. You will often end up with just half a tub.

Gelato is much denser due to being churned at lower temperatures and not having air whipped into it.

4. Extra Staff/Labor

You may have observed that when you go to buy gelato, there is staff serving gelato in scoops for their customers. Ice cream, on the other hand, is often dispensed from machines. For gelato, this results in additional labor costs that are reflected in the price of the product.

5. Romance

When you pay for gelato, you are paying for a piece of Italian culture. It’s made daily with the freshest of ingredients in small batches with great care and attention to detail.

Have you noticed how in gelato shops the dishes of gelato are always beautifully decorated? Have you heard the beautiful Italian names for the different flavors?

Fior di latte (flower of the milk) and Monte rosa (strawberry) are two examples. With gelato, you are not just paying for a dessert. You are buying an experience.

Substitutes For Gelato

Dare we even suggest that there may be substitutes for gelato? Some would say that there are none. However, perhaps you cannot afford to buy real Italian gelato but need a frozen dessert. Or perhaps for some reason, you cannot eat dairy products.

Here are a few ideas in case you find yourself in this sad position.

  • Ice Cream

Ice cream is probably the most similar dessert to gelato in terms of ingredients and texture.

  • Sorbet

Sorbet can be used as a less creamy but refreshing substitute for gelato. It is a non-dairy frozen dessert of fresh fruits and sugar syrup. It does not contain any dairy products so it is a viable option for those who prefer to avoid such products.

  • Granita

Fresh strawberry granita
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Granita is another substitute for gelato. It is also known as Italian ice. Granita is remarkably similar to sorbet in terms of its flavor and ingredients. It includes sugar, water, and fruit but it is served as loose crystals rather than in a solid scoop.

  • Frozen yogurt

Frozen yogurt is a trending dessert nowadays. It is also really good for the immune system. This is because eating yogurt may add probiotics into your diet. Probiotics help you with your digestion process and strengthen your immune system. Frozen yogurt is made from milk, yogurt cultures, fruit, and sugar.

The Bottom Line

Italian gelato is known for its smoothness and deliciously refreshing flavor all around the world. Although gelato is fairly expensive, people still queue for it and love to buy it for many reasons – its smoothness, variety of flavors, and its advantages for health.

Sometimes we just want to try something new and fancy. We have provided you here with multiple reasons that explain the high price of gelato compared to ice cream. Perhaps if the shop-bought gelato is too expensive for you, you could try making your own at home…

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