1. Ice Cream

• Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, and less than 1.4% egg yolk solids (unless labeled differently).
• Standards:
• Must contain at least 10% milk fat.
• Must weigh at least 4.5 lbs. per gallon (to prevent excess air).
• Variations: Goat’s milk ice cream, which uses goat-derived dairy products.
• Texture & Overrun: Contains more air than gelato, giving it a lighter texture.

2. Frozen Custard

• Key Difference: Contains at least 1.4% egg yolk solids by weight, creating a creamier texture.
• Texture: Denser and richer than ice cream due to egg yolks and less air.
• Serving: Often served slightly warmer than standard ice cream.

3. Gelato

• Origin: Italian-style frozen dessert.
• Fat Content: Lower butterfat (4–9%) compared to ice cream’s 10%.
• Overrun: Less air, resulting in a denser, creamier texture.
• Serving Temperature: Served warmer than ice cream, enhancing flavor perception.
• Key Qualities (per expert Luciano Ferrari):
• Taste: Natural, intense, and not overly sweet.
• Structure: Creamy and spreadable, neither too hard nor too soft.
• Texture: Smooth and fine.
• Authenticity: Traditional gelato is made fresh daily in small batches with a variety of flavors.

4. Soft Serve

• Key Features:
• Lacks formal FDA standards since it’s not pre-packaged.
• Contains less milk fat than ice cream and is served at a slightly warmer temperature.
• Texture: Achieved through constant churning and controlled air introduction for a soft, fluffy consistency.
• Regional Variations: Recipes vary; some resemble frozen custard with egg yolks, while others are a fluffier version of ice cream.

Industry Labels on Frozen Desserts

• Reduced Fat Ice Cream: 25% less fat than the referenced product.
• Light/Lite Ice Cream: 50% less fat or 33% fewer calories.
• Low-Fat Ice Cream: Contains ?3 grams of total fat per ½ cup serving.
• Non-Fat Ice Cream: Contains <0.5 grams of fat per serving.

In Summary:
- Ice Cream is rich and versatile, with strict standards.
- Frozen Custard is denser and creamier due to egg yolks.
- Gelato is lower in fat, creamier, and intensely flavorful.
- Soft Serve is a fluffier, freshly-dispensed option often linked to nostalgia.
Each offers a unique texture and flavor profile to satisfy every craving!

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