The Differences Between Ice Cream, Frozen Custard, Gelato, and Soft Serve
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Food Guide
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!
