Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi spotted relishing Gelato: What is Gelato and how is it different from ice cream and other frozen desserts

The rising mercury bothers commoners and public figures alike. Recently, amidst the scorching summer in the Capital, politicians and siblings Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were spotted relishing gelato at Firenze Gelateria & Caffé in Defence Colony Market, New Delhi, owned by a young chef Parth Gupta. From the glimpses shared on social media, the flavours they enjoyed looked like Belgian Chocolate, Pistachio Bronte, Ferrero Rocher gianduja, and Amalfi Lemon Sorbet. According to studies, the gelato market in India is rising rapidly, driven mostly by premiumization, rising disposable incomes, and a shift toward healthier, artisanal, low-fat alternatives. According to statistics, the India gelato market generated a revenue of USD 609.0 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,441.1 million by 2033. Also, the Indian market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2025 to 2033. But, what makes this simple creamy dessert a big hit in the Indian market? Let us find out.

Gelato refers to a dessert made with milk, sugar and flavourings like fruits, nuts, and chocolate. Unlike many frozen desserts, it typically uses little to no cream and rarely includes egg yolks. According to The International Wine and Food Society, gelato means “frozen” in Italian, and the term applies to a wide range of sweet frozen treats. The term includes dairy-based gelato made with milk rather than the cream used in American “ice cream,” as well as fruit-based “sorbetto,” which contains no dairy. Gelato can appear in several forms, including Semifreddo—a light, mousse-like treat served semi-frozen—or Granita, which has a coarse, icy texture and is typically dairy-free. You might also find Frozen yogurt alongside them. In many traditional gelato shops, especially in Rome, all of these options are often available together.

According to Taste Atlas, it is referred to as Italian-style ice cream, however, there are distinct differences between the two. As with ice cream, the base for gelato is made with milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, to which fruit purees, nuts, fruit, or other various flavorings are later added. What differentiates gelato from ice cream is the lower percentage of fat and the slow mixing process. These two factors result in less air being added to the base, giving gelato a denser texture and making its flavors more concentrated. Due to its thickness, gelato is usually stored at a lower temperature than traditional ice cream to provide the perfect level of creaminess and a silky finish, the essential characteristics of every gelato, states Taste Atlas.

Other frozen desserts include sorbet and frozen yogurt. When it comes to differences, gelato contains milk, while sorbet contains no dairy at all. Also, sorbet is icier and lighter, while gelato is creamy. In crux, sorbet is just fruit/fruit syrup, sugar and water. If we talk about frozen yogurt, it uses cultures, which gives it a tangy taste. As far as fat content is concerned, frozen yogurt usually has a lower fat count than ice cream and is sometimes comparable to gelato. Also, it is slightly lighter and sometimes more tart than gelato in texture.