Ice cream vs gelato: Which is better for weight loss?

The modern food scene has evolved beyond traditional soft serves and orange lick lollies, with gelatos and sorbets gaining popularity for their fruity and flavourful offerings, especially for vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers. But, how exactly do gelatos and ice creams differ from each other? (Source: Freepik)

“Ice creams, made of milk, cream and sugar, are usually high in saturated fatty acids and sugars, and excessive intake can raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes,” said Vedika Premani, clinical dietician at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. (Source: Freepik)

Compared to regular ice creams, gelato is an Italian-style ice cream known for its intense flavour and creamy, smooth texture. It’s denser than regular ice cream due to less air being incorporated. Made with milk, sugar, and sometimes cream, it has various toppings like fruit, nuts, or chocolate, said Gagan Anand, founder, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic. (Source: Freepik)

“The process of making gelato is long and complex. It starts with a custard base, which is then mixed with milk and sugar. It’s then slowly churned while freezing to achieve that creamy consistency,” shared Anand. (Source: Freepik)

The experts said that gelato is generally the healthier option for weight watchers because it is lower in fat and calories compared to ice cream. However, it can still be high in sugar, so portion control is necessary. (Source: Freepik)

Although gelato has less fat than traditional ice cream, it still has a higher calorie content compared to dairy free alternatives like sorbet or popsicles. (Source: Freepik)