Gelato (Italian pronunciation: [dʒeˈlaːto]) is ice cream made in the Italian style. Gelato is simply the Italian word for ice cream, but in English, it has come to mean specifically Italian or Italian-style ice cream.
Gelato is made with a base of milk, cream, and sugar, and flavored with fruit and nut purees and other flavourings. It is generally lower in fat than other styles of ice cream. Gelato typically contains less air and more flavoring than other kinds of frozen desserts, giving it a density and richness that distinguishes it from other ice creams.
The Italian law requires gelato to have a minimum of 3.5% butterfat. In the United States, there is no legal standard definition for gelato as there is for ice cream, which must contain at least 10% butterfat.
Gelato can be served in any way that ice cream is, including cup, cone, sandwich, cake, pie, or on a stick.
