For frozen dessert lovers, gelatos win over ice-creams due to low-fat content  

For calorie-conscious consumers, making healthy gelato at home is possible with a few simple swaps and ingredient choices (Image: Mozimo)

Gelato, a delicious frozen dessert that originated in Italy, has become increasingly popular among youngsters in recent years, and continues to attract dessert lovers in this hot weather. For those who love sweet frozen desserts but worry about calories, gelatos and sorbets are better choices over traditional ice-creams.

Gelatos have a smoother and creamier texture compared to regular ice cream, because it has a lower fat content than ice cream using more milk and less cream. The lower fat content allows the flavours of the ingredients to shine through more distinctly, giving gelato a more intense and authentic taste experience.

Another reason for its popularity is the wider variety of flavours available in gelato shops. From classic options like chocolate and vanilla to more unique combinations like pistachio, stracciatella, and fruit sorbets, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Gelato's popularity among youngsters can be attributed to its smoother texture, wider variety of flavors, and perceived premium quality compared to regular ice cream. These factors contribute to its appeal as a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day.

According to Priyanka Gupta, founder of Mozimo Chocolates & Café in Chandigarh, many customers admire the craft and expertise behind making a delicious scoop of gelato. "Making gelato is a traditional art form, and it is the finest ice cream there is. It's incredibly creamy and velvety, with a lower fat content than other varieties. When you order, we present it elegantly, topped with swirls of raspberry sauce, caramel, or chocolate or any way according to the taste palate. On the menu we have unique flavours like dark-chocolate, hazelnut -bacio (hazelnut+chocolate), pistachio, salted caramel, strawberry, coffee, vanilla, tiramisu, raw cookie dough and blue unicorn (bubble gum). We also have sorbets like mango, raspberry and watermelon. This frozen treat made without dairy consists only of fruit and sugar; giving it a texture that is scoopable but not creamy and its vibrant fruit taste is very refreshing,” she says.

Interestingly, gelato is often perceived as a more artisanal and premium dessert compared to a regular ice cream. This perception is reinforced by the traditional methods of production used by many gelato makers, who often use high-quality, natural ingredients and take great care in crafting their products. As a result, gelato is typically priced higher than mass-produced ice cream, reflecting the higher quality ingredients and craftsmanship involved.

For calorie-conscious consumers, making healthy gelato at home is possible with a few simple swaps and ingredient choices. This healthier gelato recipe uses ingredients like almond milk or coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of heavy cream and refined sugar. It's still creamy and delicious but with fewer calories and less fat. Plus, one can also customise it with interesting flavors and toppings for a personalised treat that's both tasty and nutritious.