What is the Difference Between Gelato and Sorbetto?

gelato in Italian square

Do you love to enjoy gelato and sorbetto in the summer? Learn what makes them unique desserts.

Two classic Italian desserts that brighten your summer day are gelato and sorbetto. But how are they different? While both are sweet, flavorful, cold, and refreshing, they have a few significant differences. Read on to find out which delicious treat sounds better for your next dessert. 

Gelato Is Not Ice Cream

Gelato is a frozen treat made from milk, cream, and sweetener. A gelato shop is called a “gelateria.” You may be tempted to use the terms gelato and ice cream interchangeably, but they are different. Gelato is made with less cream and more milk than ice cream, so it has less fat. The texture of gelato is thick and dense because it is slow-churned to allow less air into the mix. Gelato is served “warmer” than ice cream, from 10 to 22 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps bring out the flavors more.

We sell four delicious flavors in single servings:

  • Classic Bomba ~ vanilla and chocolate gelato separated by a cherry and sliced almonds covered in cinnamon, finished with a chocolate coating
  • Exotic Bomba ~ Mango, passion fruit and raspberry sorbetto, all covered in white chocolate
  • Dream Bomba ~ A heart of caramel surrounded by peanut butter gelato, coated in milk chocolate and decorated with peanut butter drizzle
  • Spumoni Bomba ~ Strawberry, pistachio and chocolate gelato all coated with chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate

Sorbetto Is Dairy-Free

Sorbetto, or sorbet, is a dairy-free dessert, consisting just of fruit purée or juice, and sweetener. Sorbetto was initially used as a palate cleanser between large courses, due to its refreshing quality. Sorbetto has no cream, so it is very low-fat. Due to its lack of cream, sorbetto has an icy texture and often comes in fruit flavors. Sorbetto is served between 10 and 22 degrees Fahrenheit, which helps convey its sweet flavors.

We carry sorbetto in natural fruit shells that are refreshing with a great presentation! Choose from lemon, orange, mango, and coconut!

Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli

Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!

Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!

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