Gelato is a beloved frozen treat that hails from Italy, capturing the hearts of dessert enthusiasts globally. Although it shares similarities with ice cream and frozen yogurt, the preparation methods differ significantly. This raises an interesting question: Can gelato be included in a vegan or vegetarian diet?

This article delves into the process of gelato production and evaluates its compatibility with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

Production and Ingredients

A vegetarian diet might include eggs, dairy products, or both; however, a vegan diet strictly avoids all foods derived from animals. This means that whether gelato is suitable for these diets largely depends on its production methods. Gelato is traditionally custard-based, crafted from dairy (such as milk, cream, or both), sugar, air, and various flavorings. While some gelato recipes incorporate egg yolks, most modern variations are primarily milk-based. To prepare gelato, equal parts of dairy and sugar are first combined and then pasteurized, after which the desired flavorings are mixed in. A small volume of air is introduced during churning before the mixture is placed in the freezer.

Though the term gelato might suggest the use of gelatin, a protein sourced from animal skins, bones, and connective tissues, it is not a common ingredient in gelato. Nonetheless, it's always prudent to review the ingredient label to confirm. Despite sharing the essential ingredients of milk, sugar, and air, gelato and ice cream differ significantly in texture and taste. Gelato contains considerably less air, resulting in a denser and creamier experience.

Moreover, while gelato often omits eggs, ice cream frequently includes egg yolks to serve as a fat and stabilizing agent. Typically, gelato is flavored using natural sources and is served at a warmer temperature of 10–15°F (6–8°C) compared to ice cream, enhancing its flavor profile. Gelato is generally suitable for most vegetarian diets since it does not include animal flesh. However, for those adhering to a vegetarian diet that excludes dairy, eggs, or both, gelato may not align with their dietary preferences. Furthermore, the majority of gelato is not vegan-friendly.

In summary, gelato is commonly made with milk, sugar, flavorings, a minimal amount of air, and sometimes eggs. While it fits the criteria for many vegetarian diets, its reliance on animal-derived ingredients makes it unsuitable for vegan consumption.

Vegan Options

While a majority of gelato available in stores contains animal-derived components, several vegan brands are dedicated to crafting a 100% plant-based alternative. Notable mentions include:

• Talenti. This popular gelato brand offers vegan varieties referred to as sorbetto. Their ingredients closely resemble those of traditional sorbet. For example, the Alphonso Mango flavor combines succulent mangoes, water, sugar, dextrose, lemon juice, and carob bean gum.
• Gigi Gelato. Known for its use of authentic fruits and vegetables, this company incorporates coconut, date sugar, dietary fiber, and thickeners such as carrageenan or guar gum to craft a delightful array of vegan gelato flavors.
• Vixen Kitchen. This manufacturer also specializes in vegan gelato, with their vanilla flavor featuring purified water, organic raw cashews, organic maple syrup, organic fair-trade vanilla extract, organic vanilla bean, and Celtic sea salt, creating a creamy and indulgent treat.
• Puro Vegan Gelato. This brand is dedicated to offering a wide selection of water-based vegan gelato, carefully formulated without cashew, almond, coconut, or rice milk, ensuring that it's both gluten- and soy-free.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can easily create your own vegan gelato at home using an ice cream maker and the delightful recipe provided below.

Vegan Vanilla Coconut Gelato Recipe

• 120 mL of coconut water
• 840 mL of coconut milk
• 24 grams of cornstarch
• 200 grams of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1. Begin by mixing the coconut water with the coconut milk until well blended.
2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch and sugar in 240 mL of the coconut mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
3. Pour the remaining coconut mixture and vanilla into a saucepan. Heat it until it reaches a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch and sugar mixture. Allow the mixture to cook for 6–10 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture into another bowl. Let it cool, cover it, and refrigerate overnight.
5. The next day, strain the chilled mixture into a new bowl to eliminate any lumps.
6. Finally, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions to freeze until creamy.

Though traditional gelato typically contains animal products, a variety of brands now offer versions that exclude these ingredients entirely. Alternatively, making your own vegan gelato at home is a fun and rewarding option.

The Bottom Line

Gelato is a delightful, frozen dessert that bears resemblance to ice cream, yet boasts a creamier and denser texture. The majority of gelato is crafted using ingredients such as milk or cream, sugar, a minimal amount of air, and various flavorings. In certain recipes, egg yolks may also be incorporated for richness. Given its composition, gelato is generally vegetarian-friendly, as long as you do not exclude dairy, eggs, or both from your dietary preferences. Nevertheless, it typically does not align with a vegan lifestyle, due to its base ingredients. On a positive note, there are some brands that offer vegan gelato alternatives. Additionally, you have the option to create your own vegan version at home, allowing for customization and creativity.