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Italian gelato Calories
Italian-style frozen dessert, typically milk-based, dense, and generally lower in fat than traditional ice cream.
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
100 g of Italian gelato has 188 calories. It contains 23.5 g of carbs, 3.8 g of protein, 8.1 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 0.2 mg of B2 covers 14% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 61 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Italian gelato Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
188
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
23.5g
· 9% DV
Protein
3.8g
· 8% DV
Fat
8.1g
· 10% DV
Fiber
0.6g
· 2% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 52% · Protein 8% · Fat 40%
Italian gelato nutrition facts table · 100 g
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 188 kcal | |
| Total fat | 8.1 g | 10% |
| Saturated fat | 4.9 g | 25% |
| Trans fat | 0.2 g | |
| Sodium | 58 mg | 3% |
| Total carbohydrate | 23.5 g | 9% |
| Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% |
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Italian gelato?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 100 g | 188 kcal |
| 1 slice (thin) | 45 g | 85 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 60 g | 113 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 90 g | 169 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 188 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 130 g | 244 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 140 g | 263 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 180 g | 338 kcal |
| 2 piece (double) | 180 g | 338 kcal |
Calculated from 188 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian gelato
What is the difference between Italian gelato and ice cream?
Italian gelato is typically churned with less air and served slightly warmer than conventional ice cream. It is usually denser and often lower in fat, while traditional ice cream tends to be lighter and richer in cream.
Why is Italian gelato served at a warmer temperature?
Italian gelato is served slightly warmer so it stays soft enough for its dense texture and flavors to come through. If it is very cold, it can taste less aromatic and feel firmer than it is meant to.
How is Italian gelato made?
Italian gelato is made by blending a milk- or fruit-based mixture with sugar and flavorings, then freezing it while churning in relatively little air. The exact base varies: a chocolate or nut flavor may use a different mixture from a fruit flavor.
Is Italian gelato healthier than regular ice cream?
Italian gelato is often lower in fat than regular ice cream, but it is still a sweet dessert and may contain plenty of sugar. Its ingredients and portion size matter, so lower fat alone does not make it a healthier choice in every respect.
Why does Italian gelato taste more intense than ice cream?
Italian gelato can taste more intense because it contains less incorporated air and is served less cold, making its flavor easier to perceive. The quality and amount of ingredients such as pistachio, fruit, or chocolate also make a difference.
What are the most popular Italian gelato flavors?
Popular Italian gelato flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, stracciatella, and fruit flavors such as lemon. Stracciatella combines a creamy base with thin shards of chocolate, while fruit flavors can taste brighter and more refreshing.
Does Italian gelato contain eggs?
Some Italian gelato contains eggs, but many recipes do not. Egg is more likely in custard-style bases, whereas milk-based recipes can be made without it; ingredients vary by flavor and maker.
How long does Italian gelato last in the freezer?
Italian gelato keeps best when stored in a tightly sealed container in a consistently cold freezer. It may remain frozen longer, but its smooth texture and flavor decline over time, so avoid leaving it exposed to air or frequent temperature changes.
What is the difference between Italian gelato and sorbet?
Italian gelato is usually milk-based and creamy, while sorbet is generally made from fruit, water, and sugar without a dairy base. Sorbet therefore has a fruitier, more icy texture rather than gelato’s dense, smooth one.
Can you refreeze Italian gelato after it melts?
It is better not to refreeze Italian gelato once it has melted substantially. Refreezing can create large ice crystals and a grainy texture, and gelato left warm for an extended period should be discarded rather than saved.
Italian gelato Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.18mg · 14% DV
B12
0.32µg · 13% DV
B5
0.42mg · 8% DV
Vitamin A
68µg · 8% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
96mg · 14% DV
Calcium
118mg · 12% DV
Iodine
8µg · 5% DV
Potassium ⭐
170mg · 5% DV
Sodium
58mg · 3% DV
Italian gelato Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Italian gelato
To burn the 188 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Italian gelato?
Italian gelato is Italy’s take on frozen dessert, usually made with milk, sugar and flavourings such as fruit, nuts or chocolate. It is churned to a dense, smooth texture and is often served a little softer than conventional ice cream, so its flavours come through clearly. Recipes vary, but it is generally lower in fat than traditional ice cream.
In Italy, it is commonly enjoyed from a cone or cup as a stroll-time treat or after a meal; gelaterias around the world serve it in much the same way. It provides mainly carbohydrates, with some fat and protein, and contains 188 calories per 100 g. For a lighter treat, choose a small scoop, perhaps with fresh fruit rather than extra toppings.
How Nutritious Is Italian gelato?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Italian gelato Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Italian gelato Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Italian gelato Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Italian gelato Fat Profile
SATURATED
4.9g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.3g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.3g
Omega 6:3 ratio 7.3:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (7.3:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.