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Beyond Ice cream

The Art of
Italian Gelato

Gelato&Co. cup
Pistacchi
Pistacchi

Artisanal gelato

Roots & Heritage

What is Gelato and what makes it different?

Gelato is an Italian frozen dessert—similar to ice cream but definitely not the same.

Why? Because ice cream is mass-produced in big factories and shipped for days. Meanwhile, our gelato is made fresh, in small batches every day, right in front of you. That’s what gives it a creamier texture, a richer flavor, and a lighter feel.

At Gelato&Co., we stay true to tradition, following time-honored recipes from Cremeria Funivia to bring you the real taste of authentic gelato. Fresh, pure, and unmistakably Italian.

What Does “Gelato” Mean?

Gelato is more than a word in Italy—it’s a centuries-old tradition born from the simple wish to refresh Italians on warm spring and summer days. Its name derives from the Italian verb gelare (to freeze), reflecting the process of churning basic ingredients like milk at around –22°C to achieve a silky texture. Served at –12°C, gelato remains perfectly cool yet never icy, offering the ideal combination of creaminess and refreshment.

Over time, gelato evolved into a beloved symbol of Italian craftsmanship and conviviality – a joyful moment that unites families and friends. With an ever-growing variety of flavors, it continues to captivate people of all ages, standing firm as a treasured part of Italian culture and a global favorite.

Authenticity

How to recognize
real Italian Gelato

In a world full of “authentic” claims, how do you spot the real one? Here’s how to identify true Italian gelato:

Texture & Shape

The texture and shape of real Italian artisanal gelato are always smooth and creamy—never icy or grainy. This is because we make our gelato fresh, every single day, ensuring it never sits around long enough to lose its quality. We also store it at an optimal temperature of around -12°C to -14°C (10°F to 7°F), which keeps it cold but never rock-hard, so every scoop is soft, luscious, and full of flavor.

Natural color

Unlike mass-produced ice cream, authentic gelato has natural colors—no neon shades here! If you ever see an unnaturally bright green pistachio gelato, it’s a red flag—most likely, artificial colorants and preservatives have been added. At Gelato&Co., we ensure that every flavor looks and tastes as nature intended.

Temperature
& Storage

Unlike mass-produced ice cream, authentic gelato has natural colors—no neon shades here! If you ever see an unnaturally bright green pistachio gelato, it’s a red flag—most likely, artificial colorants and preservatives have been added. At Gelato&Co., we ensure that every flavor looks and tastes as nature intended.

Gelato & Health

The benefits explained

Is Gelato healthier than ice cream?

Good news for your sweet tooth! Our gelato is lower in fat and calories compared to traditional ice cream, thanks to its higher milk and lower cream content. Plus, we use natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial stabilizers.

But gelato isn’t just about health—it’s about happiness. In Italy, gelato is a symbol of indulgence, celebration, and togetherness. It’s a way to savor life’s simple pleasures, or as we like to say, to enjoy la dolce vita.

What is Gelato made of?

Our gelato starts with a simple base of milk and sugar, with some recipes incorporating egg yolks for added richness. No artificial additives here—we let the natural flavors shine.

Gelato & Business

Business success

How to open a gelato shop

Dreaming of your own gelateria? Right now, the U.S. market is booming, with demand for real artisan gelato on the rise. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone is a fan—making gelato’s addressable market virtually unlimited.

While Europe boasts 65,000 artisan gelato shops, the U.S. currently has just 10,000—leaving plenty of room for growth at an average rate of +4.01% forecast through 2027. At Gelato&Co., our mission is to lead this artisanal movement worldwide.

If you’re looking to build a career in gelato, there’s never been a better time. With training from Italian masters and a commitment to genuine, handcrafted quality, you can now bring artisanal gelato to your community.