From Ice and Snow to Scoops and Smiles: The Shared Story of Ice Cream and Gelato.

Did you know that gelato and ice cream share the same origin? Of course, both have the same origin since they are both “frozen desserts.” And even the word “gelato” literally means “frozen,” just like ice cream.

We’ll comment on this blog about the similarities between ice cream and gelato, and you’ll find out they are more related than you think!

From as far back as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, they began to use ice to create simple desserts, sweetening them with honey and adding touches of various fruits. Although they didn't have refrigerators at the time (of course), what they did was to send people to collect snow from the mountains and rush it back to their cities to be quickly sweetened and enjoyed immediately (before it melted).

The Traveling Carts and Shared Smiles

There were similarities between the two since, in their origins, both ice cream and gelato were carried in carts, which were taken by the vendors to be offered from street to street.

People left their homes, and while they waited for their turn, they could chat a little with their neighbors or even with strangers who were passing by.

While waiting in line, they traded gossip, smiles, and laughter.

It wasn’t just about the treat. It was about the moment.

Gelato in Italy, Ice Cream in America

Over time, ice cream and gelato developed different recipes, and for different reasons, each took on its identity, but they never lost their common spirit.

In Italy, the development of gelato has gone from being offered on the streets to being sold in small shops where you can stop by, order your gelato, and eat it standing up. You could also enjoy it at an upscale restaurant as an extravagant dessert.

In the US, ice cream had an incredible resurgence after the Prohibition era. Since the consumption of alcohol was prohibited, what happened was that people changed their love of alcoholic beverages for a new hobby: ice cream!

The fascination for this frozen dessert was so great that even breweries began to produce ice cream, since they were unable to produce beer at that time.

The boom was immediate, and a new culture was created with ice cream shops where people met to hang out while consuming delicious desserts.

Soda fountains, family outings, and late-night summer stops made ice cream a nostalgic centerpiece of American life.

While they may have developed unique styles, their history is bound by a common beginning: a love for frozen joy.

So now you know, when you want to consume delicious frozen desserts, you’ll have a variety to choose from. Whether with gelato or ice cream, you can have wonderful moments to spend time with family or friends.

Not Rivals, But Relatives

While some may frame gelato and ice cream as competitors, we see them as relatives in the same sweet family. Yes, there are technical differences—gelato typically has less air, is served at a warmer temperature, and tends to have a denser, silkier texture. Ice cream, on the other hand, often boasts bolder mix-ins, a creamier mouthfeel, and that cool, satisfying bite many of us grew up loving.

But both serve the same purpose: delight.

And that’s what really matters.

The Choice Is Yours

Whether you scoop up a cone of vanilla bean gelato or dive into a sundae layered with fudge and sprinkles, what you’re really choosing is a moment of joy. A pause in the day. A memory in the making.

At Mami’s Gelato, we serve customers who love both. Some of our partners are gelaterias looking for plant-based innovation. Others are classic ice cream shops excited to explore dairy-free mixes like Froconut®—without letting go of tradition. And that’s the beauty of it.

So next time you’re craving something cold and delicious, remember: you don’t have to pick sides.

You just have to pick your favorite flavor.