Craving a creamy, dreamy Italian real gelato but don’t want to fall for the fake stuff? Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets of Florence or in a piazza in Rome, here are 5 ways to spot real gelato and a fun video to watch!
1. Color Code Detective
Look at the colors. Real gelato boasts natural shades. Think pistachio green, not neon green. Think banana greyish not yellow. The colors should look like they came from the actual ingredients, not a lab. If the gelato looks like it could glow in the dark, it’s time to turn around and leave!
2. Display Drama
Real gelato is a little shy, it doesn’t like to show off too much. Authentic gelato is stored in flat pans, keeping it fresh and cool. If you see gelato piled up like a mountain, it’s full of air and fluff. Remember, real gelato is dense and prefers to stay low-key.
3. Ingredient Investigator
Real gelato uses fresh, natural components like fruits, nuts, milk, and sugar. Steer clear of any place that hides its ingredients or lists artificial flavors and colors. A good gelato shop has nothing to hide!
4. Texture Test
Take a close look at the texture. Real gelato is smooth and dense, almost velvety. It should melt gently in your mouth. If it’s too fluffy or icy, something fishy is going on.
5. Flavor Focus
True gelato shops focus on quality over quantity. They’ll have a smaller selection of flavors, often highlighting seasonal ingredients. Each flavor should taste exactly like what it’s named after. Pistachio should taste like pistachios, and strawberry should taste like, well, strawberries! If you find yourself overwhelmed with a zillion flavors, it might be a sign to move on.
Bonus Tip: Follow the Locals
When in doubt, trust the locals. If you see a gelato shop packed with locals, especially those off the main tourist streets, it’s probably a gem. Locals know their stuff, and they won’t settle for anything less than the best.
Indulge in Authentic Gelato
Although we include a gelato stop in many of our food tours, the special Pizza and Gelato Tasting Tour in Rome is a must-try for any gelato lover. And if you’re visiting Italy during the summer, don’t miss out on granita, a refreshing Italian ice dessert that’s perfect for beating the heat.