Is Gelato Gluten-Free? A brief guide

Gluten in gelato: what to look out for

Isn't gluten something you find in bread? So, why would it be in ice cream?  

We'll start right at the beginning. Gluten is a group of proteins usually found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It can be difficult to digest and cause people varying degrees of discomfort, ranging from mild stomach aches to more serious, life-threatening allergic reactions. The first step is to recognize how sensitive you are to gluten. Then, go from there.  

Here's the good news at its purest and most traditional, gelato is gluten free. The recipe only calls for milk, sugar and sometimes egg yolks in the creamier flavors. Those ingredients all get the gluten-free tick of approval. But there's more to the story.  

Gluten can end up in gelato because of added flavors or artificial thickeners some brands use. Especially for those who have severe gluten intolerances, you always need to be extra careful.  

 

What to look out for:  

Gelato flavors

If you choose the right gelato flavors, you can indulge in this irresistible icy treat even if you're sensitive to gluten.  

 

The most common gluten-free flavors are:  

• Vanilla: made from vanilla beans. 

• Chocolate: made from pure cocoa. 

• Pistachio, hazelnut & almonds: made from nuts. 

• Fruity gelatos like strawberry, lemon, and raspberry: made from fruit puree, water, and sugar. 

• Coffee: its ingredients are only coffee, milk, and sugar. 

 

Possible gluten flavors:  

• Cookies & cream, or gelato al biscotto (in Italian): you'll find gluten in the cookie bits. 

• Tiramisu: this dessert-inspired gelato flavor contains sponge cake.  

• Cheesecake.  

• Sponge, or zuppa inglese (in Italian): an Italian gelato flavor inspired by a sponge and custard dessert.  

 

Cross-contamination

If you're enjoying pre-packaged gelato, then you'll usually be safe just checking the label for gluten. But cross-contamination is something you must watch out for if you're having gelato at a café or gelateria.  

From scoops being used for multiple flavors to cones touching servers' hands and then touching your gelato, traces of gluten could end up on your gelato. So, if you're highly allergic to gluten, take extra precautions.  

 

Gluten risks  

Special attention is needed when adding the below extras to your gelato. They are highly likely to contain gluten.  

• Cones: Waffle cones and plain cones are usually made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. It's an easy one to avoid. Just ask for gelato in a cup. Or a gluten-free cone, some gelaterias offer them.  

• Toppings: Chocolate sauce or sprinkles are usually full of artificial ingredients. They can also contain gluten, so always remember to double or triple-check the label.  

 

 

Is Venchi Gelato gluten free?

As if we needed any more reasons to enjoy gelato, we'll give you another. Venchi gelato recipes do not contain gluten. All you'll find are clean, natural ingredients bursting with authentic Italian flavors.  

Our gelato is made fresh every day and churned slowly to create a smooth, silky texture that tastes heavenly. Try to stop at only one scoop; it will be impossible.  

You can indulge in timeless flavors such as Pistachio, Stracciatella, Hazelnut, and Chocoviar (our darker twist on classic chocolate) with the happy knowledge that the recipes don't call for gluten. Our juicy strawberry gelato is made with fresh fruit puree and is even vegan friendly.  

If you're extremely gluten intolerant, please take extra precautions. Venchi's gelato is made alongside ice cream cones, which contain gluten. Venchi cannot prevent cross-contamination from the gluten in the cones onto the gelato. Please do not let one delicious moment become a regret, and always check with your doctor first.  

 

Is chocolate gelato gluten free?

Chocolate gelato is adored all over the world for its rich, creamy taste. But is it gluten-friendly? First, we need to answer whether chocolate is gluten free. Yes, chocolate doesn't contain any gluten.  

Don't worry—we're not here to ruin your favorite sweet treat. Instead, we can celebrate because chocolate gelato is gluten-free. Its recipe is fresh milk, sugar, and cocoa powder.  

Yet, as with all things, please read the list of ingredients for every chocolate gelato to ensure there are no traces of gluten.   

 

Helpful resources 

There are plenty of online resources that help you eat a gluten-free diet without sacrificing taste or missing out on experiences everyone else enjoys.  

Find Me Gluten Free is an app that connects you with the gluten-free community. Users leave reviews of restaurants and cafes based on their gluten-free options. You can read opinions from other gluten-free eaters to help you make the safest choices.