Watch out traditional ice cream! There’s a new sheriff in town! Over the past few years, gelato has become the new fan-favorite dessert for kids. Gelato, also known as Italian ice cream, is not just for summer anymore. The art of gelato is a treat the entire family can enjoy on any occasion, regardless of the season.
What Kind of Gelato Do Kids Like?
Cotton Candy: This flavor is a big hit with kids! The sweet, sugary taste of cotton candy gelato is reminiscent of a day at the fair, making it a delightful treat that brings a sense of nostalgia and joy.
Donut: Who doesn’t love donuts? Donut-flavored gelato is a unique and exciting choice that kids adore. It combines the comforting taste of a classic breakfast treat with the cool, creamy texture of gelato.
Strawberry: A classic choice, strawberry gelato is loved for its sweet and slightly tart flavor. It’s like biting into a fresh strawberry on a warm summer day. Plus, its bright pink color is visually appealing to kids.
Mint Chocolate Chips: This refreshing flavor is a favorite among kids who enjoy the cool sensation of mint combined with the delightful crunch of chocolate chips. It’s like having your favorite chocolate mint candy but in a creamy, frozen form.
Cookies The Original: This flavor is a dream come true for cookie lovers! It’s like having your favorite cookie blended into a creamy, delicious gelato. The familiar taste of cookies mixed with the smooth texture of gelato makes it a go-to choice for many kids.
Why Kids Love Gelato: The Creamy Texture and Fun Flavors
Kids absolutely love gelato, and it’s not hard to see why! Here are a few reasons why this Italian treat is a big hit with the little ones:
- Fun Flavors: Gelato comes in a rainbow of flavors, from classic strawberry and chocolate to more adventurous ones like cotton candy and donut. This variety allows kids to explore and find their favorite flavors, making each gelato experience a new adventure.
- Creamy Texture: Gelato is denser and creamier than regular ice cream due to its slow churning process. This results in a smooth, velvety texture that kids can’t get enough of. It’s like a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every spoonful!
- Cool Treat: Kids love anything that can help them beat the heat, and gelato does just that. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot day, making it a favorite during summer outings or after a long day of play.
- Colorful Presentation: Gelato often comes in vibrant colors that are visually appealing to kids. Whether it’s the bright pink of strawberry gelato or the rich brown of chocolate, the colorful presentation makes gelato even more enticing.
- Sweet Taste: Let’s face it, kids have a sweet tooth, and gelato hits the spot perfectly. It’s sweet, but not overly so, making it a delightful treat that satisfies their sugar cravings.
- It’s a Special Treat: Gelato is not an everyday dessert, which makes it special in the eyes of kids. Whether it’s a reward for good behavior or a treat during a family outing, gelato is often associated with happy, special occasions, making kids love it even more.
Exploring Fun Gelato Flavors for Kids
Kids love traditional flavors when it comes to their ice creams and gelatos. But that doesn’t mean they won’t try something new. If you want to expand your child’s taste, why not tempt their tiny taste buds by creating your very own recipe at home? Making homemade gelato is almost the same as making ice cream, only with fewer steps, and you can add your own healthy ingredients like mixed fresh fruits. Decrease the sugar content in your recipe by using honey and other natural flavoring.
Classic Gelato Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry
Parents, if you want to keep it simple, stick with the gelato classics for the family. Since it’s also made with fruit purees and juices, it gives the frozen treats a fresher flavor profile than most ice creams. With the classic gelato flavors, adding your own twist to any homemade dessert is easy. Add chocolate shavings or frozen strawberries as your topping. It’s your choice! You can serve it in a small cup, bowl, or even a cone if you like. Because gelato contains less air than ice cream, it makes it a light and healthy alternative to combat the summer heat.
The Health Benefits of Gelato
Nutritional Value of Gelato: What Makes it a Healthy Treat?
Gelato contains vitamins A, B6, B12, D, and E. It also contains phosphorus and calcium and is excellent for the health of your immune system and bones. This is especially true during the winter months when your immune system is working extra hard. While adults and children enjoy a delicious creamy bowl of gelato, the brain subconsciously associates it with serenity and happiness, so in that respect, it’s great for the mind.
During the hot months, our bodies need to cool down from sun exposure; gelato is the perfect cold and light treat to do just that. Eat a frozen goodie right from the freezer as you sit on your front porch, or gather the family and head down to your local gelato shop.
Gelato vs. Other Frozen Dessert: A Healthier Choice?
Is gelato truly a healthier option than other frozen desserts? If you’re watching your weight or on a restricted diet, you can rest assured that you can consume delicious gelato without feeling guilty. Like all desserts, gelato can be a guilty pleasure in whatever flavor profile you indulge in.
Gelato vs sorbet: What’s the difference? Gelato is a healthy option to tempt your sweet tooth. If you’re weight conscious, consider fruit gelato because it contains fewer calories and is easily digestible. Also, flavors such as dark chocolate and hazelnut contain antioxidants, which help the skin and hair maintain a healthy glow.
So what’s the difference between gelato and sorbet? While gelato traditionally uses cream and milk as its main ingredients, sorbet primarily contains fruit puree or fruit juices and doesn’t use eggs or dairy products.
Making Gelato a Part of a Balanced Diet
Gelato isn’t just a dessert. It can be a part of any healthy diet. Pair it with graham crackers or a low-fat brownie and use it as a quick pick-me-up snack. If you need more fiber in your diet, sprinkle on some low-fat granola bites for a healthy option.
Instead of sugary syrup, place a scoop of gelato on your waffles in the morning. Gelato also goes great with pancakes and even fresh fruit.
Portion Control: How Much Gelato is Okay?
With any dessert, portion control is important. Of course, if your gelato is more decadent and contains heavy cream, more sugar, and full-fat milk, you’ll want to enjoy it in smaller portions.
However, if your gelato is on the lighter side and uses more fruits and replaces sugar with honey, you can indulge a bit more.
Pairing Gelato with Healthy Foods: Fun and Nutritious Snack Ideas
If you’re looking to keep your snacks light by pairing your gelato with other healthy foods, try some of these options.
- Sprinkle on some granola as a topping.
- Top with fresh fruits like berries.
- Pair with a low-fat biscuit or cookie.
DIY Gelato: Making Homemade Ice Cream
Simple Ice Cream Recipes for Kids
Easy Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of 2% milk
- 1/2-3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix together the whole milk and sugar in a bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the 2% milk and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into a home ice cream maker and let it churn until you get a smooth texture.
- Transfer it to a container and allow it to freeze for an hour before serving.
Fun Gelato-Making Activities for the Whole Family on a Hot Day
Making gelato can be a fun activity for the entire family. Did you know that some ice cream shops offer summer courses? Relax! We’re not referring to summer school. We’re talking about gelato-making courses. YUM! Check your local listings and sign up the entire family for gelato-making courses. Some even offer discounts on specific equipment so you can take what you learned home.
Also, check Pinterest for some gelato-making craft ideas for the kids. Finish the lesson by having the kids make their very own gelato treats using their favorite fruits. They can eat it right away or stick it in the freezer to enjoy later.
Is Sugar-Free Ice Cream Healthier For Kids?
While sugar-free ice cream can help keep their weight in check, before you stock your fridge with artificially sweetened items, remember that many sugar-free drinks and ice creams aren’t always the best option and can still be empty calories.
Sometimes, other ingredients that replace the sugar content in foods may be more detrimental to your child’s health than sugar. This is why it’s best to use sugar-free foods, including ice cream, in moderation. Naturally sweetened foods are another great option for children. Swap out at least fifty percent of a recipe’s sugar content for a natural sweetener.
For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of sugar, use 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of a natural sweetener like honey or organic agave. There are many seasonal gelato flavors to choose from, and you can either select your favorite flavors from the local ice cream shop or make your own Italian gelato at home.
The good news is that making gelato is much simpler than making ice cream because gelato uses far fewer ingredients, and the process is simple. If you’re searching for the best gelato nearby, check your local ice cream shop. If it’s too hot or too cold to venture outside, check out gelato to go for delivery options.
