Is Gelato Lactose-Free?

Ah, gelato. That rich, creamy, indulgent treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re strolling down the cobblestone streets of Italy or grabbing a scoop from your local store, gelato is a favorite for so many. But if you’re lactose intolerant, you might find yourself wondering: Is gelato okay for me, or should I skip it?

Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a look at how much lactose is actually in gelato, whether it’s safe for lactose-intolerant people, and some tasty alternatives if you need them. Let’s get into it!

What Exactly Is Gelato?

Before we start talking about lactose, let’s take a sec to talk about gelato itself. It’s often compared to ice cream, but it’s a little different. Gelato has less butterfat (about 6-9%) and way less air mixed in, which makes it denser, creamier, and much richer than regular ice cream. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, so every bite feels extra indulgent.

But here’s the thing—gelato’s richness comes from ingredients like milk and cream, which are pretty high in lactose. So if you’re lactose intolerant, that’s where the trouble starts.

How Much Lactose Is In Gelato?

Alright, let’s get to the numbers. Gelato isn’t lactose-free. In fact, it has up to 6.3 grams of lactose per serving. To put that in perspective: we consider low latcose to be having less than 1 gram of lactose per 100 grams of product. So, gelato definitely has more lactose than most low lactose foods.

So, yeah, if you’re lactose intolerant, gelato might not be the best choice, depending on how sensitive you are.

Can Lactose-Intolerant People Eat Gelato?

Here’s the big question: can you eat gelato if you’re lactose intolerant? The short answer is: it depends. Some people with lactose intolerance can handle small amounts of lactose without any issues, while others have a much stronger reaction, even to tiny amounts.

If your lactose intolerance is mild, you might be able to enjoy a small scoop without any problem. But it’s more likely that you’re one of the people who experiences bloating, stomach cramps, or worse after dairy. It might be best to skip the gelato—or at least be super careful with how much you have.

Still unsure? It’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor or a healthcare professional who can give you more personalized advice based on your tolerance level.

What Are the Alternatives?

If gelato’s off the table because of the lactose, don’t worry! There are plenty of tasty alternatives that can give you that creamy, indulgent dessert experience without the stomach discomfort.

Here are some options:

• Lactose-free gelato: Some brands make gelato that’s lactose-free by adding an enzyme that breaks down the lactose. It’s still creamy and delicious, but way easier on your stomach.
• Dairy-free gelato: Made with things like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk, dairy-free gelato gives you that rich texture without the lactose. It’s a great choice if you’re avoiding both dairy and lactose.
• Sorbetto: If you want something lighter and fruitier, sorbetto is a great option. It’s made from fruit and water, so it’s naturally dairy-free and lactose-free.

With all these alternatives, you don’t have to miss out on your favorite frozen treat. You can still enjoy something sweet without worrying about the lactose!

The Bottom Line

Gelato is delicious, no doubt about it, but if you’re lactose intolerant, it’s not the best choice. With up to 6.3 grams of lactose per serving, it’s not lactose-free, and depending on your sensitivity, it might cause some discomfort.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives out there—like lactose-free gelato, dairy-free gelato, or sorbetto—that let you enjoy a sweet treat without the stomach ache.