What is Italian Ice? (2024)

Italian ice is a frozen dessert made with fruit or juice, sugar, and water. The ingredients in Italian ice are mixed, then whipped during the freezing process similar to the process for making ice cream.

Italian ice is then hand dipped into small dessert cups and served with small paddle-spoons.

Italian ice is dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors also come in a sugar-free option.

As a group, Italian ice comes in a variety of consistencies from crunchy, to smooth, to slushy. Repicci’s Real Italian ice is a silky-smooth consistency like ice cream.

Many countries have a form of frozen ice dessert similar to Italian ice. The traditional Italian ice is lemon flavored with a heavier texture similar to a granita.

Modern Italian Ices have developed their creamier texture as equipment has improved to allow for a more consistent mixing process that beats air into the mixture. The smaller the ice crystals and the better whipped the mixture is, the creamy the texture.

These modern Italian Ices have their roots in Italy with authentic recipies. However they are more common in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other east coast states.

Frozen desserts as a group differ based on their ingredients, texture, and flavors. Italian ice, while similar to ice cream and sherbet, is a unique delicacy.

Italian ice is dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free. Some flavors also come in a sugar-free option.

The biggest difference between Italian ice and gelato or ice cream is dairy and eggs. While Italian ice is dairy free, gelato and ice cream both get their creamy texture from the high whole milk and cream content. Custard versions of both ice cream and gelato may also contains eggs.

Flavors for ice cream and gelato vary widely and include fruits, chocolates, and spices. Italian ices tend to be fruit flavored.

Italian ice and Sherbet share a similar fruit flavor palette. Both sherbet and Italian ice also share a creamy, smooth consistency. Sherbet, however, derives its creamy texture from milk while Italian ice is dairy free.

Italian ice most closely resembles sorbet. Both treats are egg and dairy free. Both also share a similar fruit flavor palette.

In fact, the biggest difference between sorbet and Italian ice may be their origin. Italian ice is the Italian version of creamy dairy-free ice while sorbet is of French origin.

In addition, sorbets often contain liquor flavors while Italian ices do not generally contain alcohol but may compliment it well.

Italian ice and water ice use the same three ingredients: fruit or fruit juices, sugar, and water. However, water ice is not whipped to create the same creamy, velvety smooth texture that real Italian ice has.

Water ice will have a crunchier texture than Repicci’s Real Italian ice.

Italian ices are hand-dippable frozen consistency. Slushies are semi-frozen drinks with small ice pellets and liquid flavoring mixed together.

Italian ice and snow cones share their icy base, but the similarity stops there. Snow cones are crushed or chopped ice that has been packed together. They have a coarse, gritty texture.

For snow cones, the flavoring is poured over the ice after it has been formed on the cone or cup. This late application of the flavor can lead to uneven or incomplete flavoring of the ice.

Italian ice flavorings are added before the freezing process giving a uniform taste thorough the scoop.

Granitas may have been the inspiration behind the creation of Italian ice.

A granita is an Italian dessert which is semi-frozen and made from sugar, water, and various flavorings. While similar to Italian ice, a granita does not have the same smooth consistency.

Granitas can be thought of as a fancy snow cone with finely ground ice rather than a whipped creamy creation like Italian ice.

Italian ice has more air beaten into the mixture resulting in the smoother texture.

With so many assorted flavors to choose from it’s hard to pick a favorite. That’s why our 2- and 3-scoop cups always offer you the option of mixing flavors. You can enjoy your old favorite and try a scoop of what might be your new favorite at the same time.

If you want real Italian ice, with its velvety smoothness, Repicci’s offers on-site, frozen dessert catering for your private parties and company events. Our authentic Italian Ice and one-of-a-kind gourmet Italian treats have flavors for all ages. Our convenient mobile food trucks make it easy to serve your catering needs.

Contact your local Repicci’s Real Italian Ice and Gelato to request catering for your event. You’ll also find us at fairs, festivals, sporting events, and even weddings. Discover a location near you!

Or call us at 1-855-REPICCI.