How to Find Authentic Gelato in Tuscany

Women love Tuscany for the art, history, beautiful landscapes, wine, pasta and GELATO! Even if you’re not into sweets, I bet there’s a gelato flavor you will love. With gelaterias (is that a word?) on what seems like every corner, how do you choose the best one? The answer is simple, yet travelers still fall prey to wasting their money and calories on lesser-quality gelato.

What is the best gelato?

The best and highest quality gelato may be harder to find than the lesser quality versions, but the hunt is worth the treasure. Do not jump into the first shop you see no matter how desperate you are!

Look for Natural Colors

Avoid the gelaterias with elaborate window displays of brightly colored flavors. Bright colors = artificial flavors. Instead go for the ones with more subtle colors. Pistachio, hazelnut and lemon should have subdued, not overly bright colors. 

Avoid Piled Up Displays

Many touristy gelato shops display their gelato in high, overflowing mounds. This is usually a sign of artificial stabilizers and emulsifiers. The best gelato is often stored in covered metal tins called pozzetti to preserve freshness and temperature.

Check the Ingredients

Look for places that emphasize natural ingredients. Many quality shops will list the ingredients or feature descriptions like “fatto in casa” (homemade) or “artigianale” (artisanal), which indicate the gelato is made in small batches using traditional methods.

Seek Out Smooth and Creamy Gelato

Good gelato should have a smooth and creamy texture, but it shouldn’t be too airy. It is denser than ice cream because it’s churned at a slower speed. Avoid gelato that looks too fluffy, as this might indicate it’s been pumped with air to increase volume.

Look for Seasonal Flavors

Gelato shops that focus on seasonal flavors are more likely to use fresh, local ingredients. Look for flavors that reflect the season, like strawberry in the summer or chestnut in the fall.

Once you've narrowed down your choices based on appearance and ingredients, trust your taste buds. Authentic gelato will have a rich, intense flavor because of the high-quality ingredients.

Also, it’s perfectly acceptable to have at least one gelato a day! Just imagine all the flavors you have to try!

Learn more about making the most of your Tuscany vacation and book a trip with us!