13 Different Types of Ice Cream to Treat Yourself To

When there are so many different types of ice cream, how do you pick just one?

The good news is that from gelato to sorbet, you’ll never be disappointed.

As much as I love the different McDonald’s McFlurry flavors, sometimes I want something different.

Sure, soft serve is great and all, but have you ever tried kulfi or falooda?

How about real Italian gelato? That stuff is so smooth, you’ll swoon!

Getting hungry? Then let’s check out the different types of ice cream so you can enjoy a cool, sweet snack.

What is an Ice Cream?

In our world of frozen treats, there’s a hierarchy. And at the top of that ranking stands ice cream.

Ice cream has been around for centuries. It’s served in every country, is enjoyed by people from all over the world, and comes in a ton of fun flavors. 

Traditional ice cream is made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. It also often includes eggs cooked into a thin custard. But you can make it in various flavors and textures with unique mixings. 

The textures also vary from hard pack to cloudy soft. And it can be served in different styles, from cones to sandwiches to popsicles.

1. Gelato

I know what you’re thinking: what’s the difference between gelato and ice cream?

Well, gelato is a type of ice cream from Italy. It uses more milk, less cream, and is made without any egg yolks.

This cold treat is creamy, decadent, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Essentially, it’s richer and denser than other ice cream types.

Plus, it has less sugar and is lower in fat, making it perfect for indulging.

2. Sherbet

Sherbet is the kind of ice cream that’s perfect for fruit lovers and kids.

It’s a bit fizzy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of fun!

This frozen treat comes in different flavors and is perfect if you want sweet-tart combos.

It’s made by combining frozen fruits, egg whites, water, and milk or cream. So it’s lighter than traditional ice cream, with a fruity flavor that makes it delicious.

3. Sorbet

Have you already had your fill of dairy but want to cool off? Then, sorbet is a perfect choice!

This frozen delight has little to no dairy. Instead, it features a mix of fruit juice or purée, sweetened water, and egg whites.

It’s perfect if you want a boozy kick to your cold dessert. You can add a drizzle of wine or liqueur for the perfect party treat.

This dessert is fresh, light, and fruity. It’s like summer in a cup!

4. Frozen Yogurt

Who doesn’t love frozen yogurt? It’s tart and creamy and has the right amount of sweetness.

Plus, it’s healthy(ish)! The probiotics in yogurt are great for your gut health and calcium for your bones.

And did I mention how delicious and flavorful it can be?

Frozen yogurt has an array of flavors that you can enjoy.

Whether you want something indulgent or something fruity, this cold treat is a perfect choice!

5. Soft Serve

Soft-serve ice cream can be bought in stores or made fresh on-site.

It’s sometimes called “whipped ice cream,” or “frozen custard.” Either way, it typically features milk, ice, and flavorings churned with air.

It has a smooth, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with sweet syrups and other toppings.

Soft serve ice cream melts in your mouth with absolute indulgence. 

6. Ice Popsicle

Looking for a cold treat that you can make at home and customize? Homemade popsicles are the perfect thing to make!

Ice pops contain flavorings, sweeteners, stabilizers, gum, and water. The mixture is then poured into molds and placed in the freezer. 

After they freeze, the popsicles are removed from their molds and ready for serving.

But if you make them yourself, you can skip all the hard-to-pronounce extras and even cut down on the sugar.

7. Italian Ice

Italian ice is a frozen treat made with water, sugar, and a flavoring of your choice.

The base of this Italian dessert is similar to sorbet, but it doesn’t contain dairy or eggs.

Typically served in cups or glasses, it’s great with toppings like candies, chocolate, and fresh fruit.

A cup of Italian ice is perfect on a sunny day spent by the pool!

8. Kulfi 

Kulfi is a traditional Indian dessert made from milk, sugar, nuts, and fruit.

It’s infused with rich flavors and spices like saffron, cardamom, and rosewater, making it unique.

The rich, creamy goodness of kulfi makes it perfect if you love indulging in a treat.

And it has a satisfying crunch from the nuts that cuts through the dense texture.

This dessert is frozen solid in a popsicle for a handy, cold treat.

It’s perfect if you want something exotic or some relief from the summer heat.

9. Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi ice cream is a cold, refreshing version of the traditional mochi.

This Japanese dessert features creamy ice cream coated with sweet pounded glutinous rice dough.

It has a chewy texture and melt-in-your-mouth ice cream filling, making it fun to eat.

The filling oozes with delightful flavors as you bite into this ice cream.

This dessert is typically shaped into balls and comes in different colors and flavors.

10. Philadelphia Ice Cream

As a kid, I remember eating Philadelphia ice cream almost every day. And now, as an adult, I still love eating it!

The thing about Philly ice cream is that it’s all about texture. It’s typically dense and creamy, with a rich, satisfying mouthfeel.

Made by churning milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat!

It comes in so many flavors and pairs perfectly with almost any add-ins!

From classic vanilla to fruity treats and indulgent chocolate, this ice cream is sure to impress.

11. Rolled Ice Cream

If you’ve heard about rolled ice cream, you know it’s all the rage these days!

It’s famous street food in Asia, where the cold treat is made on the spot.

The ice cream maker pours the mixture into a frozen surface and mixes the flavors. Once the mixture freezes, the ice cream is rolled up and served in a cup.

It’s truly magical.

The best part about this dessert is that you can get any flavor. The possibilities are endless! 

You can have chocolate-covered fruits or cookies ‘n’ cream with sprinkles, whatever floats your boat.

12. Falooda

Ever wondered what ice cream would be like if you were to add noodles? Check out falooda!

This Indian dessert is a work of art and an explosion of deliciousness.

It combines thin vermicelli, jelly, and basil seeds with a creamy base infused with rosewater.

This cold treat will surely blow you away with each bite.

The symphony of textures and flavors in this dessert is truly mind-blowing. It’s like a mouthful of heaven!

13. Shaved Ice

There are a lot of things that make up the perfect summer day.

For me, it’s the bright sun, my favorite sunglasses, and a hefty serving of shaved ice.

If you’re like me and you love the sunny season, shaved ice is a staple!

It’s made from fine ice shavings drizzled with a flavorful sauce.

It can be topped with an array of flavors, from fresh fruits to candies and chocolate.

It’s like a slice of paradise in a cup with bright colors and refreshing flavors.