What Are Compound Ingredients for Gelato and Why Use Them?
Compound ingredients are specially formulated to:
- Preserve raw materials longer without compromising their quality;
- Improve the structure, creaminess, and texture of the gelato;
- Reduce preparation time, improving laboratory efficiency;
- Guarantee high hygiene standards and food safety.
By using compound ingredients, gelato makers can optimize production without sacrificing artisan quality, meeting both market and customer demands.
Neutri and Bases: The Foundations of Artisan Gelato
The first semi-finished ingredients introduced in artisan gelato were Neutri—natural substitutes for eggs and sugar—acting as stabilizers and emulsifiers. The most commonly used include:
- Carob seed flour
- Guar gum
- Food gelatin
- Pectin
These stabilizers help create a smooth, creamy texture while preventing the formation of ice crystals.
However, the precise dosing required made them complex to use, leading to the creation of gelato bases: pre-balanced mixes that simplify the work of gelato makers.
There are several types of bases available today:
- Milk-based gelato bases: for richer, more velvety textures;
- Fruit-based gelato bases: ideal for lighter, fresher sorbets;
- Bases with different sugar and fat contents to meet new nutritional trends.
Flavoring Pastes: The Art of Personalizing Gelato
Another essential element for creating high-quality artisan gelato is the use of flavoring pastes, which allow gelato makers to expand their flavor offerings and customize recipes.
There are two main categories of flavoring pastes:
- Nut-based pastes:
- Hazelnut
- Pistachio
- Almond
- Chocolate
- Pastes for innovative flavors:
- Tiramisu
- Mascarpone
- Yogurt
- Fruit preserves
Using flavoring pastes offers many advantages:
- Shorter preparation times;
- Enhanced flavor, even when fresh seasonal fruit is not at its best;
- Greater flexibility to create unique and distinctive recipes.
Semi - finished Ingredients and Food Safety
Food safety is a top priority when producing compound ingredients for gelato.
Semi-finished products undergo strict microbiological controls to ensure their quality and safety and are typically made from certified, non-GMO raw materials.
Thanks to these high standards, gelato makers can offer customers products that are safe, high-quality, and compliant with current regulations.
Ready-to-Use compound Ingredients: Simplifying Gelato Production
To further simplify production, many manufacturers offer ready-to-use compound ingredients available in paste, powder, or liquid form.
These products allow gelato makers to create creams or fruit gelatos simply by adding milk and/or water.
Key benefits include:
- Quick and efficient preparation;
- The ability to combine fresh ingredients with semi-finished products;
- Better preservation of gelato, even out of season.
The Market for Gelato Ingredients
The artisan gelato ingredients sector is experiencing strong growth, reaching a turnover of over 1 billion euros in Italy alone.
This boom highlights how essential semi-finished products have become for maintaining quality and efficiency in artisan gelato shops.
Leading Companies in the Sector
Among Italy's leading manufacturers of gelato ingredients are:
- Alvena
- Bigatton
- Città del Gelato
- Comprital
- Disaronno Ingredients (Anselmi, Montebianco, Prodotti Stella)
- Fabbri 1905
- Fugar
- GEI - Aromitalia
- Geldue
- Granulati Italia
- Leagel
- Linea Gel Italiana
- Mane Italia
- Nestlé Italiana
- Casa Optima (Giuso, Mec3, Pernigotti)
- Rubicone
- Torronalba
- Unigel
Conclusion
Compound ingredients and semi-finished products for artisan gelato are essential resources for ensuring quality, safety, and innovation in the industry.
Knowing how to choose the right products—from Neutri and bases to flavoring pastes and ready-to-use mixes—enables gelato makers to consistently offer fresh, well-balanced, and personalized gelato.
Whether you are a professional or a passionate enthusiast, understanding the value of compound ingredients will help you appreciate and master the art of artisan gelato.