The $3.75 ALDI Find That Transports Me Back to Italy

I first encountered gelato in its home country on a trip to Tuscany in the late 90s. That scoop was mind-blowing, a silky, deep, dark chocolate experience, only heightened by eating it standing on the bustling sidewalk of historic Florence. The whole trip was eye-opening, but gelato quickly became an obsession.

I can almost recreate that feeling with a seasonal treat from ALDI’s Sundae Shoppe gelato in triple chocolate or mixed berry. At $3.75 for a 28.5-ounce container, it’s a real steal. There are plenty of more expensive gelatos out there, but not all of them are this good.

Why I Love ALDI’s Sundae Shoppe Gelato

If you grew up eating ice cream, as I did, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal with gelato?” Back when I visited Florence, gelato was not as widely available in America as it is today. The gelato shop, with its trays of brightly colored, rippled gelatos, each topped with chunks of fruit, nuts, or chocolate, was irresistible.

The big difference between classic gelato and ice cream is that gelato is made primarily with milk, rather than cream, and usually doesn’t contain egg yolks like American ice cream. Gelato is usually four to nine percent butterfat, while ice cream contains 10 to 25 percent butterfat.

The flavors in gelato are more intense, with larger amounts of add-ins like nuts or chocolate infused into the milky base. The method for churning is slower and incorporates less air, making it creamier and denser than ice cream. It’s also served at a slightly warmer temperature in the gelato shop, allowing the flavors to bloom on your tongue immediately.

These ALDI gelatos will answer both your chocolate cravings and your sweet and fruity desires. The mixed berry has blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and even red currants, swirled and strewn on a creamy vanilla gelato base. They didn’t skimp on the fruit, and there are whole berries scattered on top just like in the gelato shop. While this is a standalone dessert in its own right, it’s also a gorgeous garnish for a slice of berry pie or pound cake.

When I’m looking for chocolate, the triple chocolate gelato answers the call, with a tub filled with half dark chocolate and half milk chocolate gelato that’s topped with white chocolate swirls and little crunchy curls of chocolate. It’s got plenty going on, but a crisp cookie or a chunk of brownie takes it over the top. Or brew a strong shot of espresso and float a scoop, for a chocolatey affogato.

Snap up this seasonal treat while it’s available—it’s perfect for evenings on the patio now that the weather’s getting warmer.

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