The word “Gelato” is simply the Italian name for ice-cream, but it is never used to describe industrial ice-cream.

The term is exclusively used to describe deliciously rich and creamy hand-made ice-cream. Where industrial ice-cream consists of approximately 50% air and 50% actual ice-cream, Gelato is much richer and more solid with only 23% – 26% air on average.  Industrial ice cream contains 14% fat while Gelato averages 6 – 10% fat.

Because the texture of gelato is more “solid”  it is usually also much richer and creamier and has a smoother texture and mouth feel. Gelato is hand-made in small batches of 1.5 to 10 litres at a time.  Industrial ice-cream is made in hundreds or even thousands of litres at a time. Gelato is served at around minus 15 Celsius.  Industrial at minus 18 to 20 Celsius. Because it is hand-made, it is much easier to change ingredients and create a unique range of gelati using ingredients such as real fruit to make a superb product.  At  Colin James, Colin and Andrew are always seeking ideas to provide you with new and interesting gelati flavours.

What is sorbet? Sorbets are made up of sugar (approx. the same quantity of sugar as in the gelati), water, fruit and a base product pertaining to which ever flavour the sorbet is.  Sorbets are completely dairy free, fat free and egg free making them a delightfully refreshing palate cleanser for between courses or a perfect dessert at the end of a meal.

Because many commercial gelati and sorbets are quite icy and crystalline, many customers have found them to be an unpleasant taste experience.  Colin James gelati and sorbets are smooth and creamy. Our sorbets are so smooth in fact, that they are often mistaken for milk based products.  Our gelati and sorbets are made fresh each day from only the best ingredients we can source including Maleny Dairies Guernsey milk and fruit grown on the Sunshine Coast.  Our products do not contain gelatine.

All of our sorbets are gluten free and there is always an extensive range of gluten free options available in the gelati range.