Finding the best original Italian Ice Cream in UAE
- IFM GOURMET RETAIL
- Aug 20
- 15 min read
Updated: Aug 28
In the United Arab Emirates, ice cream isn't just a dessert. It's a way of life. It’s a core part of the culture, a social ritual, and a welcome escape from the everyday. From the buzzing city centres to quiet neighbourhood streets, the craving for a high-quality frozen treat is a constant, shaping a truly unique culinary scene. This is where premium suppliers like **IFM Gourmet Dubai**, the luxury online shop from IFM Investments LLC, step in, bringing artisanal delights to people who know and appreciate the difference and where you can find some of the best Italian original ice cream in the UAE, the so called Italian Gelato !
How Ice Cream Became a UAE Favourite
The story of how ice cream captured the hearts of the UAE is a fascinating one, woven from threads of climate, culture, and a genuine love for quality. This isn't just about finding a way to beat the heat; it's about sharing a moment of pure enjoyment with friends and family. A few key factors really cemented its place as an essential treat.
Let's start with the obvious: the weather. With year-round sunshine and temperatures that often climb, a cool, refreshing scoop offers instant relief and a touch of comfort. That consistent demand means the ice cream market here isn't seasonal—it’s a thriving, year-long affair.
A Melting Pot of Flavours
The UAE is a global crossroads, and you can see that vibrant diversity reflected in its food. The mix of cultures has created an adventurous palate, with people eager to try everything from classic European gelato to inventive flavours inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian traditions. This keeps the scene fresh, exciting, and always innovating.
In the UAE, consumers are looking for more than just a sweet treat—they want a premium experience. It's not just about the flavour, but the entire story: top-notch ingredients, authentic preparation, and beautiful presentation.
This desire for something truly special has opened the door for artisanal creators to shine. Suppliers like IFM Gourmet Dubai, with its roots in the Italian Food Masters group, cater perfectly to this discerning audience by offering authentic gelato and other gourmet goods. Their focus on true craftsmanship is exactly what today's consumer is looking for.
Economic Growth and Evolving Tastes
Another huge piece of the puzzle is the region’s strong economy and the high disposable income that comes with it. This has driven a powerful trend toward "premiumisation"—people are happy to spend a little more for a product that’s genuinely better. As a result, the market for ice cream in the UAE has seen incredible growth, fired up by both the hot climate and economic prosperity.
The numbers really speak for themselves:
In 2024, the market was valued at around USD 129 million.
It's on track to climb past USD 165 million by 2030.
That’s a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.84% from 2025 to 2030.
This upward curve gets another boost from a strong tourism sector, which introduces new tastes and keeps demand high. You can dive deeper into the data on UAE ice cream market growth to see how these trends are shaping the industry. When you put it all together—the climate, the cultural diversity, and the economic strength—you have the perfect recipe for ice cream becoming a true icon of the UAE’s culinary identity.
Exploring Popular and Unique UAE Flavours
Diving into the world of ice cream in UAE is a journey of incredible taste, where the classic flavours we all know and love get to meet the rich, aromatic spices of the Middle East. You can always find a fantastic chocolate or vanilla, of course. But the real adventure starts with the unique creations that tell the story of the region’s culinary heritage.
This beautiful blend of global and local is what makes the ice cream scene here so exciting. It’s a perfect reflection of the UAE’s identity as a cultural crossroads, where recipes from around the world are welcomed and given a distinctly local character.
Classic Flavours with a Regional Twist
The UAE palate certainly appreciates the timeless classics, but often with a seriously luxurious upgrade. Chocolate, for example, is an absolute superstar here. It's been the most popular flavour for at least five years straight, proving its universal appeal never fades.
The way people enjoy their ice cream is also shaped by the climate. It's all about quick, refreshing treats you can grab on the go. In 2024, these impulse buys made up over 60% of the market, and around 90% of all ice cream sales happened in physical retail stores. It just goes to show how a cool treat is the perfect answer to a hot day. For a deeper look at these consumer trends, you can explore detailed findings on the UAE ice cream market.
Beyond chocolate, other beloved classics get a premium touch:
Pistachio: Forget the pale green stuff. Here, it’s an intense, nutty, and vibrant flavour, often using top-tier nuts from Iran or Turkey.
Caramel: Often taken to the next level with a hint of sea salt, creating that sophisticated sweet-and-savoury balance that’s hard to resist.
Strawberry: It’s all about the real fruit. Authentic purées deliver a fresh, bright taste that synthetic flavourings just can’t match.
Embracing Traditional Middle Eastern Ingredients
This is where the UAE’s ice cream scene really shines. Local makers and artisanal shops have mastered the art of weaving ingredients central to Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries into their creations. These flavours are more than just a dessert; they’re a delicious link to the region's history.
Think of it this way: just as Italy is famous for Stracciatella, the UAE has its own signature profiles rooted in deep culinary tradition.
The best ice cream moments in the UAE often come from trying something totally new—a flavour that instantly transports you to a busy souk or a quiet desert evening. These are the tastes that truly capture the spirit of the region.
When you're ready to explore, we've got a fantastic list of the most popular and unique ice cream flavours you'll find across the Emirates, broken down by their origin and taste profile.
Top Ice Cream Flavors in the UAE
Flavor Category | Popular Examples | Taste Profile Notes |
|---|---|---|
Traditional Middle Eastern | Saffron & Rose, Date & Walnut, Karak Chai, Cardamom | Aromatic, floral, and warmly spiced. These flavours offer a direct taste of regional heritage, with complex notes that are both comforting and exotic. |
Nut-Based Delights | Pistachio, Almond, Hazelnut | Rich, creamy, and intensely nutty. Often made with premium nuts sourced from the best growing regions, delivering a pure and robust flavour. |
Fruit-Forward Favourites | Mango, Pomegranate, Lemon & Mint, Strawberry | Bright, refreshing, and tangy. These flavours focus on natural fruit purees for a clean, vibrant taste that's perfect for cutting through the heat. |
Indulgent Classics | Salted Caramel, Belgian Chocolate, Lotus Biscoff, Vanilla Bean | Sweet, decadent, and universally loved. These are the go-to comfort flavours, often elevated with high-quality ingredients like sea salt or real vanilla. |
These unique offerings truly showcase the creativity at the heart of the market for ice cream in UAE. They connect the past with the present, letting everyone enjoy the authentic tastes of Arabia in a wonderfully cool, modern way.
Understanding Artisanal Gelato vs Standard Ice Cream
When you're exploring the incredible variety of ice cream in UAE, you’ll often come across two names that seem similar but are actually worlds apart: gelato and ice cream. Think of it like this: gelato is the handcrafted espresso from a specialty café, while standard ice cream is the familiar filter coffee. Both are fantastic, but the ingredients, the process, and the final experience are completely different.
Standard ice cream is that comforting treat we all know and love, often made with a much higher percentage of cream. This is what gives it that rich, buttery mouthfeel. Artisanal gelato, on the other hand, comes from Italian tradition and is made with more milk and less cream. This simple change is the first secret to its famously intense flavour.
The Role of Air and Temperature
One of the biggest differences happens behind the scenes, specifically in how much air is churned into the mix. This is a little something called overrun. Standard ice cream is churned fast, whipping in a lot of air—sometimes 50% or more of its total volume! That’s what makes it so light and fluffy.
Artisanal gelato is treated with more patience. It’s churned much more slowly, a methodical process that folds in far less air, usually only around 20-35%. The result? A dessert that is much denser, silkier, and more compact.
The low air content in gelato is its secret weapon. With less air fluffing it up, every single spoonful is packed with more concentrated flavour. This lets the star ingredients—whether it's rich pistachio, decadent chocolate, or vibrant mango—truly shine.
This density also changes the way it’s served. You'll find gelato is traditionally served a bit warmer than ice cream, around -13°C compared to ice cream’s chilly -18°C. That small difference means the cold doesn't numb your taste buds, letting you appreciate the full depth of its flavour right from the first bite.
A Focus on Authentic Ingredients
The whole philosophy behind artisanal gelato is about quality and honesty. True artisans will always choose fresh, natural ingredients over artificial flavourings and preservatives. It’s this dedication that elevates a simple sweet treat into a genuine gourmet experience—a principle that really speaks to the discerning tastes across the UAE.
Specialists in the Dubai gourmet scene have built their reputation on this very commitment. A perfect example is **IFM Gourmet Dubai**, the luxury online gourmet arm of IFM Investments LLC, a culinary-focused company based in the UAE. Their gourmet store offers an impressive lineup of artisanal delicacies, including sweets, savories, fine chocolates, premium teas, cakes, and beautifully curated gift hampers. They are part of the broader Italian Food Masters group and are known for quality, authenticity, and culinary elegance in Dubai’s gourmet scene.
This deep respect for heritage and superior ingredients guarantees that every product, especially their gelato, delivers an authentic taste. It's all about letting the raw ingredients speak for themselves.
Comparing Key Differences
To put it simply, let's break down the main distinctions between these two beloved frozen desserts. Knowing these points will help you pick the perfect treat next time you're exploring the world of ice cream in UAE.
Feature | Artisanal Gelato | Standard Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|
Primary Ingredient | More milk, less cream | More cream, less milk |
Fat Content | Lower (typically 4-8%) | Higher (typically 10%+) |
Air Content (Overrun) | Low (20-35%) | High (50% or more) |
Serving Temperature | Warmer (around -13°C) | Colder (around -18°C) |
Texture & Mouthfeel | Denser, silkier, smoother | Lighter, fluffier, creamier |
Flavour Profile | Intense and concentrated | Milder and more subtle |
In the end, both gelato and ice cream offer a wonderful experience. But if you’re looking for a dessert with a powerful flavour punch and a luxuriously smooth texture, artisanal gelato is the clear winner. Its careful preparation and ingredient-first approach deliver a richness that’s so much more than just being cold and sweet. It’s a true taste of craftsmanship in every single scoop.
The Shift Toward Premium and Healthy Options
The love for ice cream in UAE has always been there, but it’s changing. It's no longer just about grabbing a quick, cold treat to beat the heat. Today, people are thinking more deeply about what they’re eating, and that includes their desserts. There's a clear move towards higher-quality, cleaner ingredients that fit a healthier lifestyle.
This isn't just a fad about cutting calories. It's a fundamental change in mindset. People are actively seeking out products made with real, natural ingredients, and they're willing to invest in a premium scoop that delivers a genuinely superior taste. This trend is pushing everyone, from small artisanal shops to major brands, to step up their game.
The Rise of Conscious Indulgence
Today's ice cream lover is savvy. They read labels. They ask questions. They want to know exactly what’s going into their food, and frozen desserts are no different. This has sparked a huge demand for options that cater to specific dietary needs and wellness goals, going far beyond the classic full-fat dairy recipes of the past.
This is where the market for ice cream in UAE is really getting exciting. You can now find an incredible variety of alternatives tailored for the modern palate:
Vegan and Dairy-Free: Scoops made from almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk are everywhere now, offering that creamy satisfaction without any animal products.
Low-Sugar and Sugar-Free: Using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, these options let you indulge without the sugar rush.
High-Protein: Fortified with protein, these are a hit with fitness enthusiasts looking for a treat that fits their macros.
Natural Ingredients: The focus is on "clean labels"—think real fruit, pure vanilla extract, and high-quality cocoa, with zero artificial colours or preservatives.
The global push for healthier food is touching every corner of the market, and the world of frozen desserts is no exception. We're even seeing innovations like healthy fresh vending solutions pop up to meet this growing demand. It’s a clear sign that the wellness culture has firmly planted its roots in the UAE.
Investing in Quality and Flavour
This shift isn't only about health—it's also about a real appreciation for quality. As our tastes become more refined, we're more than happy to pay a bit more for a product that gives us an authentic, rich, and unforgettable flavour. This "premiumisation" of the market is what’s driving so much of the growth.
The modern dessert lover gets it: fewer, better ingredients often lead to a more intense and satisfying flavour. It's about moving away from overly sweet, artificially flavoured tubs and toward something more genuine and sophisticated.
This laser focus on premium quality is reshaping the entire industry. The UAE ice cream market was valued at around USD 379.11 million in 2024 and is on track to hit nearly USD 493.36 million by 2033. This growth, with a CAGR of about 2.97%, is powered almost entirely by the demand for these premium and health-focused products. The nation's young, multicultural population and rising disposable incomes are the perfect fuel for this exciting trend.
Take a look at how the UAE's passion for ice cream stacks up against its neighbours and the rest of the world.
As you can see, the average person in the UAE enjoys significantly more ice cream each year than the global average. It’s not just a treat here; it’s a huge part of the culture.
Standard Ice Cream vs. Healthy & Premium Options
So, what really separates these premium and healthy options from the standard ice cream you find in any supermarket freezer? The differences are night and day, from the ingredients list to the target audience.
This table breaks it down:
Feature | Standard Mass-Market Ice Cream | Premium & Healthy Options |
|---|---|---|
Sweeteners | Often uses high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. | Focuses on natural sugars, unrefined cane sugar, or plant-based sweeteners. |
Fats | May contain vegetable oils and a lower percentage of real cream. | Uses high-quality dairy (milk and cream) or premium plant-based fats like coconut cream. |
Flavourings | Relies heavily on artificial flavours and enhancers for taste. | Derives flavour from real ingredients like vanilla beans, pure fruit purées, and rich cocoa. |
Additives | Commonly includes artificial colours, preservatives, and stabilisers. | Prioritises a "clean label" with minimal, easy-to-understand ingredients. |
Ultimately, this evolution shows that indulgence and wellness can absolutely go hand-in-hand. The demand for premium and healthy ice cream in UAE isn't just a passing phase—it's a reflection of a conscious consumer who values both exceptional taste and their personal well-being.
How to Choose and Store Your Ice Cream
Bringing home the perfect tub of ice cream in the UAE is about more than just grabbing your favourite flavour. To really enjoy every spoonful the way the maker intended, you need a bit of inside knowledge. This simple guide will walk you through picking the best tubs and keeping them pristine from the shop to your spoon.
It all starts at the supermarket freezer. When you pick up a container, give it a gentle squeeze. It should feel rock-solid all the way through. If you notice any soft spots, that’s a tell-tale sign it has partially melted and refrozen—the number one enemy of a smooth, creamy texture.
Next, give the packaging a good look. Are there sticky patches on the outside or ice crystals creeping under the lid? These are red flags that point to poor handling. The biggest giveaway of a rough journey is freezer burn: that dreaded layer of large, frosty ice crystals on the surface. This happens when moisture evaporates and refreezes, leaving your dessert with a grainy, icy mouthfeel.
Getting Your Ice Cream Home Safely
In the UAE's heat, getting your frozen treats from the store to your home freezer is a mission. Think of it as a race against the clock to prevent even the slightest bit of melting, which can ruin the texture for good.
To win this race, here are a few pro tips:
Make It Your Last Stop: Always grab your ice cream right at the end of your shopping trip. Less time out of the freezer is always better.
Insulated Bags are a Must: A good quality insulated cooler bag is your best friend. It’s like a mini portable freezer, shielding your precious cargo from the warm air.
Keep It Separate: If you've picked up any hot food, make sure to bag it separately. Placing something warm next to your ice cream will speed up thawing in a flash.
Following these simple steps is the key to protecting that silky, perfect consistency you're looking forward to.
The Art of Perfect Freezer Storage
Once you’re home, proper storage is everything. The goal is to keep your ice cream at a steady, freezing temperature and away from air. The best place for it is right at the back of your freezer, where it's coldest and the temperature is most stable. Try to avoid the freezer door, as the temperature there goes up and down every time you open it.
Here's a simple but brilliant trick to stop freezer burn: press a piece of cling film or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before putting the lid back on. This creates a barrier against air, stopping those nasty ice crystals from forming.
For anyone shopping online, this is where professional services shine. Gourmet food specialists like IFM Gourmet Dubai have perfected cold-chain logistics. Their delivery vans are kitted out with professional-grade freezers that hold a constant deep-freeze temperature. This ensures artisanal gelato and other premium frozen desserts arrive at your door in flawless condition—just as if you'd collected them from the maker yourself. It's a guarantee that the quality and texture of the ice cream in UAE remain absolutely perfect.
Finding Your Perfect Scoop of Italian Ice Cream in UAE
The UAE’s ice cream scene is a fantastic blend of old and new, where traditional flavours meet modern artisanal gelato. We’ve covered everything from its massive popularity (thanks, sunshine!) to the differences between silky gelato and classic ice cream. Now, it's time to put that knowledge to good use.
You’re now ready to spot high-quality products, whether you're craving a rich, comforting chocolate or feeling adventurous enough for saffron and rose. The perfect frozen treat for any mood is out there waiting for you.
Discover Your Next Favourite Treat
Why not step outside your comfort zone and try something new? The UAE’s ice cream world is full of delicious surprises, and you might just find a new favourite. A great place to start is with a gourmet supplier that really cares about authenticity and craftsmanship, like **IFM Gourmet Dubai**.
As the luxury online shop for IFM Investments LLC, their store offers a beautiful selection of artisanal treats that are all about culinary elegance. As part of the bigger Italian Food Masters group, their commitment to quality shines through in everything they offer, from fine chocolates and cakes to, of course, premium gelato.
The ultimate ice cream experience is about more than just the flavour. It’s about appreciating the quality, the ingredients, and the story behind each scoop. It's a chance to enjoy a moment of pure, delicious joy.
So, whether you grab a quick cone from a neighbourhood shop or have a decadent pint delivered to your door from a specialist like IFM Gourmet, your next favourite dessert is just around the corner. Go on, embrace the variety, celebrate the craftsmanship, and enjoy every single spoonful.
Got Questions About Ice Cream in the UAE? We've Got Answers.
With so many incredible choices, diving into the world of ice cream in the UAE can spark a few questions. Whether you're a long-time resident with a sweet tooth or just visiting, knowing a little more about the local scene can make every scoop that much better.
Here, we're tackling some of the most common questions we hear about enjoying frozen desserts in the region.
What Unique Local Flavours Should I Try?
Sure, you can find amazing chocolate and vanilla everywhere, but the UAE is home to a whole world of unique flavours pulled straight from Middle Eastern tradition. If you want a truly authentic taste, keep an eye out for these.
You'll often find gelato and ice cream infused with:
Saffron and Rose: A classic, aromatic pairing that is pure Middle Eastern elegance.
Dates: Sweet, rich, and comforting. It’s often mixed with walnuts or a hint of cardamom for an extra layer of flavour.
Karak Chai: All the warm, spiced notes of the region's favourite tea—cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger—churned into a creamy treat.
Pistachio: While it's a global favourite, the pistachio here is on another level. It’s often made with high-quality nuts for an intensely nutty, authentic taste.
Is Gelato Healthier Than Regular Ice Cream?
It’s a common question! When you put artisanal gelato up against a standard, mass-produced ice cream, gelato is usually the lighter option.
It all comes down to the recipe. Gelato uses more milk and less cream, bringing its fat content down to around 4-8%. Your typical ice cream, on the other hand, can have 10% fat or more.
But it's not a simple 'yes' or 'no'. To keep its soft texture at a warmer serving temperature, gelato sometimes contains a bit more sugar. So, while it's lower in fat, it’s still an indulgence to be enjoyed mindfully.
How Do Delivery Services Keep Ice Cream Frozen?
Getting a pint of gelato to your door in perfect condition, especially in the UAE's climate, is no small feat. It's a science, really, and the secret is something called cold-chain logistics.
Reputable suppliers use special delivery vans with professional-grade freezers. These maintain a consistent, deep-freeze temperature from our shop straight to your home. This unbroken 'cold chain' is what stops the gelato from melting and forming those dreaded ice crystals.
This meticulous process ensures that the artisanal gelato you order online shows up with the same perfect, creamy texture you'd get if you walked into the gelateria yourself. It's how you can enjoy premium ice cream in UAE without ever leaving the house.
Ready to taste the difference for yourself? Visit the IFM Gourmet Food Store and explore our world of authentic artisanal gelato and gourmet foods, delivered right to your door.
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