Soft Serve vs. Ice Cream: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on October 3, 2023
Soft serve is a softer, smoother ice cream due to air being introduced during freezing; ice cream is denser and firmer, with high milkfat content.
Key Differences
Soft serve and ice cream are both delightful frozen desserts, but they differ significantly in texture and composition. Soft serve is typically creamier and lighter, due to the inclusion of air during the freezing process, while ice cream has a denser and firmer texture with less air content.
The production process of soft serve and ice cream also differs. Soft serve is produced at a higher temperature compared to ice cream, which results in its softer texture and a smoother mouthfeel, whereas ice cream is made by churning and freezing a mixture that typically contains a higher milkfat content.
In terms of serving, soft serve is usually dispensed directly from a machine and is consumed immediately. In contrast, ice cream undergoes a hardening process after being churned and is stored in containers, allowing it to be scooped and served later.
The variations in recipes for soft serve and ice cream lead to differences in fat content. Soft serve generally contains less milkfat than ice cream, which typically has a milkfat content of at least 10%, contributing to its richer taste and firmer texture.
While soft serve is often associated with fast-food restaurants and ice cream trucks due to its quick serving nature, ice cream is more widely available in grocery stores, specialty stores, and restaurants, offering a myriad of flavors and variations.
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Comparison Chart
Texture and Density
Softer and lighter due to more air
Denser and firmer with less air
Production Process
Produced at a higher temperature
Churned and frozen, then hardened
Serving Method
Dispensed from a machine and eaten immediately
Scooped from containers and can be stored
Milkfat Content
Generally lower
At least 10% milkfat
Availability
Fast-food restaurants and ice cream trucks
Widely available in various establishments and stores
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Soft Serve and Ice Cream Definitions
Soft Serve
Soft serve is a light, creamy frozen dessert with air incorporated during freezing.
The vanilla soft serve was incredibly smooth and delightful.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is a sweet, creamy frozen dessert made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings.
The homemade vanilla ice cream was rich and delectable.
Soft Serve
Soft serve is made at a slightly higher temperature than ice cream, contributing to its softer texture.
The swirl soft serve, blending vanilla and chocolate, melted quickly in the summer heat.
Ice Cream
Ice cream has a dense and firm texture, typically containing at least 10% milkfat.
The chocolate ice cream was decadently smooth and satisfying.
Soft Serve
Soft serve typically has a lower milkfat content than traditional ice cream.
The strawberry soft serve was refreshing, with a hint of tartness.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is churned and frozen and usually undergoes a hardening process before serving.
The scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream was refreshing and crunchy.
Soft Serve
Soft serve is served directly from a machine, usually consumed immediately.
We stopped by the food truck to grab some chocolate soft serve.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is available in an extensive array of flavors and variations.
The artisanal shop offered an exotic array of ice cream flavors, including lavender and rosemary.
Soft Serve
Soft serve is popular at fast-food restaurants and ice cream trucks due to its quick serving nature.
At the amusement park, queues formed at the stand selling soft serve.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is widely available in grocery stores, specialty stores, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.
We bought a pint of rocky road ice cream from the local grocery store.
Soft Serve
Any of several soft, creamy frozen desserts, such as ice cream and frozen yogurt, dispensed from a machine at the point of sale.
Ice Cream
A sweet, smooth, frozen dessert made from dairy products such as cream or milk, sugar or other sweeteners, and flavorings.
Ice Cream
A serving of this dessert
At the ball game, I bought an ice cream.
Ice Cream
Alternative spelling of ice cream
FAQs
Why is soft serve softer than ice cream?
Soft serve is softer due to the inclusion of more air and its production at higher temperatures.
Are there flavor variations available for both soft serve and ice cream?
Yes, both soft serve and ice cream come in a variety of flavors.
Is soft serve more suited for quick service restaurants?
Yes, soft serve is typically associated with quick service due to its immediate serving nature.
Can you make both soft serve and ice cream at home?
Yes, but soft serve typically requires a special machine, while ice cream can be made with standard kitchen equipment.
Do both soft serve and ice cream melt at the same rate?
No, soft serve generally melts faster due to its softer texture and higher serving temperature.
Is the milkfat content in soft serve lower than in ice cream?
Yes, soft serve generally has a lower milkfat content compared to ice cream.
Can both soft serve and ice cream include mix-ins and toppings?
Yes, both can be customized with a range of mix-ins and toppings.
Are there dairy-free versions available for both soft serve and ice cream?
Yes, dairy-free versions are available for those with dietary restrictions.
Do both soft serve and ice cream have similar sugar content?
The sugar content can vary, but both typically contain high levels of sugar.
Can ice cream be stored for a longer time than soft serve?
Yes, ice cream undergoes a hardening process allowing it to be stored, while soft serve is usually consumed immediately.
Is soft serve typically cheaper than ice cream?
The price can vary, but soft serve is often cheaper due to lower production costs.
Is ice cream available in more locations than soft serve?
Yes, ice cream is more widely available in various establishments and stores compared to soft serve.
Can both soft serve and ice cream be used in desserts like sundaes and floats?
Yes, both are versatile and can be used in a variety of dessert creations.
Can the texture of soft serve be achieved by allowing ice cream to melt slightly?
Partially, but the textures are inherently different due to the production processes.
Can both soft serve and ice cream be made with non-traditional milk, like goat’s milk or coconut milk?
Yes, various milk alternatives can be used to make both soft serve and ice cream.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
