Last updated on February 20th, 2025
Dairy-free gelato (or sorbetto as it’s called here) is pretty easy to find in Italy but the flavors you’ll see at gelaterie will depend greatly on what is in season.
Italians love to cook seasonally, which is why you will only find certain dairy-free gelato flavors during certain months of the year.
Let’s look at my top 8 dairy-free gelato flavors to try in Italy. I’ve included flavors for each month of the year.
Fact: Dairy-free gelato in Italy may be labeled as vegano (vegan), senza latte (without milk) or sorbetto (sorbet). Look for a separate section on the menu indicating these words to ensure you are looking at dairy-free options.
Eating Dairy-Free in Italy? Check out
My Guide to Eating Dairy-Free in Italy
A Day of Dairy-Free Eating in Italy
Dairy-Free Gelato Flavors in Italy
Dairy-Free Desserts in Italy
Where to Find Dairy-Free Gelato in Florence – Venice – Rome
What is Sorbetto?
Eating Lactose-Free in Italy
- Cioccolato Fondente
Cioccolato fondente is a dark chocolate sorbet (meaning it’s made with no dairy whatsoever), making it one of the richest dairy-free gelato flavors out there.
I prefer fruit flavored gelato in Italy but I have to admit that sometimes it’s too light. When I feel this way, I always order sorbetto di cioccolate fondente, which is usually made with at least 70% pure chocolate. You can find this dairy-free gelato flavor 12 months a year and it pairs well with berry flavors.
- Mandorla
Nut flavored dairy-free gelato flavors are some of the best that Italy makes, IMHO. This is because to make a good nut gelato that is also dairy-free, the nuts must be of top quality. Look for nut flavors such as mandorla (almond) in the fall when almonds are harvested. Otherwise, look for pinoli or pine nut.
- Limone
Limone is a classic dairy-free gelato flavor to try in Italy in the winter months when citrus is in season. Any vegan gelato you see in December, January and February is probably made from Sicilian or Amalfi coast lemons, which are some of the most famous in the world. Refreshing and light, this sorbet is best paired with another fruit flavor or citrus.
Tip: Other Italian citrus gelato flavors are equally good such as mandarin orange or even lime!
- Pompelmo Rosa
Pompelmo rosa or ruby red grapefruit is another great dairy-free gelato flavor to try in the winter in Italy. The pink variety is slightly sweeter than its counterpart, the yellow grapefruit, which also makes a more beautifully colored gelato. Just like lemon sorbet, this flavor is best paired with other citrus.
- Lampone
Lampone or raspberry flavored dairy-free gelato is my top pick for the summer months. The color is a bright pink/red color and unlike other dairy-free gelato flavors, this one pairs well with chocolate!
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions in Italy: If you’re traveling in Italy and have special dietary needs, be sure to check out:
Eating with Dietary Restrictions in Italy
How to Eat Vegetarian In Italy
How to Eat Vegan in Italy
Eating Gluten-Free in Italy
Eating in Italy While Pregnant
Eating Dairy-Free in Italy
Eating Lactose-Free in Italy
- Kiwi
Kiwi dairy-free gelato is a winter flavor to try in Italy. Keep in mind that kiwi gelato is made with the seeds (and if it’s not then be warned that it may be a sign of a bad gelateria) and has a slight gritty texture because of this.
Discover which Italian Fruits and Vegetables are in Season in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
- Melone
Melone or melon-flavored dairy-free gelato is one of the best and most unexpected flavors to try in the summer (late June, July, August and sometimes September). Look for it also paired with flavors like mint or basil!
- Passion Fruit
Frutto della passione, or passion fruit, grows in Italy and is surprisingly readily available because the two varieties grow in two different periods of the year (from February – June and October – December). This fun gelato flavor is tropical and slightly tart, similar to how mango or lemon are.
I like to order this gelato flavor with mango, which is usually pretty widespread no matter the time of year in Italy.
Gelato Lovers: Don’t miss
How To Order Gelato In Italy
Is Italian Gelato Gluten-Free?
Gelato In Italy – The Scoop on Italy’s Favorite Sweet Treat
Italian Gelato Flavors – A Complete List of Gelato Flavors You’ll Find in Italy (+ Printable Quick Guide)
Best Gelato in Florence – Venice – Rome
Dairy-Free Gelato Flavors + My Recs for Florence – Venice – Rome
