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All ice creams are NOT created equal...

When it comes to ice cream, there are a lot of choices out there – and there IS a difference. Here’s the scoop:

• Premium ice cream has between 11% and 15% butterfat. It’s richer and denser and tends to be what you’ll find in those smaller gourmet containers.

• Regular ice cream is less dense and has about 10% butterfat. That’s what you’ll usually find in the bigger containers.

• Light ice cream means there is supposed to be either less fat or less calories in there. But check the label; it’s not always the case.

• Soft serve ice cream is great if you’re prone to brain-freeze. It’s stored and served at a lower temperature. It can be tastier too because it doesn’t numb the taste buds as much.

• French style ice cream is made with a custard base and egg yolks. It’s extra rich and silky.

• Gelato and ice cream are very similar. The difference is the amount of air whipped in there. Ice cream is generally about 60% air while gelato is closer to 20%.

There is a difference between sorbet and sherbet too. Both are fruit based, but sherbet has a little milk in there for creaminess.