I Scream, You Scream

Ice cream, according to "The Nibble," is a frozen product "made from cream, often combined with milk, flavorings and sweeteners." This traditional American treat contains butterfat and has air whipped into it, and different types of ice cream are rated based on the percentage of fat and air they contain. Those with the most fat and the least air are the densest and richest, and are typically rated "super-premium" or "premium." Regular supermarket-style ice cream contains higher percentages of air and less fat, making it less rich. While regular ice cream comes in an array of flavors, the richer varieties lend themselves better to flavor combinations and unusual or "gourmet" flavors.

Reduced-Fat Ice Cream

In the past, very low fat versions of ice cream were typically called "ice milk." In recent years, however, this designation has been replaced by a range of reduced fat and calorie options, such as fat-free ice cream and sugar-free ice cream. These come in traditional flavors such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, as well as a range of other flavors. Most lack the richness and density of the full-fat ice cream varieties. However, they serve as a welcome treat for those who love ice cream but need to observe dietary or caloric restrictions.

Sherbets, Sorbets and Water Ices

This category of ice cream tends to be less dense and creamy than traditional ice creams. It includes the Italian "granita," Hawaiian shaved ice and the typically fruit-flavored sherbets and sorbets, used both as a light dessert treat or a palate refresher between courses at fine restaurants. Authentic ices do not include any milk or cream, although some sherbets in the U.S. now do include some dairy products to make them more like ice cream for the American market. True granita and Hawaiian shaved ice are literally just shaved or finely crunched ice mixed with flavored syrups and occasionally a little sugar or spice; granita can even be made using fruit purees, coffee or wine.

Ice Cream Adventures

"Mochi" is a Japanese specialty in which a shell of pounded rice is filled with ice cream and dusted with cornstarch. "Kulfi" is a frozen Indian treat made from water, buffalo's milk and seasonings from fruit, nuts or exotic spices such as cardamom. "Kefir," a common yogurt-based drink in many Middle Eastern countries, is frozen to create a refreshing ice cream-style dessert. Italy's "gelato" is another dense frozen treat made from water combined with milk or soy milk and various sweeteners and flavorings. Because no air is whipped into gelato, its flavorings tend to be more intense than ice cream.