by C. P.
Rome is one of the world’s leading destinations for… gelato: it sounds weird to even write it, but it is indeed one of the main reasons to come to the city, and Italy at large. Many visitors to these parts, however, feel like traveling here is almost like a punishment: they’re part of that multitude of people who are lactose-intolerant or even lactose-allergic altogether. As such, they think a treat like ice cream is precluded to them. Well, not anymore!
According to the AILI, the Italian Lactose-Intolerant Association, 50 percent of the local population also has this condition – some simply may not be aware of it because as grown-ups they don’t consume as much milk, and the types of cheese most commonly consumed (Parmigiano reggiano, Emmenthal,
Gorgonzola, Grana padano, along with fontina, pecorino or provolone) are naturally lactose-free. But we digress!
This boost in lactose-intolerant individuals has had an effect on gelato-makers: many establishments have progressed to producing lactose-free flavors, or are generally more sensitive to the fact that lactose intolerance is a fact of life.
If you’re walking around Rome and suddenly get a craving for gelato, be sure to check these indicators: “senza latte” or “senza lattosio” should be visible on every single flavor card. If not, be sure to ask – just memorize how to ask whether a flavor is “senza lattosio” (“seh-nzah lah-ttoh-see-oh“).
Fruit flavors are usually made without milk in the first place, which is why you won’t see this kind of warning in most stores (as it’s a well-known fact among locals). Again, if you’re not sure, ask away!
Even more traditional places, such as the famous Giolitti, are now more aware of the lactose-free (or vegan!) needs of their patrons. However, cross-contamination is a possibility. The good news is that risks are minimal. Gelato shops, like any other place serving food in Italy, take cross-contamination and food allergies very seriously and are required by law to post on their premises the list of possible allergens that may be present in traces in the products they offer. There are anti-cross-contamination measures like mixing the various ingredients in different machines, or using different scoops for each flavor sold. Actually, this is a good litmus test to find a reputable gelato shop: no individual scoops? Walk away!
Our advice for 100% lactose-free gelato every time is to remember the places where you had a safe experience and go back. These, just like restaurants, are passed down among locals, and in a city as big as Rome, that’s usually what you stick with.
However, if you’ve just arrived and haven’t had time to explore this side of the city, remember that famous gelato shops like La Romana, Come il Latte, Gelateria dei Gracchi, Torcè, Guttilla… and so many others guarantee a constant supply of lactose-free flavors on their premises. Some, like Guttilla, even have gluten-free gelato!
Just as with lactose intolerance, don’t think you’re the only one looking for this type of option in Rome: about 10% of Italians are either vegetarian or vegan, with even more declaring themselves “flexitarians”, i.e., consciously reducing the intake of animal proteins in their diet.
For the vegans and vegetarians reading this, fear not: not only you can go safely at any of the places we recommended to those looking for lactose-free gelato (except for Torcè, where high-quality lactose-free milk is used for those patrons with a dairy intolerance). You can also use a popular web-based service like Happy Cow to locate the vegan gelato that’s closest to you (Happy Cow also works as an app). Finally, when in Rome…. look for Grezzo. This chain of bakeries-cum-gelateria is a heaven for vegans, vegetarians and lactose-intollerant tourists as they serve 100% vegan, dairy-free, organic and gluten-free treats on their premises. So, what are you waiting for? Got eat your weight in gelato right now!
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