Abstract: Dairy-based gelato is an Italian frozen dessert that has a smooth, soft, silky texture and that is generally more flavorful than ice cream. A gelato composition includes an amount of total solids, including at least one milk-solids source, at least one sugar source, and at least one fat source, to provide a frozen gelato that can be stored for up to one year and still retain a texture characteristic of freshly-made gelato. The amount of total solids may range between about 45 weight percent and about 60 weight percent. A gelato composition may also include a flavorant, such as, for example, chocolate, candy, coffee, nut, liqueur, or fruit flavor, and/or a gum/stabilizer, such as, for example, pectin.