The World's Most Expensive Gelato

Japanese gelato maker, Cellato, has shattered the world record for the most expensive ice cream with its latest creation, Byakuya. Priced at an astonishing $6,696 for just over a half-cup serving, this gelato is flavored with rare ingredients such as white truffles, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, sake lees, and edible gold leaf. Byakuya, meaning "white knight" in Japanese, has surpassed the previous record held by Serendipity3's $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae, pushing the boundaries of luxury in the ice cream industry.

Byakuya's sky-high price tag can be attributed to the incorporation of elusive Phantom White Truffles sourced from Alba, Italy, known for their intense flavor and valued at approximately $15,000 per kilogram. Additionally, the gelato features aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, which commands a price of around $1,000 per wheel. Complementing these extravagant components are sake lees, a by-product of sake production, adding a unique sour and fruity flavor profile. Other ingredients include milk, black truffles, rice malt, egg yolks, brewed alcohol, and cashews.

Cellato specializes in crafting gelatos that cater to connoisseurs, incorporating rare and luxurious ingredients not typically found in mainstream varieties. Besides Byakuya, the company offers another opulent creation called "Starry Night," which combines French chocolate, black truffles, and yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit. This indulgent delight is priced at approximately $72 per serving, further showcasing Cellato's commitment to exquisite flavors.

Byakuya was brought to life through collaboration with Chef Tadayoshi Yamada from Osaka's RiVi restaurant. As a Japanese company crafting an Italian delicacy, the goal was to harmoniously blend the two cultures. When ordering Byakuya, customers are provided with a specially crafted metal spoon to enhance the experience. The gelato can be shipped by plane, although customers receiving the product at home will need to assemble the dish. To ensure optimal texture, the gelato should be allowed to warm slightly before drizzling the accompanying truffle oil, provided in an elegant obsidian self-service kit. Each bite of this fortune-filled indulgence is meant to be savored.