Gelato is one of the most famous cannabis strains in the world. Created by Mr. Sherbinski (Mario Guzman) in San Francisco, it is a cross between Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. The result: a creamy, sweet, dessert-forward flavour profile with balanced hybrid effects that has made it one of the most requested strains in the global cannabis market.
In the UK, several vape pen brands offer Gelato variants. The quality varies significantly depending on whether the brand uses authentic genetics, natural terpenes, or synthetic approximations. This guide covers which UK-available products deliver the most authentic Gelato experience.
What Makes Gelato Special
Gelato’s appeal comes from its terpene profile. The dominant terpenes are:
Limonene (citrus, uplifting) provides the sweet, slightly fruity top notes and contributes to the euphoric, mood-elevating effects.
Caryophyllene (spicy, warm) adds depth and a subtle peppery warmth. Also has anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to Gelato’s body relaxation.
Myrcene (earthy, herbal) provides the base note sedation that makes Gelato’s body relaxation so pronounced without being overly sleepy.
The combined effect is a creamy, sweet inhale with a rich, slightly earthy exhale. Effects are hybrid-balanced: initial mental euphoria and uplift that transitions into comfortable body relaxation over 30-60 minutes. Not sedating enough for pure sleep use, not stimulating enough for high-energy activities. Perfect for evening social settings, creative work, or winding down.
Gelato has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards, and the strain genetics have spawned dozens of crosses and pheno-hunts. Gelato #41, #33, and #45 are the most well-known phenotypes, each with slightly different terpene ratios and effect profiles.
Best Gelato Vapes Available in the UK
1. Sherbinskis Quatro — The Original Creator
Price: 45 pounds | THC: 89% | Size: 2g
Sherbinskis Quatro is the definitive Gelato vape. Mario Guzman literally created the Gelato strain. The Quatro line uses genetics from the original cultivar, and the terpene preservation is the most refined in our range. The Gelato #41 variant specifically delivers a creamy vanilla sweetness with a richness that cheaper imitations cannot replicate.
At 45 pounds, it is the most expensive 2g pen we stock. The premium is justified by the genetics pedigree (the creator of the strain making the product), the terpene quality, and the hardware. If you want the authentic Gelato experience and are willing to pay for it, this is the definitive choice.
Flavour authenticity: 10/10
2. The Cali Company — Gelato at Standard Pricing
Price: 25 pounds | THC: 87% | Size: 2g
The Cali Company includes a Gelato variant in its 7-strain lineup at the standard 25 pounds price point. The terpene profile is good but uses cannabis-derived terpenes re-added to distillate rather than preserved through live resin extraction.
The flavour is recognisably Gelato: sweet, creamy, with dessert undertones. It is not as nuanced or layered as the Sherbinskis version, but at roughly half the price, it delivers a solid Gelato experience for users who do not want to pay the premium.
Flavour authenticity: 7/10
3. Zaza — Gelato Among 13 Options
Price: 25 pounds | THC: 85% | Size: 2g
Zaza offers 13 strains, including Gelato variants. At 85% THC and 25 pounds, it is the most accessible way to try a Gelato-profile vape without committing to a premium price. The flavour is pleasant and sweet with identifiable Gelato characteristics, though less refined than either Sherbinskis or Cali Company.
Zaza’s strength is variety. If you want to try Gelato alongside 12 other strains without buying separate pens for each, this is the most versatile option.
Flavour authenticity: 6.5/10
Gelato Phenotypes Explained
Gelato #41 (Bacio Gelato): The most popular and widely available phenotype. Creamy, slightly more Indica-leaning. Strong body relaxation with clear mental euphoria. The version available through Sherbinskis.
Gelato #33 (Larry Bird): Named after the basketball legend. Slightly more Sativa-leaning than #41, with a fruitier flavour profile and more uplifting mental effects. Less commonly available in UK disposable format.
Gelato #45: A rare phenotype with enhanced sweetness and slightly lower potency. Less common commercially.
The phenotype number matters because each represents a slightly different genetic expression of the same parent cross. #41 is the industry standard and the one most UK products reference when they say “Gelato.”
Gelato vs Other Sweet Strains
If you enjoy Gelato’s dessert-forward profile, you will likely also enjoy:
Runtz (88% THC, 25 pounds): Zkittlez x Gelato cross. Even sweeter and more candy-forward than pure Gelato. More fruity, less creamy.
Wedding Cake (available through Jungle Boys and others): Rich, vanilla, doughy sweetness. More earthy undertones than Gelato. Slightly more relaxing.
Cereal Milk (available through Zaza): Sweet, milky, breakfast-cereal flavour. Lighter and more playful than Gelato. Good daytime option.
For a full comparison of flavour profiles across all strains, read our Vape Flavours Guide and Terpenes Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gelato vape taste like? Creamy, sweet, and dessert-forward with vanilla and citrus notes. The inhale is smooth and sweet; the exhale has a rich, slightly earthy warmth. Often described as tasting like Italian ice cream.
Is Gelato a Sativa or Indica? Gelato is a hybrid, slightly Indica-dominant (roughly 55% Indica / 45% Sativa). Effects are balanced: mental euphoria with body relaxation. Not sedating enough for pure sleep use, not energising enough for morning productivity. Best for afternoon and evening. Read our Sativa vs Indica guide for more.
Which Gelato vape is best value? The Cali Company at 25 pounds offers the best price-to-flavour ratio. Sherbinskis at 45 pounds offers the most authentic Gelato experience from the strain’s creator.
Is Runtz better than Gelato? Different strengths. Runtz is sweeter and more candy-like. Gelato is creamier and more complex. Runtz has a slight edge on immediate flavour impact. Gelato has more depth and nuance. Both are excellent dessert-profile strains.
Who created Gelato? Mario Guzman (Mr. Sherbinski) in San Francisco. He also created Sunset Sherbert. His brand, Sherbinskis, is the only one in our range from the actual creator of the strain.
Browse all Gelato-carrying brands and our full product range at Cali Pens UK.

