Sorbet vs. Ice Cream vs. Sherbet (2024)

FAQs

Sorbet vs. Ice Cream vs. Sherbet? ›

Unlike ice cream, sherbet uses fruit juice or fruit purée as its main ingredient and typically only has a small amount of dairy. Sorbet also uses fruit juice or purée as its main ingredient, but it doesn't contain any dairy products or eggs.

On the flipside nutritionally, sherbet and sherbert will have more nutrients (even if more saturated fat) than sorbet. "Sherbet generally has some addition of dairy, though less than ice cream, and therefore, it will have more protein and minerals like calcium than sorbet," she says.

Sorbet has just two main ingredients: fruit and sugar. There may also be some water, flavorings, or acid added to it, but it's essentially blended fruit that's churned and then frozen. No dairy is added to sorbet, which is how it is different from ice cream.

In comparing sorbet and gelato, the latter has more calories and fat because it contains milk. Sorbet is just fruit juice and sugar (no dairy) and has fewer calories, so many consider it the healthier option.

The main difference? Sherbet contains dairy while sorbet has no dairy. Sherbet (not “sherbert” as it's often mispronounced) incorporates a small amount of dairy, such as milk, cream or buttermilk, which give scoops a richer, creamier consistency as with this Raspberry Buttermilk Sherbet recipe (pictured above).

But if you're watching your blood-sugar levels, then sorbets aren't the best choice because they raise blood sugar quicker." I used to think sorbets were the healthier treat of the summer. But Joy explained they tend to contain more sugar than ice cream or gelatos.

In fact, the biggest difference between sorbet and Italian ice may be their origin. Italian ice is the Italian version of creamy dairy-free ice while sorbet is of French origin. In addition, sorbets often contain liquor flavors while Italian ices do not generally contain alcohol but may compliment it well.

Like ice cream, gelato uses milk, cream, and sugar, but it differs in proportions. Gelato uses less cream and more milk than ice cream and typically contains no egg yolks or eggs at all. Gelato is served slightly warmer than American ice cream and is also churned at a slower rate, introducing less air into the product.

Nutritional Panel. The Island Way Sorbet at Costco serving size is 1 fruit shell sorbet. There are about 12 servings per container. There is a range from 70 to 190 calories per serving (coconut flavor being the highest).

Without fat from dairy or eggs, it's the suspension of sugar within the fruit purée that allows the sorbet to churn into something with a creamy mouthfeel. You need 20-30% sugar in your sorbet, which will come from your fruit plus some added sugar.

Does sorbet have eggs? ›

Sorbet (pronounced [ sawr-bey ]) is a creamy frozen concoction made from fruit juice or fruit purée that does not contain any dairy products or eggs.

One major difference between sorbet from ice cream and yogurt is that, it does not contain any dairy. So if you're vegan, on a diet, trying to lose weight or are just allergic to dairy, then sorbet is the best frozen delight for you.

As with all things, the definition of healthy depends who you ask and what you're after. In general though, since sorbet is typically made with just two main ingredients - water and fruit - a traditionally prepared sorbet is often lower calorie and "cleaner" than sherbet or ice cream.

Both are derived from the Turkish and Persian words şerbet and sharbat respectively. In turn, they are ultimately derived from the Arabic word for 'drink', sharba. The difference appears to be an American distinction between an ice that has a small amount of dairy (sherbet) and one that has none (sorbet).

A bright and fresh scoop, Lemon Sorbet is the perfect complement to all your spring yays.

Sherbet typically has almost double the carbohydrates of ice cream, states Cotey. If you're looking for a frozen treat from time to time, search out a product lower in sugar, carbs and saturated fats. Also be mindful of serving size. Most people scoop out far more than what's recommended.

For a totally ice-based dessert, try sorbet. At heart, it's just sugar and fruit cooked together and then frozen in an ice cream maker. There's no dairy in the mix, so it's safe for cholesterol levels. It has a similar texture and flavor to Italian ice, and tends to come in a variety of fruity flavors.

Sorbet is made up of fruit juices, syrup and water.

One cup of an all-fruit sorbet has 184 calories, 34 grams of sugar, 46.2 grams of carbohydrates and no fat. While no fat is good, sorbet is high in sugar and doesn't have any calcium, like milk-based frozen treats do.