How Do Sorbet, Sherbet, and Sherbert Differ?

Nothing beats scooping up a serving of sorbet, sherbet, or sherbert on a warm day or as a refreshing post-meal treat. And in most cases, these frozen delights are healthier than indulging in a slice of cake or pie, making them a great option to satisfy your sweet tooth without piling on excess carbs and calories.

Despite their similar appearance and taste, these frosty fruity treats do have some notable differences.

It's important to understand what makes each one unique, how they differ in taste and texture, and whether they are safe for your diet, especially if you're managing dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance. (Some of them contain dairy, while others don't!)

Many assume that sorbet, sherbet, and sherbert are all dairy-free, given that they're not as creamy as traditional ice cream or gelato. However, just because these treats are icier and more hydrating, it doesn't mean they’re made up of only fruit and water.

Here’s a breakdown of what sorbet, sherbet, and sherbert are made of, along with their differences in taste, texture, and nutritional profile, according to Seattle-based registered dietitian and nutrition expert, Ginger Hultin, MS RDN, author of 'Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep' and 'How to Eat to Beat Disease Cookbook.'

What Is Sorbet?

If you're lactose intolerant, sensitive to eggs, or following a vegan diet that excludes both dairy and eggs, sorbet is the perfect refreshing option for a fruity frozen treat this summer.

"Sorbet is made from fruit and typically contains no dairy, eggs, or cream, making it a great option for vegans or those with allergies to dairy or eggs," she explains. The natural fruit flavor gives sorbet its refreshing, icy texture, which is distinct from the creaminess or richness that ice cream or sherbet may have. You can even add alcohol for a twist, like in the recipe for Limoncello Lemon Sorbet (pictured above).

What Is Sherbet?

"Sherbet is made from fruit and includes dairy, such as milk or cream, so it’s not suitable for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, which might come as a surprise to some! Egg whites or gelatin are sometimes used as well, and federal regulations require that sherbet must contain 1-2% butterfat. So, despite its fruity base, sherbet is actually closer to ice cream due to the presence of milk, cream, and butterfat," she says.

"While ice cream is made from dairy with various add-ins, such as fruit, sherbet, on the other hand, is primarily made from fruit purée and becomes creamy through the addition of a small amount of dairy," explains Hultin.

This highly-rated Watermelon Sherbet recipe (shown above) uses heavy cream, making it incredibly indulgent and rich in texture. The great part is that if you're looking for a frozen treat that mimics ice cream but is lower in calories and saturated fat, sherbet is a much more diet-friendly alternative.

"It generally contains less saturated fat than ice cream," she notes, because it's made with fruit purée and includes milk, cream, or butterfat—but in much smaller amounts compared to traditional ice cream.

What Is Sherbert?

The difference between the two is minimal. According to Merriam-Webster, "Sherbet" and "sherbert" are interchangeable terms. The word "sherbet" is just the commonly accepted American version, she explains. So for simplicity, we can treat them as the same: a fruit-based treat with a small amount of dairy to add a touch of creaminess, setting it apart from dairy-free sorbet.

"In British English, however, sherbert refers to a completely different item—a sweet, fizzy powder that you mix with water to make a sparkling drink," she adds. So, if you're in the U.K. and order sherbert, you'll likely get a beverage, while in the U.S., you'll be served sherbet.

How Do They Compare?

To be honest, all three options tend to be quite high in sugars, especially added sugars. While they might be a lighter alternative to something like a slice of cake or a fried dessert, it's best to stick to a single serving and opt for lower-sugar varieties when possible.

"Both sherbet and sorbet are naturally high in added sugars, but the main difference lies in the presence of dairy," she explains. "If you're vegan or have a food allergy, sorbet would be a better choice," she adds.

In terms of nutrition, sorbet is the healthiest option because it doesn’t contain milk, cream, or butterfat, which all contribute to higher saturated fat levels. "Sorbet is typically much lower in saturated fat unless it's made with coconut milk, in which case it might have a similar or even higher fat content than sherbet," she says. Be sure to check labels or ask when dining out to see if coconut milk is included.

On the other hand, sherbet and sherbert tend to offer more nutrients (though also more saturated fat) than sorbet. "Sherbet usually contains some dairy, though less than ice cream, which means it has more protein and minerals like calcium compared to sorbet," she says.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you prioritize in your diet and how you incorporate sorbet, sherbet, or sherbert into your overall daily intake of calories, and both micro- and macro-nutrients.