Here at Baskin-Robbins®, we like to celebrate the sweet signs of summer with a refreshing scoop of our favorites. With classic flavors like Rainbow Sherbet and Rocky Road you may be wondering, “what’s the difference between sorbet, sherbet and ice cream?” We’ve got your back with the inside scoop on the differences between these classic frozen treats.
To start with the basics, two common components between these frozen desserts are water and sugar. These simple building blocks are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. You can also view this TikTok for morefor insight into the differences between these unique sweet treats!
Sorbet:
One of the first frozen treats ever developed were ices (orsorbets), which essentially are a mixture of smooth ice, sugar, flavoring and other refreshing ingredients like fruit purees. A sorbet does not contain any dairy products and is more acidic, which results in tart flavors. Another difference between sorbet and ice cream is it is a sweet alternative for those with non-dairy* dietary needs or lifestyle preferences. Celebrate this spring with a palette cleansing scoop of our Daiquiri Ice and be on the lookout for a new sorbet flavor coming to Baskin-Robbins this May.
Ice Cream:
At the other end of the spectrum isice cream, which includes dairy ingredients, sweeteners, flavors and has at least 10% milk fat. Ice cream is also less dense and has a creamy texture and appearance. Visit our Flavor Newspageto stay up to date on all our new Flavors of the Month and fan-favorites likeTax Crunch® and Matcha Latte.
Sherbet:
Sherbet(pronounced SHER-bet) falls in between sorbet and ice cream and includes dairy ingredients (in small amounts, about 1-2%), but it is distinctly different from ice cream in flavor and texture. Sherbet typically uses citric acid, which can make for more of a tart taste. A guest favorite that you may be familiar with is ourRainbow Sherbet, which has delicious fruit flavors of raspberry, pineapple and orange blended into a perfectly refreshing bite. You can also try our Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet, which features green apple, blue raspberryand fruit punch flavors.
As you can see, these sweet treats are all a little different, but the one thing they have in common is their availability at your local Baskin-Robbins. You can enjoy our frozen desserts right at home with “no contact” delivery viaDoorDash, Uber Eatsor Postmates, or you can place an order atorder.baskinrobbins.comor through the Baskin-Robbins mobile app forpickup via drive-thru, carry-out or curbside where available.
Do you love our sorbet, ice cream and sherbet flavors? Let us know your favorite on Instagram, TikTok,Twitter and Facebook.
To stay up to date on all things Baskin-Robbins, sign up for our email news alerts atnews.baskinrobbins.com/alerts.
*Non-dairy means that the item is made without dairy-containing ingredients. Although the following items do not contain ingredients with dairy, there is always a chance for cross-contact with dairy from other products in the restaurant. Given the likelihood of cross-contact in our restaurants, this is not suitable for people with a milk allergy.
FAQs
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.
Which is healthier ice cream sherbet or sorbet? ›
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.
Does sorbet have milk in it? ›
A sorbet does not contain any dairy products and is more acidic, which results in tart flavors. Another difference between sorbet and ice cream is it is a sweet alternative for those with non-dairy* dietary needs or lifestyle preferences.
Does sorbet have eggs? ›
That's right, sorbet is made with fruit but no eggs, milk, or cream, so it's generally vegan-friendly and suits those with egg or dairy allergies.
What's the difference between gelato and sorbet? ›
Texture and taste: Gelato has a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes taste buds sing. It is much denser and thicker than sorbet because of the dairy and the slower churning process, making it less airy.
Is sorbet or gelato healthier? ›
Frequently Asked Questions. Which is a healthier option: sorbet or gelato? 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.
Is sorbet actually healthy? ›
Sorbet has less calories than ice cream and other frozen desserts, and no fat. It's fruit content also makes it rich in vitamin C. Any downsides? That fruit content also means it contains a fair bit of sugar, and if we're comparing it with ice cream and gelato, it has less calcium, vitamin A and iron.
Is Costco sorbet dairy free? ›
Allergy Info
Island Way Sorbet at Costco contains dairy from cow's milk. The product is also processed on equipment that has processed egg, wheat, milk, and tree nuts (including coconut).
What is gelato made of? ›
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.
Why is sorbet so delicious? ›
Unlike ice cream, sorbet is low in calories, but high in flavor. Basically, it's an ice without the cream, packed full of fruity, delicious flavors. It is one of the most elegant and satisfying treats you can enjoy.
With no eggs or cream present in the recipe, sorbet contains fewer calories and less fat compared to traditional ice cream. This makes it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Why is my sorbet icy? ›
Some are very sweet, others are more mellow, tart, or even savory. Some boast floral, herbal, or spicy notes. There are even adult-only boozy sorbets. Too little sweetener and your sorbet will be icy; too much sweetener and it will be mushy.
Can vegans eat sorbet? ›
Generally, yes, sorbet is vegan-friendly due to its plant-based ingredients.
Is Italian ice just sorbet? ›
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.
Which frozen dessert melts the slowest? ›
Since ice cream tends to have more saturated fat than frozen yogurt, it would make sense that ice cream will melt slower than frozen yogurt and sorbet.
What makes sorbet creamy? ›
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.
Which ice cream is best for health? ›
Gelato (also the Italian word for ice cream) is usually considered a healthier option than soft serve and hard ice cream. The refreshing dessert is specifically made with a higher proportion of milk to cream, creating less fat than traditional ice cream, says Mary Sabat, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns by Mary.
Is sherbert better for you than ice cream? ›
If you're watching your waistline, sherbet may be a better dessert choice than ice cream because it usually contains fewer calories. While a 1/2-cup serving of vanilla ice cream contains 137 calories on average, the same portion of orange sherbet contains just 107 calories.
Is Rainbow sherbet healthier than ice cream? ›
Because it does contain some milk, sherbet has 80 milligrams of calcium per cup, which is about what's in a quarter cup of milk. Sorbet and sherbet are both lower in calories than the rich, high-fat “gourmet” ice creams.
Which is healthier ice cream frozen yogurt or sherbet? ›
Overall, if you are looking for a cold, delicious dessert that won't be too fatty or high in calories, frozen yogurt can be a healthier option than ice cream and gelato. Because froyo can have probiotics and minerals, it offers numerous health benefits.
