Sherbet vs. Ice Cream: Which Is Better?

What Is the Difference Between Sherbet and Ice Cream?

Sherbet (sometimes called sherbert) is a frozen dessert typically containing fruit puree, water, sugar, small amounts of dairy, and sometimes egg whites or gelatin. Because it uses less dairy, sherbet has a lower fat content than ice cream. Its texture is lighter, and its sweet fruit flavor appeals to those seeking a fruity treat. 

Traditional ice cream, in contrast, is made primarily from dairy products such as cream and milk, along with sugar and often egg yolks. It must contain 10 to 15% milk fat, which gives it a smooth, velvety texture and a denser mouthfeel. Nutritionally, ice cream tends to have higher fat content and calories, while sherbet is usually lower in calories and fat but may contain more added sugars. 

Which One Is Better: Sherbet or Ice Cream?

When deciding between sherbet and ice cream, it's important to remember that neither is inherently better than the other. The choice depends on personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or health goals.

Ice cream contains more saturated fat, contributing to its creaminess, while sherbet is lighter in texture and often offers a fruitier taste. Both desserts have sugar and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re trying to cut back on saturated fat, sherbet may be a good choice, but the nutritional differences are small. And while both contain some vitamins and minerals, ice cream and sherbet aren’t typically consumed for their micronutrient content.

Overall, you can put sherbet and ice cream in the same category: treats to consume mindfully. Overindulging in either can lead to excess sugar and calorie intake, but if your diet is full of healthy fat, lean protein, and high-fiber foods, both sherbet and ice cream can be enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition

There are several minor differences when examining ice cream and sherbet's macronutrients and sugar content. Sherbet typically contains fewer calories and less fat, primarily made with fruit puree and water.

In contrast, ice cream's creamy texture comes from its higher fat content, which often results in more calories per serving. Both contain added sugar, with sherbet sometimes having slightly higher sugar levels. However, ice cream has fewer carbohydrates, which is something to consider if you monitor your total carb intake. 

The following table compares the nutritional content of a half-cup of orange sherbet and a half-cup of vanilla ice cream. Remember that the nutritional content can vary depending on the flavor, extra ingredients (like fudge or caramel swirls), sweeteners, and whether the ice cream is made with low-fat or full-fat dairy.

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose levels. Foods with a high GI can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, while those with a lower GI are digested more slowly, increasing glucose levels more gradually.³ 

Due to their sugar content, many desserts have a moderate to high GI. The type of ice cream (and anything added to it) can change the GI, but research suggests that ice cream has a GI of around 62, making it a moderate-GI food. There isn’t much research concerning the GI of sherbet, but using the above example, the higher sugar levels and lower fat content likely give it a slightly higher GI than ice cream.

Vitamins

Sherbet and ice cream offer different vitamin profiles, primarily due to their ingredients. Sherbet often includes fruit juice and puree, which can provide slightly more of certain vitamins like vitamin C. In contrast, ice cream may contain more fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A and D and choline (a nutrient needed for cell membranes and brain health, among other functions) from the milk used to make the ice cream.⁴

Here's a comparison of the vitamins found in a half-cup serving of each dessert (assuming orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream):

Minerals

Once again, mineral content can vary significantly between sherbet and ice cream, primarily due to their differing ingredients. Overall, ice cream tends to contain more minerals due to the milk used to make it. 

Ice cream contains more potassium, which is essential for muscle contraction and healthy blood pressure levels. Its dairy components also contribute to its higher calcium content, which supports bone health.

The table below outlines the mineral content of a half-cup serving for both desserts: