Sherbet vs. Sorbet: What’s the Difference?
Updated: Nov. 24, 2023
Even some of the most avid ice cream lovers are still having the great sherbet vs. sorbet debate!
Everybody loves a frozen treats and slushy drinks and lucky for us, there are plenty of different types to choose from (we even tested the best fast food ice cream for you). I love a creamy bowl of ice cream after dinner which makes sherbets and sorbets the perfect choice for me. Both are frozen. Both are decadent. Both are refreshing and fruity!
They’re both a fantastic way to end the day. It seems that the desserts have so much in common, so much that it’s sometimes hard to tell them apart. It got me thinking, sherbet vs sorbet…what is the difference?
What is Sherbet?
In a nutshell, sherbet is the fruitier cousin of ice cream. It’s got a pastel color and rich, creamy texture. It’s filled with fruity flavors from raspberry to orange to lime—or for rainbow sherbet, all three. It can be hard to tell, but sherbet differs from sorbet in that it’s made with fruit, water and dairy. Whether it’s milk or heavy cream, sherbet gets its lush creaminess from some added dairy. It’s a perfect combo of the creaminess of ice cream without the added fat, and the fruitiness of sorbet with a little extra decadence.
Sherbet can be an exceptional addition to milkshakes and smoothies because of its creamy texture, so keep that in mind next time you’re whipping up some goods for girls’ night!
What is Sorbet?
Unlike sherbet or ice cream, sorbet does not contain any dairy or eggs whatsoever. This frozen delight is made from fruit puree and water. Simple, right? It’s one of the oldest and most traditional ways of making dessert, but is probably most famous in Italy. It’s cool, fruity and refreshing, which is a perfect cure for any sore throat or itchy cough.
Sorbet is also extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in a huge range of flavors from raspberry to mango to coconut. Even better, it’s a great option for people who want dairy-free frozen desserts.
Now that you know the difference between sherbet and sorbet, whip up a batch at home!
Cool Recipes for Ice Cream, Sherbets and Sorbets
Pumpkin pie is the perfect southern comfort food that everyone has on their table at the holidays, but truthfully, I want those cozy flavors any time of year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Forester, Memphis, Tennessee
Dish it out with the best ice cream scoop.
Easy Chocolate Ice CreamThis super simple chocolate ice cream is the perfect treat at a moments notice. It's also a bonus that most of the ingredients are kitchen staples. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Make sure you have the best ice cream maker for your style.
Rhubarb Crumble Ice CreamThis rhubarb crumble ice cream combines two of my favorite desserts into one fantastic creation! If you close your eyes, it actually tastes like you're taking a bite of fresh rhubarb crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Throw this into a waffle cone and enjoy a classic summertime treat! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Use a waffle cone maker to add another special homemade touch. Check out more unique ice cream flavors.
Best Banana Ice CreamMy son-in-law says this is the best banana ice cream he’s ever had. It’s always requested at family gatherings. —Donna Robbins, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Triple Chocolate Ricotta Ice CreamYou're going to fall in love with this thick, rich chocolate ricotta ice cream. It has a creamy texture that can't be beat. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice CreamAfter sampling this flavor at an ice cream stand, I kept trying to duplicate it until it was just right. This blueberry cheesecake ice cream is a hit! —Melissa Symington, Neche, North Dakota
London Fog Ice CreamI took one of my favorite coffee shop beverages and turned it into this elegant London fog ice cream. For a star dessert, serve it with lemon sandwich cookies or in a simple glass rimmed with sugar, lavender and lemon zest. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Raspberry Ice Cream in a BagMaking homemade ice cream is fun for the whole family, and the fresh raspberry flavor of this treat makes it a perfect summer activity. Kids can shake the bags until the liquid changes to ice cream and then enjoy the reward! —Erin Hoffman, Canby, Minnesota
Homemade Vanilla Ice CreamWe don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. It's the perfect base for our best ice cream sundae ideas, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Georgia Peach Ice CreamMy state is well known for growing amazing peaches. This ice cream has been a family favorite for more than 50 years! —Marguerite Ethridge, Americus, Georgia
Refreshing Rhubarb Ice CreamNo matter where my military family is stationed, this ice cream always makes me think of my parents’ backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii
Old-Time Custard Ice CreamI think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and is the perfect splurge on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
Rhubarb Ice CreamYou don't need an ice cream freezer to make this rich refreshing treat. Years ago, we had a big rhubarb patch. A neighbor who knew I loved ice cream shared this recipe with me. —Jan Douglas, Dent, Minnesota
Buttermilk Peach Ice CreamMy mother's family owned peach orchards in Missouri. I live in Tennessee, a top consumer of buttermilk. This summery ice cream combines my past and present. —Kim Higginbotham, Knoxville, Tennessee
Red Curry-Pandan Ice CreamThe curry and coconut flavors are subtle, allowing the flavor of pandan leaves to shine. Pandan is a tropical plant that grows in Southeast Asia with a naturally sweet, bright flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chocolate Crunch Ice CreamMaking ice cream goes smoothly when you do prep work in advance. I make the custard ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Plus, I toast the almonds beforehand and separate my add-ins into labeled containers. —Rosalie Peters, Caldwell, Texas
Pumpkin Ice CreamThis recipe really captures the flavor of fall. It's good with or without the gingersnaps.
Originally Published: November 08, 2018
