Cool and creamy desserts steal the spotlight from late spring throughout the hot summer months.
Treats likehomemade ice cream, fruity granitas, andicebox piescan bring refreshing relief on those warm days.
Don’t forget to add sorbet and sherbet to your list of frosty favorites.

Credit: Juanmonino/Getty Images
These two frozen desserts really embrace the bounty of fresh fruit available this time of year.
While very similar, there are some distinctions between the two.
Here are the differences between sorbet and sherbet.
What Is Sorbet?
Sorbet is made from two main ingredients: fruit and sugar.
Restaurants use sorbet as a palate cleanser during multi-course meals because its fruity flavor is extra refreshing.
Don’t mistake sorbet for granita or Italian Ice.
Unlike sorbets, which are smooth-churned, granita purees are poured into a pan and placed in the freezer.
The surface is scraped multiple times as it freezes, creating coarse, icy flakes.
What Is Sherbet?
But there is one key difference, because sherbets include an additional ingredient: dairy.
Sherbet can also contain other animal products to add to the creamy texture, like eggsor gelatin.
So if you’re looking for a vegan ordairy-free dessert, choose sorbet over sherbet.
How Sherbet And Sorbet Textures Differ
Sherbet and sorbet have different textures.
Because a sorbet lacks dairy, the consistency often feels drier, icier, and more textured.
Sherbet also has a softer feel when scooped.
Is Sorbet Healthier Than Ice Cream?
Sorbet is low-fat and lower in calories than most ice creams due to the lack of dairy.
However, sorbet can be loaded with corn syrup or sugar.
If you’re looking for a healthier choice, check the labels for nutritional information.
If you’re planning a party, toss a few scoops of sherbet into afizzy punch.
Sorbet can be served with cut fruit, a crisp cookie, or shortbread.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Standard for Ice Cream, Effective October 29, 1977.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.
American Institute for Cancer Research.The Difference Between Sherbet and Sorbet?