Is Fruit Sorbet Healthier Than Ice Cream? Expert Shares the Differences
When the summer heat hits, everyone looks for ways to cool down and enjoy a sweet treat. For many, ice cream is the go-to dessert. It’s creamy, delicious, and comes in endless flavours. But there’s another option that’s gaining popularity, fruit sorbet. While some people stick to their favourite ice cream, others are starting to wonder if fruit sorbet might be a healthier choice. But what really makes sorbet different from ice cream? And is it actually better for you? Here’s what you need to know.
Fruit sorbet is a frozen dessert made mainly from fruit puree, water, and sugar. Sakshi Singh, Nutritionist, Dietetic Place, Lucknow, explains that it doesn’t contain any milk, cream, or eggs. This makes it a dairy-free option, which is great for people who are lactose intolerant or want to avoid animal products. Sorbet is often lighter and more refreshing than ice cream, with a strong fruit flavour.
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Ice cream is a classic dessert made from cream, milk, sugar, and often eggs. It’s churned while freezing, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture. Ice cream usually contains more fat and calories than sorbet because of the dairy content. It can also have added flavours, chocolate, nuts, or candies.
Sakshi Singh explains that the biggest difference between sorbet and ice cream is the ingredients. “Sorbet is made from fruit and water, so it’s naturally lower in fat and calories. Ice cream, on the other hand, has cream and milk, which adds more fat and makes it richer,” she says. If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan dessert, sorbet is the better choice. But if you want something creamy and filling, ice cream might be more satisfying.
The answer depends on what you’re looking for. Sorbet is usually lower in calories and fat than ice cream. For example, a half-cup serving of fruit sorbet has about 120 calories and almost no fat. The same amount of vanilla ice cream can have 200 calories and 10 grams of fat.
However, sorbet often has just as much, or even more, sugar than ice cream. Some brands add extra sugar to boost the flavour, especially if the fruit is tart. Sakshi Singh warns, “Just because it’s fruit-based doesn’t mean it’s always healthy. Always check the label for added sugars.”
A study published in the journal Nutrients found that while sorbet is lower in fat, it can be high in sugar, especially in store-bought versions. The study suggests making sorbet at home with fresh fruit and less sugar for a healthier treat.
Conclusion
Fruit sorbet can be a healthier option than ice cream if you want something lower in fat and calories. But it’s important to watch out for added sugars. Sakshi Singh recommends checking labels or making your own at home for the healthiest choice. Both treats can fit into a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. The best option depends on your taste, dietary needs, and health goals.
