Cherry Italian Ice
Cherry Italian Ice is a refreshing, frozen dessert made from sweetened cherry juice or puree, water, and sometimes a touch of lemon juice, churned to a smooth, granita-like consistency. It originated in Italian-American communities, particularly in cities like Philadelphia, as a lighter alternative to ice cream. The dish is beloved for its bright, fruity flavor and icy texture, especially popular during hot summer months.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This treat is primarily a source of quick energy from carbohydrates, with minimal fat and protein. A typical half-cup serving contains around 100-150 calories, offering small amounts of vitamin C from the cherries but is otherwise low in essential nutrients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 33 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Potassium | 80 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 10 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
| Copper | 0.02 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Cherry Italian Ice is a staple of East Coast street fairs and Italian-American bakeries, often sold from pushcarts. Nutritionally, its appeal lies in being a dairy-free, lower-fat frozen dessert option, though it's high in natural and added sugars.
