Sherbet, orange
Whole food · Sweets
Orange sherbet is a vibrant, frozen dessert that strikes a perfect balance between the tartness of citrus and the sweetness of a sorbet, with a smoother, creamier texture due to the inclusion of milk or buttermilk. Its bright, refreshing flavor and light, icy mouthfeel make it a classic palate cleanser and a nostalgic treat. Nutritionally, it's a lower-fat alternative to ice cream but remains a significant source of simple sugars.
Calorie split: 3% protein · 84% carbs · 13% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love orange sherbet for its intensely refreshing, sweet-tart flavor that perfectly captures the essence of ripe oranges in a cool, creamy format. It's a versatile treat, enjoyed on its own, as a float with soda, or as a vibrant component in dessert parfaits and holiday punch bowls.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (24g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it a concern for diabetics or those monitoring sugar intake. To counteract this, practice strict portion control (stick to a 1/2 cup serving) and consider pairing it with a source of protein or healthy fat, like a handful of nuts, to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Contains less fat than traditional ice cream.
- Offers a refreshing, hydrating treat in warm weather.
- Can be a lighter dessert option for calorie-conscious individuals.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The word 'sherbet' derives from the Persian 'sharbat,' which referred to a sweetened, chilled fruit juice drink, and it traveled to Europe via the Ottoman Empire before evolving into the frozen dessert we know today.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 66.1 g |
| Energy | 144 kcal |
| Energy | 602 kj |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 2.0 g |
| Ash | 0.40 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 30.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 24.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 54.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.14 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 40.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 96.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 46.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.48 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.3 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 0.06 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.22 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.02 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 7.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.13 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 12.0 ug |
| Retinol | 12.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 5.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 46.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 7.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.58 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.17 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.53 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.47 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.08 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 1.0 mg |
FAQ
What's the difference between sherbet and sorbet?
Sherbet contains a small amount of dairy (milk, buttermilk, or cream), giving it a slightly creamier texture and smoother mouthfeel than sorbet, which is made solely from fruit juice, water, and sugar.
Is orange sherbet dairy-free?
No, traditional orange sherbet contains milk or buttermilk. For a dairy-free alternative, look for products labeled as orange sorbet or orange ice.
Can I use orange sherbet in cocktails?
Absolutely! It's a popular ingredient in punches and can be blended with spirits like vodka or rum for a creamy, slushy cocktail. It also makes a great float with champagne or prosecco.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.44 kcal/g · 3% calories from protein · 1.3 g fiber · 24.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.48 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.