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Ice cream vs Sherbet - Health impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on November 29, 2020
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Ice cream
vs
Sherbet

Summary

Sherbet is rich in vitamin C. It has higher amounts of carbohydrates and a lower glycemic index and calories. In comparison, ice cream is richer in calcium, zinc, sodium, potassium, vitamins A and B2, protein, and higher amounts of fats and cholesterol.

Introduction

Ice cream is a popular semi-frozen food. Its main ingredients are sugar, cream, flavoring, and milk. Given its composition, ice cream is considered a dairy product because it is mainly done with milk, cream, or butterfat.

We can make ice cream full fat, low fat or reduced fat, and light fat. The fat content of milk in ice cream ranges from 10 to 15%. Light fat ice cream is the one with the lowest composition of milk fat at 5%.

Ice cream can have creamy flavors, like vanilla, chocolate, cookie, etc. In addition, it can be fruity or sweet, like melon, banana, bubble gum, etc.

Sherbet is made from fruit puree, sugar, and very low milk fat, 1-2%. It is a sorbet with added milk fat. Stabilizing elements can be added into sherbets, like vegetable gum, egg yolk, etc.; these stabilizing elements enhance the texture of the sherbet.

Nutritional content comparison

Fat

Ice cream contains more milk fat than sherbet, the fat content of ice cream is higher than the fat content of sherbet.

Ice cream has more saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and cholesterol.

Ice cream contains 6.79g of saturated fat compared to sherbet, which contains 1.16g. The daily recommended value of saturated fat is less than 20g.

The monounsaturated fat content of milk is 2.9g, whereas sherbet contains 0.53g

The cholesterol content of ice cream is 44mg, and sherbet contains far less cholesterol, nearly considered negligible, 1mg.

Sherbet is lower in fat and cholesterol content compared to ice cream.

Protein

Ice cream contains higher amounts of proteins than sherbet due to the dairy content of ice cream. Ice cream has 3.5g of protein compared to sherbet, which has 1.1g.

Carbohydrate

When it comes to carbohydrates, sherbet contains higher carbs (30.4g per 100g) than ice cream (23.6g per 100g). The high amount of carbs is because sherbet is based on fruit puree and added sugar compared to ice cream based on dairy.

The glycemic index of sherbet is lower than the glycemic index of ice cream. Sherbet has a glycemic index of 51 which is the highest level in the low glycemic index range. The glycemic index for ice cream is 61, which is considered a medium glycemic index food.

Calories

Sherbet has 218 calories per 100g, and ice cream has 313 calories per 100g.

Vitamin content comparison

Sherbet is richer in vitamin C compared to ice cream. However, ice cream contains more vitamins A and B2.

The vitamin C content in sherbet is 2.3mg and for ice cream 0.6mg, with the daily requirement being 65-90mg.

Ice cream contains 126mcg of vitamin A, keeping in mind that the daily requirement for males is 900mcg and females are 700mcg. For vitamin B2, the amount in ice cream is 0.24mg, with the daily requirement for males being 1.3mg and for females being 1.1mg.

Ice cream also contains some amounts of vitamin D, B12, B5; however, their amounts are not important.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" chart below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food
:
Contains more Vitamin A +815.2%
Contains more Vitamin E +2900%
Contains more Vitamin D +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +51.9%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +147.4%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +84.1%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +159.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +108.7%
Contains more Folate +25%
Contains more Vitamin B12 +200%
Contains more Vitamin K +∞%
Contains more Vitamin C +283.3%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 26% 6% 6% 2% 11% 56% 3% 35% 12% 4% 49% 1%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 3% 1% 0% 8% 7% 23% 2% 14% 6% 3% 17% 0%
Contains more Vitamin A +815.2%
Contains more Vitamin E +2900%
Contains more Vitamin D +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +51.9%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +147.4%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +84.1%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +159.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +108.7%
Contains more Folate +25%
Contains more Vitamin B12 +200%
Contains more Vitamin K +∞%
Contains more Vitamin C +283.3%

Mineral content comparison

Sherbet and ice cream have similar mineral profiles; however, their distribution is different;

  • Calcium: sherbet contains 54mg, while ice cream contains 128mg. The daily requirement is 1000mg a day.
  • Sodium: sherbet contains 46mg, while ice cream contains 80mg.
  • Zinc: sherbet contains 0.48mg and ice cream 0.69mg. The daily requirement is 8mg for women and 11mg for men.

Ice cream also contains 200mg of potassium.

As seen in the data above, the mineral profile of sherbet and ice cream is similar when content is discussed. However, the amounts are 2-2.5x higher for ice cream.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" chart below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food
Contains more Calcium +137%
Contains more Magnesium +75%
Contains more Phosphorus +162.5%
Contains more Potassium +107.3%
Contains more Zinc +43.8%
Contains more Iron +55.6%
Contains less Sodium -42.5%
Contains more Copper +21.7%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper 39% 4% 10% 45% 18% 11% 19% 8%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper 17% 6% 6% 18% 9% 6% 14% 10%
Contains more Calcium +137%
Contains more Magnesium +75%
Contains more Phosphorus +162.5%
Contains more Potassium +107.3%
Contains more Zinc +43.8%
Contains more Iron +55.6%
Contains less Sodium -42.5%
Contains more Copper +21.7%

Health impacts

Individuals who have cholesterol or blood fat disorders must be careful when consuming ice cream in unmoderated quantities.

Ice cream contains probiotic characteristics that influence the gut bacteria, the normal flora. (1)

Ice cream having a glycemic index above the low threshold contributes to developing acne in teenagers. (2)

Ice cream or sherbets for diabetics

Sherbets sometimes are considered healthier alternatives than ice cream because of the lower fat content. However, the sugar content of sherbets is higher compared to ice cream. For individuals who have diabetes and consider consuming a refreshing dessert, it is better to consume ice cream in low amounts instead of sherbets.

Varieties

Sherbets and ice creams have a wide range of flavors. Thus, the mineral, macronutrient, and vitamin contents can vary accordingly.

A vanilla ice cream has different sugar and fat content compared to brownie or cookie ice cream.

Similarly, sherbets with different flavors like raspberry, lemon, orange have different vitamin and mineral differences. These changes do not necessarily mean a drastic change in the vitamin and mineral contents; however, we must consider the variation.

A famous party beverage is the sherbet punch. The sherbet punch is made with different fruit juices or lime soda (7up). We must consider the sugar content because the amount of sugar tends to be high in them.

Ice cream has an above low-level threshold glycemic indaex and is associated with acne formation in teenagers. Moderate amounts of ice cream are recommended to be consumed to prevent acne.

Another aspect of both sherbet and ice cream is in the methods of producing them. Additives are usually added that can be harmful to the body and gut microbiomes. It is recommended to avoid ice creams and sherbets that have additives in them.

References

  1. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-384947-2.00385-8
  2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-5945-12-13
Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: November 29, 2020

Infographic

Ice cream vs Sherbet infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Protein +218.2%
Contains more Fats +450%
Contains more Other +125%
Contains more Carbs +28.8%
Equal in Water - 66.1
4% 11% 24% 61%
Protein: 3.5 g
Fats: 11 g
Carbs: 23.6 g
Water: 61 g
Other: 0.9 g
2% 30% 66%
Protein: 1.1 g
Fats: 2 g
Carbs: 30.4 g
Water: 66.1 g
Other: 0.4 g
Contains more Protein +218.2%
Contains more Fats +450%
Contains more Other +125%
Contains more Carbs +28.8%
Equal in Water - 66.1

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +460.2%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +465%
Contains less Saturated Fat -82.9%
66% 29% 4%
Saturated Fat: 6.79 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.969 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.452 g
66% 30% 5%
Saturated Fat: 1.16 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.53 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.08 g
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +460.2%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +465%
Contains less Saturated Fat -82.9%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the most right column. It shows the amounts side by side, making it easier to realize the amount of difference.
Ice cream Sherbet
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in glycemic index ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in minerals ok
Rich in vitamins ok

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Ice cream Sherbet Opinion
Net carbs 22.9g 29.1g Sherbet
Protein 3.5g 1.1g Ice cream
Fats 11g 2g Ice cream
Carbs 23.6g 30.4g Sherbet
Calories 207kcal 144kcal Ice cream
Sugar 21.22g 24.32g Ice cream
Fiber 0.7g 1.3g Sherbet
Calcium 128mg 54mg Ice cream
Iron 0.09mg 0.14mg Sherbet
Magnesium 14mg 8mg Ice cream
Phosphorus 105mg 40mg Ice cream
Potassium 199mg 96mg Ice cream
Sodium 80mg 46mg Sherbet
Zinc 0.69mg 0.48mg Ice cream
Copper 0.023mg 0.028mg Sherbet
Vitamin A 421IU 46IU Ice cream
Vitamin A RAE 118µg 12µg Ice cream
Vitamin E 0.3mg 0.01mg Ice cream
Vitamin D 8IU 0IU Ice cream
Vitamin D 0.2µg 0µg Ice cream
Vitamin C 0.6mg 2.3mg Sherbet
Vitamin B1 0.041mg 0.027mg Ice cream
Vitamin B2 0.24mg 0.097mg Ice cream
Vitamin B3 0.116mg 0.063mg Ice cream
Vitamin B5 0.581mg 0.224mg Ice cream
Vitamin B6 0.048mg 0.023mg Ice cream
Folate 5µg 4µg Ice cream
Vitamin B12 0.39µg 0.13µg Ice cream
Vitamin K 0.3µg 0µg Ice cream
Tryptophan 0.045mg Ice cream
Threonine 0.146mg Ice cream
Isoleucine 0.195mg Ice cream
Leucine 0.316mg Ice cream
Lysine 0.258mg Ice cream
Methionine 0.081mg Ice cream
Phenylalanine 0.157mg Ice cream
Valine 0.217mg Ice cream
Histidine 0.088mg Ice cream
Cholesterol 44mg 1mg Sherbet
Saturated Fat 6.79g 1.16g Sherbet
Omega-3 - EPA 0.003g 0g Ice cream
Monounsaturated Fat 2.969g 0.53g Ice cream
Polyunsaturated fat 0.452g 0.08g Ice cream

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Ice cream Sherbet
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low glycemic index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores show how much of your all daily needs across all vitamins or minerals this food would cover if you took three 100 grams servings of it (approximation of 3 serving sizes)
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
17%
Ice cream
7%
Sherbet
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
19%
Ice cream
10%
Sherbet

Comparison summary

Which food contains less Sodium?
Sherbet
Sherbet contains less Sodium (difference - 34mg)
Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Sherbet
Sherbet is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 43mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Sherbet
Sherbet is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 5.63g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Sherbet
Sherbet is lower in glycemic index (difference - 3)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Ice cream
Ice cream is lower in Sugar (difference - 3.1g)
Which food is cheaper?
Ice cream
Ice cream is cheaper (difference - $2)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Ice cream
Ice cream is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Ice cream
Ice cream is relatively richer in vitamins

References

The source of all the nutrient values on the page (excluding the main article the sources for which are presented separately if present) is the USDA's FoodCentral. The exact links to the foods presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Ice cream - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167575/nutrients
  2. Sherbet - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167577/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000 calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.