Smoothie vs. Sorbet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
A smoothie is a thick, blended beverage made from fruits, vegetables, and sometimes dairy, while a sorbet is a frozen dessert made from sweetened water and fruit puree or juice.
Difference Between Smoothie and Sorbet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Smoothies are beverages that are typically blended to a thick consistency using a combination of fruits, vegetables, juices, yogurt, milk, or ice. They can serve as a meal replacement or a supplement due to their nutritional content, which often includes fiber, vitamins, and sometimes protein or other supplements.
Sorbet, in contrast, is a frozen dessert made primarily from sweetened water and fruit puree or juice. It does not contain dairy, which differentiates it from ice cream or gelato. Sorbets are often enjoyed as a light, refreshing dessert or palate cleanser and are noted for their intense fruit flavor.
A smoothie is consumed for its health benefits as well as its taste. It is often rich and filling, making it suitable for a quick breakfast or an energizing snack. People who consume smoothies may be looking for a healthful drink that can also serve as sustenance.
Sorbet is appreciated for its sweet tartness and is more likely to be consumed as a dessert or snack rather than a meal. It is not typically considered a health food but rather a treat, despite its fruit content, because it usually contains more added sugar compared to a smoothie.
The texture is another distinguishing factor: smoothies have a creamy texture due to the inclusion of bananas, yogurt, or milk, while sorbet is icy and granular. Both can be flavored with a wide variety of ingredients, but smoothies tend to have a wider range because they can include non-fruit items such as nuts, seeds, protein powders, and sweeteners.
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Comparison Chart
Ingredients
Fruits, vegetables, dairy, ice, supplements.
Sweetened water, fruit puree or juice.
Texture
Thick and creamy.
Icy and granular.
Dairy Content
May contain dairy.
Dairy-free.
Purpose
Meal replacement or supplement.
Dessert or palate cleanser.
Nutritional Value
Can be high in nutrients.
Often high in sugar, lower in nutrients.
Compare with Definitions
Smoothie
A thick, creamy beverage made from blended fruits and/or vegetables
I started my day with a green smoothie for breakfast.
Sorbet
A sweet treat often used as a palate cleanser between courses
We were served a small sorbet to cleanse our palates.
Smoothie
A drink often made with a dairy base like milk or yogurt
She made a banana smoothie with almond milk.
Sorbet
A frozen dessert made from sweetened water and fruit flavoring
The lemon sorbet was refreshingly tart.
Smoothie
A blended mixture that can include supplements such as protein powder
His post-workout smoothie always includes a scoop of protein.
Sorbet
A dairy-free alternative to ice cream
He chose raspberry sorbet because he's lactose intolerant.
Smoothie
A versatile drink that can be tailored to dietary needs
Her smoothie included flaxseed and oat milk.
Sorbet
An icy concoction served in scoops
The mango sorbet melted quickly in the summer heat.
Smoothie
A smoothie or smoothy is a drink made from pureed raw fruit and/or vegetables, using a blender. A smoothie often has a liquid base such as fruit juice, dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, ice cream or cottage cheese.
Sorbet
A dessert with a granular texture and intense fruit taste
The strawberry sorbet tasted like fresh berries.
Smoothie
A man with a smooth, suave manner
I love to see him gliding his way round a dance floor, he is such a smoothie!
Sorbet
Sorbet (), also called "Italian ice" or "water ice", is a frozen dessert made from sugar-sweetened water with flavoring – typically fruit juice, fruit purée, wine, liqueur or honey. Generally sorbets do not contain dairy ingredients, while sherbets do.
Smoothie
A thick, smooth drink of fresh fruit pureed with milk, yogurt, or ice cream.
Sorbet
A frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice or fruit purée, sugar, and water.
Smoothie
(Informal) A person regarded as being assured and artfully ingratiating in manner.
Sorbet
Frozen fruit juice, sometimes mixed with egg whites, eaten as dessert or between courses of a meal.
Smoothie
A drink that is made of fruit or sometimes vegetables and is blended with juice, milk, or yogurt and often ice until smooth.
Sorbet
A kind of beverage; sherbet.
Smoothie
A smooth-talking person.
Sorbet
An ice containing milk
Smoothie
A drink made from whole fruit, thus thicker than fruit juice.
Smoothie
(figurative) A blending of different things, a mishmash
Smoothie
A member of the mod subculture who is relatively non-violent and wears expensive clothing.
Smoothie
Someone with an assured and ingratiating manner
Smoothie
A thick smooth drink consisting of fresh fruit pureed with ice cream or yoghurt or milk
Smoothie
A convenient on-the-go meal or snack option
For a quick lunch, I often grab a smoothie.
Common Curiosities
Is sorbet healthier than a smoothie?
Not usually, as smoothies can contain more nutrients and less added sugar.
Is sorbet vegan?
Yes, typically sorbet is vegan as it's dairy-free.
Can a smoothie be frozen like sorbet?
Yes, but it may lose its creamy texture when frozen.
Can you add vegetables to a sorbet?
It's uncommon, as sorbet focuses on fruit flavors.
Is sorbet gluten-free?
Generally, yes, but always check the label for additives.
Is sorbet considered a light dessert?
Yes, it's often chosen for its light and refreshing qualities.
Are all smoothies dairy-based?
No, there are many dairy-free smoothies made with alternatives like almond milk.
Can sorbet contain alcohol?
Yes, some recipes include liqueurs for flavor.
Can smoothies aid in weight loss?
They can if made with healthy ingredients and controlled portion sizes.
Are smoothies a good source of fiber?
Yes, especially when made with whole fruits and vegetables.
Does sorbet contain any protein?
No, sorbet usually doesn't contain protein.
Do smoothies contain added sugars?
Some do, but they can be made without added sugars.
Does sorbet melt faster than ice cream?
Yes, typically because it's less dense and has a lower fat content.
Can a smoothie replace a meal?
With the right ingredients, a smoothie can be a meal substitute.
Can you put nuts in a smoothie?
Yes, nuts are a common addition for flavor and nutrition.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
