How Much Sodium is in Sherbet?
Sherbet holds a special spot in the frozen treats lineup. Lower in fat than ice cream yet creamier than sorbet, sherbet strikes a perfect balance as a refreshing, fruity dessert. But is sherbet good for you - and specifically, how much sodium does sherbet contain? Let's take a closer look.
Defining Sherbet
What exactly makes sherbet different than ice cream or sorbet? Legally, sherbet must contain 1-2% milkfat and 2-5% milk solids exclusive of milkfat. This creates sherbet's lighter, more icy texture compared to richer ice cream.
Fruit purees or juices provide sweetness and flavor to sherbet. By law, sherbet must also contain a small amount of added sugar. Options like orange, raspberry, lemon, lime, rainbow and pineapple make sherbets distinctly fruity and refreshing.
Nutrients in Sherbet
A 1/2 cup serving of rainbow sherbet contains:
- 140 calories
- 0g fat
- 33g carbs
- 1g protein
Sherbet also provides some key micronutrients:
- Calcium: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 2% DV
The Role of Sodium in Frozen Dairy Desserts
Now let's zoom in specifically on sodium levels in sherbet. But first, why is sodium added to icy desserts in the first place?
Sodium compounds help control two texture qualities in frozen desserts. Stabilizers containing sodium enhance smoothness and prevent iciness. Emulsifying salts that contain sodium improve texture and prevent fat globule clumping.
Sodium Content of Sherbet
The sodium content of plain sherbet is quite modest, although it does vary a bit between brands. Here are some average sodium numbers for a 1/2 cup serving of sherbet:
- Breyer's: 45mg
- Turkey Hill: 50mg
- Blue Bunny: 70mg
For comparison, the same serving size of vanilla ice cream averages 75-110mg sodium. So sherbet generally contains less sodium than ice cream.
Is Sherbet Considered Low Sodium?
The FDA defines low sodium foods as containing 140mg or less sodium per serving. With around 50mg per half cup, sherbet clearly meets the requirements for a low sodium food.
Someone following a 2,300mg per day DASH diet sodium limit could still enjoy 4-5 servings of sherbet and keep within their daily target. Even on a super strict 500mg daily sodium restriction for heart health, a couple small servings of sherbet can squeeze in.
Sodium in Popular Sherbet Flavors
Some sherbet flavors contain slightly more or less sodium than others. Here's how sodium shakes out across popular flavors from Blue Bunny:
- Orange sherbet: 60mg
- Lemon Ice: 60mg
- Strawberry sherbet: 90mg
- Pineapple sherbet: 70mg
- Rainbow sherbet: 70mg
- Raspberry Ice: 80mg
Flavor additions like chocolate chips, cookie crumbles and candy pieces contribute trivial amounts of extra sodium. So feel free to enjoy fun premixed flavors too within a low sodium diet.
Sodium & Sugar in Sherbet vs. Sorbet
Sorbets contain more fruit and less (or no) dairy compared to sherbets. Let's see how sodium and sugars stack up between the two.
A 1/2 cup of lemon sorbet averages 30mg sodium - about 35% less sodium than most sherbets. Since sorbets lack dairy, no emulsifying salts get added.
However, sorbet also packs around 10 MORE grams of sugar averaging 26g per serving. Sherbets land around 15g sugar per serving. So if limiting added sugars is your priority, then lower sugar sherbets win.
Tips for Enjoying Low Sodium Sherbet
Here are some helpful tips for incorporating sherbet into a heart healthy, low sodium diet:
1. Read Labels for Sodium Numbers
Sodium can vary a bit between sherbet brands and flavors. Reading labels lets you find options best fitting your restrictions.
2. Estimate Your Serving Size
Stick to a 1/2 cup serving size. At home, use measuring cups for an accurate serving.
3. Pair with Fresh Fruit
Skip salty toppings like nuts and go for fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches instead. The natural sweetness makes sherbet shine while adding vitamins.
4. Drizzle with Honey or Pure Maple Syrup
For a touch more sweetness, lightly drizzle with pure maple syrup or raw honey. Both add less sodium than chocolate or buttery sauces.
5. Opt for Fruit Based Sorbet if Needed
If sherbet doesn't quite fit your sodium limits, similar refreshing flavor awaits in low sodium fruit sorbet which contain less than 40mg sodium per serving.
6. Enjoy as Part of Your Frozen Treats Rotation
Sherbet makes for a nice low sodium swap when you need a frozen sweet break from plain sorbets or homemade banana ice cream.
The Health Benefits of Sherbet
Beyond being low sodium, sherbet offers additional diet perks thanks to its nutrition profile.
1. Lower in Fat than Ice Cream
With only 1-2% milkfat, sherbet contains 75% less saturated fat than premium ice creams - making it a lighter frozen dessert swap.
2. Contains Some Protein
Sherbet provides a small protein boost with 2 grams per serving, which comes in handy for repairing and building muscle.
3. Packs Probiotics
Some sherbet varieties add probiotic cultures during processing for gut and immune boosting benefits.
4. Low Glycemic Impact
Although sherbet contains some natural sugar, the combination of fat, protein and chilling temperature prevent sharp blood sugar spikes.
Potassium Content of Sherbet
Alongside sodium, potassium plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure and heart contraction risk. So how much potassium does sherbet supply?
Unfortunately most brands don't list potassium on labels. USDA data estimates sherbet averaging around 135mg potassium per serving. This meets 5% of the recommended daily potassium intake.
For higher potassium, alternate sherbet with more potassium-rich frozen desserts like:
- Sorbet: 200mg per serving
- Nonfat ice cream: 150mg per serving
- Banana ice cream: 400mg+ per serving
The Takeaway
Sherbet stands as a refreshingly sweet low sodium dessert pick within limits - offering around 50mg sodium per 1/2 cup serving. Opting for fruit based sherbet over higher fat ice creams lightens up the choice even more.
Pair sherbet with potassium and fiber-rich fresh fruit toppings to round out nutrients. Or alternate with other frozen treats like sorbet or homemade banana ice cream for variation.
Overall sherbet delivers on satisfaction with plenty of fruity flavor, while still fitting into heart healthy and low sodium meal plans. Its versatility lands this creamy classic on the list of smarter sweets.
FAQs
Is sherbet considered low sodium?
Yes, sherbet is low in sodium, containing about 50mg per 1⁄2 cup serving. This allows it to meet the FDA guidelines for a product to be labeled “low sodium” – 140mg or less per serving.
What sherbet flavors have the most sodium?
Most sherbet flavors provide fairly comparable sodium levels in the 50-90mg range per serving. Strawberry, raspberry, pineapple and rainbow sherbets tend to be on the higher side while orange, lemon and lime are a little lower.
Is sorbet lower in sodium than sherbet?
Yes, sorbet contains around 30mg sodium per serving compared to 50mg per serving of sherbet. Since sorbets lack dairy, no sodium-containing emulsifiers get added during processing.
Can people with high blood pressure eat sherbet?
Sherbet can fit into a heart healthy diet plan including low sodium diets for managing blood pressure. Aim for a 1⁄2 cup serving, and complement it with foods rich in potassium.
Is sherbet healthier than ice cream?
Yes, the low fat composition with some protein and calcium makes sherbet a lighter and slightly more nutritious choice over full-fat ice cream.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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