Sherbet (/ˈʃɜːrbət/), sometimes referred to as sherbert (/ˈʃɜːrbərt/),[1] is a frozen dessert made from water, sugar, a dairy product such as cream or milk, and a flavoring – typically fruit juice or purée, wine, liqueur, or occasionally non-fruit flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint.

It was promoted during World War II, as it was made using milk; cream was in a shortage at the time.

[5] Sorbet, on the other hand, is made with sweetened water and no dairy, similar to Italian ice.

[8] Some early 20th-century American recipes for sherbet added egg white or gelatin, or substituted them for dairy, to get a creamy texture.

[9] According to The American Produce Review (1913), "Sherbet is a frozen product made from water or milk, egg whites, sugar, lemon juice and flavoring material".