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

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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.

Nov 06, 2023

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.

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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.

Nov 06, 2023

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.

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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.

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Texture

Thick and creamy.

Icy and granular.

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Dairy Content

May contain dairy.

Dairy-free.

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Purpose

Meal replacement or supplement.

Dessert or palate cleanser.

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Nutritional Value

Can be high in nutrients.

Often high in sugar, lower in nutrients.

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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.

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Sorbet

A sweet treat often used as a palate cleanser between courses

We were served a small sorbet to cleanse our palates.

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Smoothie

A drink often made with a dairy base like milk or yogurt

She made a banana smoothie with almond milk.

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Sorbet

A frozen dessert made from sweetened water and fruit flavoring

The lemon sorbet was refreshingly tart.

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Smoothie

A blended mixture that can include supplements such as protein powder

His post-workout smoothie always includes a scoop of protein.

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Sorbet

A dairy-free alternative to ice cream

He chose raspberry sorbet because he's lactose intolerant.

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Smoothie

A versatile drink that can be tailored to dietary needs

Her smoothie included flaxseed and oat milk.

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Sorbet

An icy concoction served in scoops

The mango sorbet melted quickly in the summer heat.

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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.

Aug 05, 2022

Sorbet

A dessert with a granular texture and intense fruit taste

The strawberry sorbet tasted like fresh berries.

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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!

Aug 05, 2022

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.

Aug 05, 2022

Smoothie

A thick, smooth drink of fresh fruit pureed with milk, yogurt, or ice cream.

Aug 05, 2022

Sorbet

A frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice or fruit purée, sugar, and water.

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Smoothie

(Informal) A person regarded as being assured and artfully ingratiating in manner.

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Sorbet

Frozen fruit juice, sometimes mixed with egg whites, eaten as dessert or between courses of a meal.

Aug 05, 2022

Smoothie

A drink that is made of fruit or sometimes vegetables and is blended with juice, milk, or yogurt and often ice until smooth.

Aug 05, 2022

Sorbet

A kind of beverage; sherbet.

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Smoothie

A smooth-talking person.

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Sorbet

An ice containing milk

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Smoothie

A drink made from whole fruit, thus thicker than fruit juice.

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Smoothie

(figurative) A blending of different things, a mishmash

Aug 05, 2022

Smoothie

A member of the mod subculture who is relatively non-violent and wears expensive clothing.

Aug 05, 2022

Smoothie

Someone with an assured and ingratiating manner

Aug 05, 2022

Smoothie

A thick smooth drink consisting of fresh fruit pureed with ice cream or yoghurt or milk

Aug 05, 2022

Smoothie

A convenient on-the-go meal or snack option

For a quick lunch, I often grab a smoothie.

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Common Curiosities

Is sorbet healthier than a smoothie?

Not usually, as smoothies can contain more nutrients and less added sugar.

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Is sorbet vegan?

Yes, typically sorbet is vegan as it's dairy-free.

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Can a smoothie be frozen like sorbet?

Yes, but it may lose its creamy texture when frozen.

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Can you add vegetables to a sorbet?

It's uncommon, as sorbet focuses on fruit flavors.

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Is sorbet gluten-free?

Generally, yes, but always check the label for additives.

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Is sorbet considered a light dessert?

Yes, it's often chosen for its light and refreshing qualities.

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Are all smoothies dairy-based?

No, there are many dairy-free smoothies made with alternatives like almond milk.

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Can sorbet contain alcohol?

Yes, some recipes include liqueurs for flavor.

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Can smoothies aid in weight loss?

They can if made with healthy ingredients and controlled portion sizes.

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Are smoothies a good source of fiber?

Yes, especially when made with whole fruits and vegetables.

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Does sorbet contain any protein?

No, sorbet usually doesn't contain protein.

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Do smoothies contain added sugars?

Some do, but they can be made without added sugars.

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Does sorbet melt faster than ice cream?

Yes, typically because it's less dense and has a lower fat content.

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Can a smoothie replace a meal?

With the right ingredients, a smoothie can be a meal substitute.

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Can you put nuts in a smoothie?

Yes, nuts are a common addition for flavor and nutrition.

Nov 06, 2023

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Written by

Tayyaba 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.