Is Sherbet Bad For You?
Also Known As: sherbert
Short answer
If you just have sherbet once in a while to satisfy a sweet tooth, it isn't bad for you. However, eating too much of it too frequently can lead to some health problems.
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More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
As far as food designed to please one's sweet tooth go, sherbet is one of the least unhealthy things you can have. This doesn't mean, however, that it is healthy. The primary ingredients that go into making a sherbet are fruit puree, sugar, and water. Other ingredients found in sherbet depending on the brand are corn syrup, yellow 6, citric acid, carob bean gum, karaya gum, methyl cellulose, and pectin. Among these ingredients, yellow 6 and methyl cellulose may cause concern as they have been linked to cancer. However, it should be noted that they are present in amounts most likely too small to have any adverse effect unless you were to consume sherbet constantly over a long period of time (and if you did this, your most likely worry would come from the sugars present in the food).
As far as calories are concerned, there are a lot less present in sherbet than ice cream, which has almost twice as many. However, unlike ice cream, most of the calories in sherbet come from sugars. Sherbet has no fat and no cholesterol, but it also lacks in important things such as dietary fiber and sodium, of which it only has a negligible amount. People who are lactose intolerant may also want to stay away from sherbet, as some brands add milk products in the ingredients.
For people looking to cut on fat and who want to enjoy something sweet, sherbet isn't very bad for your health if enjoyed in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to problems, such as weight gain and an increased risk for diabetes due to the sugar content.
Possible short-term side effects
- constipation (if eaten as a primary food source)
Possible long-term side effects
- diabetes
-
weight gain
-
cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
- excessive amounts of sugar
-
yellow 6
-
methyl cellulose
-
corn syrup
Benefits
- zero fat
-
zero cholesterol
-
low calories
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Gelato Libre Criollo Chocolate
- Vegan gelato base
- No milk or eggs
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Convenient 1-liter pack
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-02-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-02-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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