The best raspberry sorbets ... and the rest
A basket of ripe raspberries is a delicious indulgence. Turn those delicate, aromatic berries into sorbet and it’s a juicy, mouthwatering, bite. Scooped into a bowl, spooned on chocolate or vanilla or blended into a smoothie, raspberry sorbet is easily one of the most luscious treats — and it’s healthful.
Unlike sherbet, which includes a bit of milk or egg white to enhance creaminess; or gelato, which incorporates lots of dairy; sorbet, by definition, is dairy free. Some brands include thickeners such as gums and tapioca, but the primary ingredients are fruit and sugar.
At it’s best, sorbet is smooth, dense and minimally sweet. It tastes like the most delicious, perfectly ripe version of the fruit from which it is made. Inferior sorbet is made with more sugar than fruit, or laced with odd “natural” or “artificial” flavors that quash the bright, juicy flavors of fresh fruit.
To find the best sorbets, look for short ingredient lists. Fruit should be the first or second ingredient. Be aware that some sorbets are improperly labeled, as they include dairy.
Here are details on the best sorbets and the mucky, evil-flavored impostors. Nutrition details refer to a ½-cup serving.
Ciao Bella Raspberry Sorbetto
Juicy rich and perfectly balanced, this sorbet captures the sweet-tart floral notes of fresh raspberries. It’s mouthwatering. The Blueberry Passion Fruit is equally pleasing, with rich, authentic flavor. 100 calories, 10 mg sodium, 17 g sugar. $6.49 for a pint at Whole Foods.
Talenti Roman Raspberry Sorbet
Velvety texture and the subtle wine note of fresh-picked raspberries make this deep red puree near perfect. A touch more lemon would push it to the top. 110 calories, no sodium,
24 g sugar. $3.99 for a pint at Sprouts.
Open Nature Raspberry Sorbet
This dense, ultra-smooth mix with fresh, authentic raspberry flavor is great for those who love a slightly sweeter bite. 151 calories, 10 mg sodium, 27 g sugar. $4.49 for a pint at Safeway.
Outshine Berry Blend Frozen Dessert
This dessert may be the color of berries, but the banana base eclipses every other flavor. 80 calories, no sodium, 18 g sugar. $3.49 for a pint at Target.
Haagen-Dazs Raspberry Sorbet
Minimal raspberry flavor and far too much sugar make this over-processed, light pink puree one to avoid. 120 calories, 10 mg sodium, 27 g sugar. $5.19 for 14 ounces at Raley’s.
Sambazon Original Acai Berry Sorbet
The tangy, slightly bitter flavor of organic acai is on point, but the gritty texture is off-putting. 120 calories,
2 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 15 g sugar. $5.99 for a pint at Whole Foods.
Raley’s Italian Raspberry Sorbet
This pretty little box filled with ripples of ultra-whipped sorbet is so laced with chemicals that it tastes like cat litter. 140 calories, 6 mg sodium, 32 g sugar. $2.98 for 10.58 ounces. (no stars)