Quick Answer
The answer is yes, Graeter’s sorbets are dairy-free. Graeter’s uses fruit purees and fruit juices to make their sorbets, without any dairy ingredients like milk or cream. So people with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions can enjoy Graeter’s rich and creamy sorbets.
What is Graeter’s?
Graeter’s is an ice cream company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They’ve been making ice cream since 1870 using the French pot process. This involves making small batches of ice cream and stirring the mixture constantly as it freezes to incorporate air. Graeter’s is known for their rich, dense ice cream made with high quality ingredients.
In addition to premium ice cream, Graeter’s also makes sorbet. Sorbet is similar to ice cream but contains no dairy. Traditional sorbets are fruit-based, made by freezing sweetened fruit juice or puree. Graeter’s sorbets use high quality fruit ingredients for intense, natural fruit flavors.
Graeter’s Sorbet Flavors
Graeter’s offers a rotating selection of sorbet flavors including:
- Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip
- Lemon
- Mango
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
Their sorbets feature fresh fruit flavors like juicy strawberry, tart lemon, and tropical mango. Some sorbets like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip swirl in chocolate chips or fudge for added texture and richness.
Are Graeter’s Sorbets Dairy-Free?
Yes, Graeter’s sorbets are completely dairy-free. They do not contain milk, cream, butter, yogurt or any other dairy ingredient. This makes Graeter’s sorbet a great option for:
- People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies
- Vegans and those avoiding dairy for ethical reasons
- People on low-fat or non-dairy diets
- Those who simply want to indulge in a refreshing frozen dessert without dairy
Ingredients
Graeter’s sorbets are made with just a few high quality ingredients:
- Fruit purees – The foundation of Graeter’s sorbet is fresh fruit purees made from ripe, seasonal fruit. Fruit purees give the sorbet its creamy texture and concentrated fruit flavor without any added dairy.
- Fruit juice – Some sorbets also incorporate fruit juice for additional liquid and fruit flavor.
- Sugar – Just enough sugar is added to balance and enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Natural flavors – Small amounts of natural flavors boost the fruit taste.
- Chocolate chips or fudge swirls (select flavors) – Some sorbets feature chocolate like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.
With no milk, cream, eggs, or butter, Graeter’s sorbets are guaranteed to be 100% dairy-free. Their fruit-based recipes let the fresh flavors of the fruit shine through.
How Graeter’s Makes Dairy-Free Sorbet
At Graeter’s production facility, master sorbet makers craft each batch by hand using the French pot process. This specialized technique results in Graeter’s signature dense, creamy texture without dairy:
- Fruit is harvested at peak ripeness for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
- The fruit is pureed and mixed with cane sugar and natural flavorings.
- The sorbet base is cooked in a French pot to concentrate flavors and thicken texture.
- The mixture is cooled then poured into freezing cylinders.
- The sorbet freezes while paddles continuously stir to prevent ice crystallization.
- Once frozen, the sorbet is packaged by hand.
Thanks to the French pot method, Graeter’s sorbets achieve a lush, velvety texture comparable to dairy ice cream. The constant paddling action gives them a creamy mouthfeel without any cream.
Why Graeter’s Sorbet is Dairy-Free
Graeter’s deliberately makes their sorbets without dairy for several reasons:
- To appeal to those with dairy issues – By keeping their sorbets dairy-free, Graeter’s opens up their decadent frozen treats to customers avoiding dairy for health or ethical reasons.
- To highlight fruit flavors – Milk and cream can mask subtle fruit notes. Graeter’s wants the fruit to be the star in their sorbets.
- For nutritional benefits – Fruit sorbets have health advantages over ice creams. They are naturally lower in fat, calories and cholesterol.
- To offer more variety – Dairy-free sorbets expand Graeter’s array of frozen desserts beyond traditional ice cream.
Nutrition Information
As a dairy-free product, Graeter’s sorbet has some nutritional distinctions from ice cream:
- No lactose – Graeter’s sorbets are lactose-free, making them safe for the lactose intolerant.
- Lower in saturated fat – With no dairy, Graeter’s sorbet has 0g saturated fat per serving compared to 4-6g in regular ice cream.
- Fewer calories – A 1/2 cup of Graeter’s sorbet averages 140 calories versus 150-200 calories in ice cream.
- More calcium – Dairy isn’t the only calcium source. Graeter’s sorbets provide a good amount of calcium from fruit.
- Vitamin C – Fresh fruit sorbets contain vitamin C, an immune boosting nutrient absent in dairy products.
So while equally delicious, Graeter’s dairy-free sorbets offer some nutritional advantages over standard ice cream.
Nutritional Information Per 1/2 Cup Serving*
| Nutrient | Average Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 20mg |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 31g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
| Vitamin C | 90% DV |
*Based on Graeter’s Lemon Sorbet nutrition data. Percent Daily Values based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Finding Graeter’s Dairy-Free Sorbet
You can find pints of Graeter’s sumptuous sorbet at many grocery stores. Look for Graeter’s sorbet varieties in the freezer aisle, near the ice cream. Graeter’s sorbet is also available for purchase on their website for direct delivery to your home.
Additionally, you can order a scoop or cup of Graeter’s rotating sorbet flavors at their ice cream shops. Graeter’s has over 50 parlors located throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Visit the Graeter’s website to find a shop near you or order pints online. Graeter’s ships their dairy-free sorbets nationwide, so anyone across the US can enjoy this creamy, fruit-filled treat.
Where to Buy Graeter’s Dairy-Free Sorbet
- Grocery stores – Sold in pint containers in the frozen foods section
- Online – Pints and subscriptions available through graeters.com
- Graeter’s shops – Sold by the scoop or cup in their parlors
Tips for Eating Graeter’s Dairy-Free Sorbet
Here are some serving tips and recipe ideas for enjoying Graeter’s deliciously dairy-free sorbet:
- Scoop into a bowl and top with fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches.
- Serve in a cup with crunchy cookies like biscotti for dipping.
- Mash some sorbet and mix with seltzer or Prosecco for a refreshing mocktail.
- Layer sorbet with yogurt and granola in a parfait glass for some texture contrast.
- Blend softened sorbet with fruit and juice for ahealthy dairy-free smoothie.
- Pair fruity sorbet flavors with grilled entrees; e.g. mango sorbet with fish tacos.
- For dessert, alternate spoonfuls of sorbet with bites of dark chocolate.
With so many possibilities, Graeter’s dairy-free sorbets make an indulgent but wholesome addition to any meal or occasion.
Dairy-Free Dessert Options Similar to Graeter’s Sorbet
For those who can’t get enough quality dairy-free frozen desserts, here are some products like Graeter’s sorbet to try:
Gelato
Gelato is Italian-style ice cream that’s made with more milk and less cream and egg yolks. Look for gelato made with non-dairy milks like almond, coconut or oat milk.
Nice Cream
“Nice cream” is a healthy homemade ice cream alternative made by freezing blended banana and other fruit. It has the creamy texture of ice cream with no dairy.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Full-fat coconut milk gives a rich, creamy base to dairy-free ice cream. Look for brands using real coconut milk, not just coconut flavoring.
Sorbet and Sherbet
Traditional non-dairy sorbets and sherbets offer refreshing fruit flavor in a frozen dessert. Look for those made with real fruit, not artificial flavoring.
Frozen Fruit Pops
All-natural frozen fruit pops made from real blended fruit provide healthy refreshment on a stick. Search for brands without added sugars or preservatives.
With all these dairy-free options, people avoiding milk ingredients don’t have to miss out on delicious frozen treats. Graeter’s smooth and creamy sorbet proves that icy refreshment can be just as satisfying without the dairy.
Conclusion
Graeter’s crafts their fruit sorbet using the same meticulous French pot process as their gourmet ice cream. But unlike their ice cream, Graeter’s sorbet contains no milk, cream or other dairy ingredients. The basis is fruit – whether raspberry, mango or lemon – resulting in an ultra creamy, dairy-free frozen dessert. So for people avoiding dairy, Graeter’s sorbet offers a delicious way to satisfy sweet cravings and cool off on hot days.
