Source: mark6mauno/flickr
Rainbow sherbet typically contains three flavors similar to Neapolitan ice cream. But, what are those rainbow sherbet flavors? Furthermore, do all rainbow sherbet products contain the same three flavors?
We have the answer to these questions and more. Read on for the details about the flavors of rainbow sherbet. Be sure to vote in our poll at the end of this article!
Rainbow Sherbet Flavors
According to food experts at Bon Appétit, rainbow sherbet was invented by Sealtest Dairies in Philadelphia during the 1950s. It was only able to be created after an employee had invented a nozzle that was able to fill cartons with a trio of flavors all at one time.
Naturally, you are likely wondering what were the original rainbow sherbet flavors? Early print ads, like the one below from 1954, shows its colors to be a pinkish red, white, and a darker green. The ad does not list the flavors but other ads from the era indicate it was made with vanilla, raspberry, and lemon-lime flavors.
Source: James Vaughan/flickr
Based on our review of 30+ rainbow sherbet products (see below), we found that the flavors have change a bit from the early days. Modern versions of this dessert commonly include orange as one of the signature flavors. The flavors vary beyond orange.
However, the most common three flavors of rainbow sherbet are orange, raspberry, and lime. These flavors are found in most private label (store) brands and several name brand products.
There are certainly deviations from the norm of orange, raspberry, and lime flavors. Orange, raspberry, and pineapple is an example of a popular flavor trio found in several rainbow sherbets such as Baskin Robbins, Crystal, and Publix. Orange, lemon, and lime flavors are also relatively popular and are in brands like Mayfield, Kemps, and Hood.
In summary, there are no definitive flavors for rainbow sherbet. Manufacturers have the ability to interpret their idea of the flavors of rainbow sherbet. However, the modern norm is to use orange as a signature flavor along with complementary other fruit flavors like raspberry, lemon, lime, and/or pineapple.
| Rainbow Sherbet Brand | Flavors |
|---|---|
| Baskin Robbins | Orange, Raspberry, Pineapple |
| Blue Bell | Orange, Strawberry, Lime |
| Blue Ribbon | Orange, Lemon, Lime |
| Cedar Crest | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Friendly’s | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Good Humor | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Mayfield | Orange, Lemon, Lime |
| Kemps | Orange, Lemon, Lime |
| Turkey Hill | Orange, Raspberry, Lemon-Lime |
| Meadow Gold | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Hood | Orange, Lemon, Lime |
| Umpqua | Orange, Lemon, Lime |
| Perry’s | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Purity | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Laura Lynn | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Edy’s – Berry Rainbow | Orange, Raspberry, Blackberry |
| Crystal | Orange, Raspberry, Pineapple |
| Dean’s Country Fresh | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Smith’s | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Schnucks | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Stone Ridge Creamery | Orange, Raspberry, Pineapple |
| United Dairy Farmers | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Island Farms | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Toft’s | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Publix | Orange, Pineapple, Lime |
| Bayview Farms | Orange, Raspberry, Pineapple |
| Purple Cow | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Lucerne | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Signature Select | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Favorite Day | Orange, Lemon, Lime |
| H-E-B | Orange, Strawberry, Lime |
| Kroger | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
| Great Value | Orange, Raspberry, Lime |
Favorite Rainbow Sherbet Flavors?
Now that you know about the typical flavors of rainbow sherbet, its your turn to vote for favorite flavors. What do you think are the best three flavors that are found in a rainbow sherbet? Please vote below!