Ice Cream, Fro-Yo, Gelato, Sorbet, & Sherbet: Which Is It? (Slideshow)

What It Is: According to the dictionary, ice cream is "a frozen food containing sweetened and flavored cream." Traditional ice cream has been around for hundreds of years and is the most commonly served type of ice cream in the U.S. It is often mixed with solid additions like chocolate chips, candy pieces, fruit, and nuts.

What It's Made Of: Milk, cream, sweetener, sometimes solid additions (chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, etc.).

What It Is: The softest and creamiest type of ice cream, frozen yogurt has been sold commercially since the late 1970s, when it was first introduced in New England. It's made in a freezer, where it is continuously churned to maintain its soft and creamy texture.

What It's Made Of: Yogurt, milk, sweetened.

What It Is: Gelato ­is Italy's version of ice cream. Served at a slightly warmer temperature than other types of ice cream, gelato is also richer and denser (with less air), and melts in your mouth faster, so you taste the flavor immediately.

What It's Made Of: Milk, egg, cream, sugar, sometimes fruit, sometimes solid additions (chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, etc.).

What They Are: Sherbet and sorbet are very similar in that they are both light, fruit-flavored ice. However, sherbet can contain milk, egg whites, or gelatin, while sorbet does not. Sherbet is thought to have originated as a Middle Eastern drink made of sweetened fruit juice and water. Both types of ice cream are often served as a palate-refresher between meal courses.

What Sherbet Is Made Of: Fruit, fruit juice, milk, egg whites, gelatin.

What Sorbet Is Made Of: Fruit, fruit juice, sometimes liquor and/or wine.