3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet

by Meghan Rodgers

July 28, 2021

This 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet is pretty much the only summer dessert I would ever need. It’s so incredibly light and refreshing, it’s like a little spoonful of sunshine! It’s also so easy to make that this summertime frozen treat will make you think twice about needing an animal byproduct-based frozen dairy desserts ever again. Frozen sorbet is better for you and better for the planet! Now that’s a sweet treat.

So What’s the Difference between Sorbet, Sherbet and Ice Cream?

Sorbet is a frozen dessert typically made with fruit, water and sugar. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Sherbet is similar to sorbet, except is usually contains a splash of dairy to give it a creamier texture, but that splash of milk means that it just won’t fit a vegan diet.

Ice cream and gelato have a base of milk or cream with added sugar and fruit or other flavorings — also not fitting for a vegan diet.

Of the options above, sorbet is not only the only one suitable for vegans, but it’s also the lightest and the healthiest, containing a substantial serving of fruit. So if it’s a frozen treat you’re after, go sorbet every time!

How to Make Vegan Sorbet

The secret to an easy sorbet is to use frozen fruit.* You just add the frozen mango chunks to a powerful food processor. Run on high-speed and slowly pour in the water and sweetener mixture. Keep mixing until all of the chunks have been blended into a luscious, velvety mango sorbet.

Sorbet will be frozen and ready to eat right away, but if you prefer a denser texture, transfer mixture to a larger freezer container and freeze for 2 hours. Remove from freezer 5 minutes before serving to help soften just a bit.

Note: Making your own frozen fruit is incredibly easy! You’ll just need to learn to peel a mango. Then, line a baking sheet with a silicone mat and place fruit chunks in a single layer on mat before transferring to freezer for about 4 hours. Learning to peel and freeze your own mango will not only save you money, but it will also reduce the amount of waste on the planet, as fresh mango comes without any packaging.

That said, just about every major grocer carries frozen organic mango chunks, so you can pick up a bag if you’re looking for a time-saver — just make sure you have a sustainable plan for that plastic bag the frozen fruit comes in! Most have a zip-top meaning you can rinse and reuse. Who cares that it says mangos (or strawberries or blueberries) on the outside. A piece of masking tape will help you relabel and identify what’s inside.