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

We all scream for ice cream, but do we know the difference between the different kinds out there? Thought to have originated in ancient China, where natives probably used snow as the base, ice cream has been popular for thousands of years, and in that time, variations have evolved.

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

There's of course traditional ice cream that we've chased down the ice cream truck for since we were kids. But then there's frozen yogurt, often called by its nickname "fro-yo," and gelato, which made its way to the U.S. and other countries from Italy. And finally there's sherbet and sorbet, fruity desserts that cross between a slushy and ice cream.

Though these variations are generally similar in appearance and in the way they're made, each of these types of ice cream has different ingredients and different textures that distinguish them. Some, like gelato are denser and creamier, and others, like sherbet and sorbet, are lighter and fruitier.

In order to determine the difference between these five types of ice cream, we've created a guide that explains what each type of ice cream is and what it's made with.

Haley WIllard is The Daily Meal's assistant editor. Follow her on Twitter @haleywillrd.