In the freezer
9 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 9 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: sorbet and sherbet keep 9 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with not recommended in the fridge.
How to freeze sorbet and sherbet
- Keep it at 0°F (-18°C) or colder in the original pack.
- Reseal opened bags tightly or move to a freezer bag.
- Cook from frozen as the package directs, or thaw in the fridge.
How to thaw sorbet and sherbet
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 9 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Sorbet and sherbet Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
Not recommended
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
9 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about sorbet and sherbet
FAQ
How long can you freeze sorbet and sherbet?
About 9 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen sorbet and sherbet?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze sorbet and sherbet?
Only if they were thawed in the fridge and have not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in sorbet and sherbet?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number