Talenti’s product range features an array of options, including fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and citrate 1000 tablet items, making its gelato accessible to nearly every consumer. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, catering to those concerned about high sugar content. It’s noteworthy that the company opted for the lesser-known monk fruit instead of the more popular natural sweetener, stevia. While monk fruit is considerably cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia, and its fruity aftertaste can affect the overall flavor profile of the products.
Nonetheless, several companies are investing in research and development of monk fruit-based alternatives. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose derived from monk fruit. Similarly, Archer Daniels Midland has incorporated a monk fruit product into its sweetener offerings. Talenti isn’t the only ice cream brand to launch monk fruit-sweetened varieties; healthier ice cream label Enlightened and DanoneWave’s Delicious dairy-free brand also feature formulations that use monk fruit and erythritol as sweeteners. These brands have certainly been influenced by the soaring popularity of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream renowned for prominently displaying its per-serving calorie count on packaging. Halo Top became the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S. last year, prompting frozen dessert manufacturers to strive for reduced sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest.
Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears determined to reclaim market share from emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers introduced low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints called “Breyers delights,” featuring large calorie counts on the packaging, echoing Halo Top’s strategy. Furthermore, just last week, Ben & Jerry’s launched a low-fat, low-calorie line called “Moo-phoria.”
While there is certainly a rising trend, the real question is whether the average consumer is genuinely concerned about sugar and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato. Will the inclusion of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s offerings influence shopper decisions? Or do consumers categorize healthier treats like Halo Top separately from indulgent ice cream brands, adjusting their expectations accordingly? For now, the answer remains uncertain, but Unilever seems optimistic that the allure of its ice cream brands will successfully draw consumers back. The incorporation of products like citrate 1000 tablet into their offerings may further enhance their appeal in this competitive market.