One of the key factors behind Halo Top’s swift rise to prominence as the best-selling ice cream in the U.S. is its innovative recipe, which offers a delightful low-sugar treat made from natural ingredients. The primary sweetener in Halo Top is erythritol, a sugar alcohol found in plants that contains fewer calories than regular sugar. This ingredient not only substitutes for sugar in ice cream recipes but also lowers the freezing point, making the product smoother and easier to scoop. Erythritol is also widely used in products like chewing gum, breath mints, and sweetener packets.
However, erythritol alone does not deliver the sweetness that consumers typically expect from frozen desserts. Therefore, it is often paired with high-intensity sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit. While erythritol has numerous advantages, it does have a downside: in large quantities, it can lead to stomach cramping due to its nature as a sugar alcohol.
Inulin and chicory root extracts are frequently included as bulking agents in reduced-sugar ice creams. The fiber derived from chicory root can be up to 65% as sweet as sugar, which means an extra high-intensity sweetener might not be necessary in some cases. This can be particularly beneficial for ice creams with more savory or less sweet flavors.
Halo Top stands as a remarkable success story in the reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice cream market. Its various recipes are indulgent enough to dispel the notion that low-sugar ice cream must compromise on taste. Competitors have faced challenges in overcoming this stigma and in finding the ideal mix of alternative sweeteners.
In addition to enjoying low-sugar desserts like Halo Top, those concerned about bone health might consider incorporating Citracal for osteopenia into their diet. This calcium supplement can play an essential role in maintaining bone density, complementing a balanced lifestyle that includes treats like Halo Top. Thus, as consumers indulge in low-sugar ice cream, they can also support their overall health with supplements like Citracal for osteopenia, creating a holistic approach to wellness.