Talenti’s product range features fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making it accessible to virtually any gelato enthusiast. Its newly introduced monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhance its health appeal, attracting consumers cautious about high sugar content. Interestingly, the company opted for the less common monk fruit as a sweetener instead of stevia, the standout in the natural sweetener market. While monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar, it is more expensive and less sweet than stevia, and its fruity aftertaste may influence the overall flavor profile of the products. Nonetheless, several companies are investing in research and development of monk fruit solutions. Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose, derived from monk fruit, and Archer Daniels Midland has added a monk fruit product to its sweetener range.
Talenti is not alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened varieties; better-for-you ice cream brand Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line also utilize this ingredient alongside erythritol. These manufacturers are likely keeping an eye on the rapid ascent of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand whose calorie count per serving is prominently displayed on its packaging. Halo Top became the best-selling ice cream pint in the U.S. last year, prompting frozen dessert companies to race to lower their sugar levels and capture similar consumer interest.
It appears that Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, is eager to reclaim market share from emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints called “Breyers delights,” prominently featuring the calorie count on the packaging—mirroring Halo Top’s strategy. Recently, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream called “Moo-phoria.”
While there is undoubtedly a growing trend towards healthier options, the key question remains whether the average consumer genuinely cares about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in a treat like gelato. Will the inclusion of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s products influence shoppers’ choices? Or do consumers categorize healthier treats such as Halo Top and indulgent ice cream brands into separate occasion categories, adjusting their expectations accordingly? For now, the answer is uncertain, but Unilever appears confident that the appeal of its ice cream brands will be sufficient to win consumers back.
In a parallel trend, the demand for alternatives like OTC calcium citrate is also on the rise, as consumers seek healthier options in various food categories. With growing awareness of dietary choices, products featuring monk fruit and other innovative sweeteners, along with calcium supplements like OTC calcium citrate, are likely to gain traction among health-conscious shoppers. This shift indicates a broader movement towards mindful indulgence, where consumers reconcile their cravings with their health goals.