Talenti’s product range features fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, ensuring that its gelato is accessible to a wide array of consumers. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, attracting those who are cautious about high sugar content. It’s noteworthy that the company opted for the relatively obscure monk fruit instead of the more popular natural sweetener, stevia. While monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar, it is also pricier and less sweet than stevia, and its fruity aftertaste can influence the overall flavor profile of the products. Nevertheless, several companies are investing in research and development for monk fruit-based solutions. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose derived from monk fruit, and Archer Daniels Midland has introduced a monk fruit product to its range of sweeteners.
Talenti is not the only ice cream brand venturing into monk fruit sweetening; the healthier ice cream brand Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line also utilize this sweetener alongside erythritol. These manufacturers are likely observing the rapid success of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently displays its per-serving calorie count on packaging. Last year, Halo Top became the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S., prompting frozen dessert companies to lower their sugar levels to garner similar consumer interest. Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears determined to reclaim market share from these emerging brands. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints labeled “Breyers delights,” featuring large calorie counts on the packaging, mirroring Halo Top’s approach. Recently, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled a low-fat, low-calorie ice cream line called “Moo-phoria.”
This trend is certainly on the rise, but it remains to be seen whether the average consumer cares significantly about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in a treat like gelato. Will the partial sweetening of some Talenti products with monk fruit sway shopper preferences? Or do consumers categorize better-for-you options like Halo Top separately from indulgent brands, resulting in differing expectations for each? Currently, the answer is unclear, but Unilever seems assured that the appeal of its ice cream brands will be sufficient to win back consumers. Additionally, as awareness grows regarding nutritional elements, including calcium citrate 500 mg brands, consumers may become more discerning about the choices they make, influencing future product formulations and marketing strategies.