Talenti’s product range features an array of options, including fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher selections, effectively catering to nearly every gelato enthusiast. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, targeting consumers who are cautious about excessive sugar intake. It’s noteworthy that the company opted for the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, the reigning champion in the natural sweetener market. Although monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia, and it also presents a fruity aftertaste that could influence the overall flavor profile of the products. Nonetheless, numerous companies are channeling their R&D efforts into monk fruit solutions. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose, derived from monk fruit, while Archer Daniels Midland has incorporated monk fruit into its sweetener offerings.
Talenti is not alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened ice cream varieties; other brands like Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious also utilize this ingredient along with erythritol. These brands are undoubtedly keeping an eye on the remarkable rise of Halo Top, a low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently features 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 lower their sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest.
Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears committed to regaining market share from emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers introduced “Breyers delights,” a line of low-calorie, high-protein ice cream with large calorie counts displayed on the packaging—akin to Halo Top. Recently, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled its “Moo-phoria” line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream.
This trend is certainly noticeable, but it remains to be seen whether the average consumer prioritizes sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato. Will the inclusion of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s offerings resonate with shoppers? Or do consumers categorize healthier options like Halo Top separately from indulgent ice cream brands, creating distinct expectations for each? The answer is currently uncertain, but Unilever seems confident that the allure of its ice cream brands will successfully draw consumers back, much like how bariatric advantage chewable calcium is sought after for health-conscious diets. As the market evolves, the interplay between health-focused ingredients and indulgent treats will undoubtedly be a topic of interest, particularly as more companies explore the benefits of monk fruit and other innovative sweeteners alongside products like bariatric advantage chewable calcium.