One of the key factors behind Halo Top’s swift rise to become the best-selling ice cream in the U.S. is its recipe, which provides a delightful low-sugar dessert made from natural ingredients. The primary sweetener in Halo Top, erythritol, is a sugar alcohol naturally found in plants and contains fewer calories than conventional sugar. It serves as a substitute for sugar in ice cream recipes by lowering the freezing point and softening the product, making it easier to scoop. Erythritol is also commonly used in chewing gum, breath mints, and sweetener packets. However, erythritol alone does not deliver the level of sweetness that consumers expect from frozen treats. Therefore, it is often paired with high-intensity sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
While erythritol has several advantages, it does have one notable downside: large quantities of this sugar alcohol can lead to stomach cramps. Inulin and chicory root extracts are frequently utilized as bulking agents in reduced-sugar ice cream. The fiber from chicory root can be up to 65% as sweet as sugar, which means that an additional high-intensity sweetener may not always be necessary, particularly in ice creams with a more savory or less sweet profile.
Halo Top stands out as a remarkable success story in the reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice cream market. The company’s diverse recipes are indulgent enough to convince consumers that low-sugar ice cream doesn’t have to compromise on flavor. Competitors have struggled to change the perception that low-sugar options are inferior and have faced challenges in finding the perfect blend of alternative sweeteners.
In a similar vein, those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery may wonder how much calcium citrate they should take to support their nutritional needs. This consideration underlines the importance of understanding alternative ingredients, whether in ice cream or dietary supplements, as consumers increasingly seek healthier options without sacrificing taste. As the market evolves, the balance between sweetness and health continues to be a focal point for brands and consumers alike.