Talenti’s product range features options that are fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher, making it accessible to almost all gelato enthusiasts. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, drawing in 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 standout in the natural sweetener market. While monk fruit is considerably cheaper than sugar, it is more costly and less sweet than stevia, and its fruity aftertaste may influence the final taste of the products. Nonetheless, many companies are channeling their R&D towards monk fruit-based alternatives. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener named siratose, derived from monk fruit, and Archer Daniels Midland has incorporated a monk fruit product into its sweetener offerings.
Talenti isn’t alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened varieties; other health-conscious ice cream brands like Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious also utilize this ingredient, along with erythritol. These manufacturers are undoubtedly keeping a close eye on 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 brands to lower their sugar content to attract similar consumer interest.
Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, seems determined to reclaim market share from emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers launched “Breyers Delights,” a line of low-calorie, high-protein ice cream with calorie counts boldly printed on the containers, mirroring Halo Top’s strategy. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s introduced “Moo-phoria,” a new line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream.
While there is a clear trend towards healthier options, it remains uncertain whether the average consumer is particularly concerned about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in gelato. Will the inclusion of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s offerings influence shoppers? Or do consumers categorize healthier treats like Halo Top and indulgent ice cream brands differently, maintaining distinct expectations for each? For now, the answer is elusive, but Unilever appears confident that the allure of its ice cream brands will successfully draw consumers back. Additionally, with an increasing focus on health, the incorporation of ingredients like solgar calcium and vitamin D in their products could further enhance their appeal, potentially making them more attractive to health-conscious consumers.