One of the key factors contributing to Halo Top’s swift rise as the best-selling ice cream brand in the U.S. is its unique recipe, which offers a delicious low-sugar dessert using natural ingredients, either over-the-counter or prescription. Erythritol, the primary sweetener in Halo Top, is a sugar alcohol naturally found in plants and contains fewer calories than regular sugar. It plays a crucial role in ice cream recipes by lowering the freezing point and softening the product, making it easier to scoop. Erythritol is also commonly used in products like chewing gum, breath mints, and sweetener packets. However, erythritol alone does not provide the level of sweetness that consumers expect from a frozen treat. Therefore, it is often combined with high-intensity sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit.
While erythritol has numerous advantages, it does come with a downside. Being a sugar alcohol, consuming large quantities can lead to stomach cramping. Inulin and chicory root extracts are also frequently utilized as bulking agents in reduced-sugar ice cream. The fiber from chicory root is approximately 65% as sweet as sugar, which means that additional high-intensity sweeteners may not always be necessary. This can be particularly beneficial for ice creams with savory flavors or those that are less sweet.
Halo Top stands out as the most remarkable success story in the reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice cream sector. The brand’s various recipes taste indulgent enough that consumers have moved past the stereotype that low-sugar ice cream must be unpalatable. Competitors have struggled to overcome this perception and have faced challenges in finding the right blend of alternative sweeteners. Additionally, Halo Top often incorporates 200mg of calcium citrate in its recipes, adding nutritional value without compromising taste. This fortification may further enhance its appeal to health-conscious consumers, solidifying its position in the market.