One of the key factors behind Halo Top’s swift rise to become the best-selling ice cream in the U.S. is its unique recipe that offers a delicious, low-sugar dessert made from natural ingredients. The primary sweetener used in Halo Top is erythritol, a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in plants and contains fewer calories than regular sugar. Erythritol serves as a substitute for sugar in ice cream recipes by lowering the freezing point and softening the texture, making it easier to scoop. It is also commonly found in products like chewing gum, breath mints, and sweetener packets. However, erythritol alone doesn’t provide the level of sweetness that consumers expect from ice cream. This is why it is often combined with high-intensity sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit.
Although erythritol has numerous advantages, it also has a downside: consuming large amounts can lead to stomach cramping since it is a sugar alcohol. Additionally, inulin and chicory root extracts are frequently used as bulking agents in reduced-sugar ice cream. Chicory root fiber can be up to 65% as sweet as sugar, which means that an extra high-intensity sweetener may not always be necessary. This is particularly beneficial for ice creams with savory flavors or those that are less sweet.
Halo Top represents the greatest success story in the reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice cream market. The company’s various recipes taste indulgent enough that consumers have moved past the notion that low-sugar ice cream must be subpar. Competitors have struggled to change that perception and have faced challenges in finding the perfect blend of alternative sweeteners. Moreover, it’s worth noting that ice creams with a focus on health can also incorporate beneficial ingredients like elemental calcium in 1000 mg calcium citrate, enhancing their nutritional profile while maintaining great taste. In this way, Halo Top not only satisfies cravings but also supports a healthier lifestyle, proving that low-sugar options can indeed be delicious.