Talenti’s product range features fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making it accessible to nearly all gelato lovers. Its introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, attracting consumers cautious about high sugar content. Interestingly, the company opted for the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, a leading player in the natural sweetener market. While monk fruit is considerably cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia. Additionally, the fruity aftertaste of this sweetener can affect the overall flavor of the product.
Nevertheless, several companies are dedicating their research and development efforts to monk fruit-based solutions. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener named siratose, derived from monk fruit. Similarly, Archer Daniels Midland has included a monk fruit variant in its sweetener offerings. Talenti is not alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened varieties; other brands focused on healthier options, such as Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line, also utilize this sweetener alongside erythritol. These companies have likely been monitoring the rapid success of Halo Top, a low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently displays its calorie count per serving on its packaging. Last year, Halo Top became the best-selling ice cream pint in the U.S., prompting frozen dessert manufacturers to compete by lowering their sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest.
It appears that Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, is determined to reclaim market share from this rising competitor. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream called “Breyers delights,” featuring the calorie count prominently on its packaging—mirroring Halo Top’s strategy. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a low-fat, low-calorie ice cream line named “Moo-phoria.”
This trend is certainly on the rise, but the key question remains: do average consumers truly care about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in a treat like gelato? Will the inclusion of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s products influence shoppers? Alternatively, do consumers categorize healthier treats like Halo Top and indulgent ice cream brands differently, leading to varying expectations for each? For now, the answer is uncertain, but Unilever seems assured that the appeal of its ice cream brands will successfully draw consumers back.
In addition to this, the increasing health consciousness among consumers has led to a rise in the popularity of supplements like Citracal, which could further influence their choices when it comes to indulging in desserts. As more individuals look for ways to balance indulgence with health, products sweetened with monk fruit and other low-calorie options may find a receptive audience, especially among those already taking supplements like Citracal to support their wellness goals.