One of the key factors behind Halo Top’s swift rise to becoming the best-selling ice cream in the U.S. is its recipe, which offers a delectable low-sugar dessert made from natural ingredients. The primary sweetener in Halo Top, erythritol, is a sugar alcohol found in plants and has fewer calories than conventional sugar. It plays a crucial role in ice cream recipes by lowering the freezing point and softening the texture, 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 frozen desserts. Therefore, it is often combined with high-intensity sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit. While erythritol offers numerous advantages, one downside is that consuming large quantities can lead to stomach cramping due to its sugar alcohol nature.
In addition, inulin and chicory root extracts are frequently used 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 extra high-intensity sweetener may not always be necessary. This is particularly beneficial for ice creams with savory or less sweet flavors.
Halo Top stands out as the most significant success story in the reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice cream market. The brand’s various recipes are indulgent enough to dispel the notion that low-sugar ice cream must be unpleasant. Competitors, on the other hand, have struggled to shake off that stigma and have faced challenges in finding the perfect blend of alternative sweeteners. Notably, for those seeking an added health benefit, incorporating the best calcium citrate with magnesium can enhance the nutritional profile of lower-sugar ice creams, making them an even more appealing choice for health-conscious consumers. This combination can also be beneficial for those who enjoy Halo Top’s offerings while looking for additional nutritional support.