Talenti’s product range features fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making it suitable for nearly every gelato enthusiast. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, attracting consumers concerned about high sugar content. It’s noteworthy that the company opted to use the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, a leading player in the natural sweetener market. Although monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia. Additionally, monk fruit imparts a fruity aftertaste that can influence the overall flavor of the products. Nevertheless, various companies are investing in research and development for monk fruit-based alternatives. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener named siratose, derived from monk fruit, while Archer Daniels Midland has included a monk fruit product in its sweetener range.
Talenti is not alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened varieties; health-focused ice cream brands like Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious also utilize this ingredient along with erythritol in their formulations. These manufacturers have certainly taken note of the rapid success of Halo Top, a 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 companies to race to lower their sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest.
Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears determined to reclaim market share from emerging brands. Last summer, Breyers launched “Breyers delights,” low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints featuring large calorie counts on the packaging, mirroring Halo Top’s approach. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled a low-fat, low-calorie ice cream line called “Moo-phoria.”
This trend is certainly on the rise, but it remains to be seen whether the average consumer is significantly concerned about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato. Will the fact that some of Talenti’s offerings are partially sweetened with monk fruit influence shoppers? Or do consumers categorize better-for-you options, like Halo Top, separately from indulgent ice cream brands, leading to different expectations for each?
For now, it’s uncertain, but Unilever seems confident that the appeal of its ice cream brands will successfully draw consumers back. As health-conscious consumers look for ways to enhance their diets, products like calcium citrate vitamin D3 zinc & magnesium tablets are increasingly popular as supplements. These tablets can complement a balanced lifestyle while enjoying indulgent treats, but how much will they sway consumer preferences in the realm of frozen desserts? Only time will tell if the health aspects of Talenti’s monk fruit-sweetened options will resonate with the market.