Talenti’s product range features fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making it suitable for virtually all gelato enthusiasts. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, particularly for consumers concerned about high sugar content. Interestingly, the company opted to use the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, the prominent player in the natural sweetener market. While monk fruit is considerably cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia. Additionally, monk fruit’s unique fruity aftertaste can influence the overall flavor profile of the products. Nevertheless, several companies are investing in research and development for monk fruit-based solutions. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose derived from monk fruit. Archer Daniels Midland has also added a monk fruit product to its sweetener range.
Talenti is not alone in offering monk fruit-sweetened varieties; healthier ice cream brand Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line also utilize formulas sweetened with monk fruit and erythritol. These brands have certainly taken note of the remarkable success of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently displays its per-serving calorie counts on its packaging. Halo Top achieved the status of the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S. last year, prompting frozen dessert companies to reduce their sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest.
Unilever, the parent company of Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears determined to reclaim market share from emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints branded as “Breyers delights,” featuring calorie counts in large font, similar to Halo Top. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream called “Moo-phoria.”
While there is a clear trend towards healthier options, the crucial question remains whether the average consumer prioritizes sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato. Will the inclusion of monk fruit as a partial sweetener in some of Talenti’s products influence shopper choices? Alternatively, do consumers categorize healthier options like Halo Top separately from indulgent ice cream brands, leading to differing expectations for each? For now, the answer is uncertain, but Unilever seems confident that the appeal of its ice cream brands will be sufficient to win back consumers. Furthermore, the incorporation of calcium citrate malate (CCM) in some of these products could enhance their nutritional profile, potentially making them even more attractive to health-conscious shoppers. As the market evolves, the role of ingredients like CCM and monk fruit in shaping consumer preferences will likely continue to be a significant topic of discussion.