Talenti’s product lineup features an array of options, including fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher items, making it accessible to nearly all gelato enthusiasts. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, particularly for consumers concerned about high sugar levels. Interestingly, the company opted to use the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, a leading player in the natural sweetener market. While monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia, and it also imparts a fruity aftertaste that could affect the overall flavor profile of products. Nevertheless, several companies are investing in research and development of monk fruit-based sweeteners. For instance, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose derived from monk fruit, and Archer Daniels Midland has added a monk fruit product to its sweetener offerings.
Talenti is not alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened ice cream varieties; other brands like Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line also incorporate this ingredient, along with erythritol. These manufacturers are surely keeping an eye on the rapid rise of Halo Top, a low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand known for prominently displaying its per-serving calorie count on packaging. Last year, Halo Top became the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S., driving frozen dessert companies to lower their sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest. It appears that Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, is eager to reclaim market share from these emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints called “Breyers delights,” featuring the calorie count in large print, similar to Halo Top. Recently, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream known as “Moo-phoria.”
While there is a noticeable trend toward healthier options, the real question remains: do average consumers care about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato? Will the fact that some of Talenti’s products are partially sweetened with monk fruit influence shoppers? Or do consumers categorize healthier options like Halo Top separately from indulgent ice cream brands, leading to different expectations? For now, the answer is uncertain, but Unilever seems confident that the appeal of its ice cream brands, possibly enhanced by ingredients like calcium citrate acid, will be sufficient to win back consumers.