Talenti offers a diverse range of products, including fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making its gelato accessible to nearly all consumers. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, attracting those cautious about high sugar content. Interestingly, the company opted for the lesser-known monk fruit instead of the more popular natural sweetener, stevia. While monk fruit is considerably cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia, and its fruity aftertaste can influence the flavor profile of the products. Nonetheless, various 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, and Archer Daniels Midland has added a monk fruit product to its sweetener offerings.
Talenti is not alone in introducing monk fruit-sweetened varieties; the health-conscious ice cream brand Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free brand also utilize this ingredient along with erythritol. These brands have undoubtedly taken notice of the rapid success of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently displays its calories per serving. Last year, Halo Top became the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S., prompting frozen dessert manufacturers to reduce sugar levels to capture similar consumer interest.
Unilever, the parent company of Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, is determined to reclaim market share from these emerging brands. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream called “Breyers delights,” featuring large calorie counts on the packaging, similar to Halo Top. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled a low-fat, low-calorie ice cream line named “Moo-phoria.”
While it’s clear that a trend is emerging, the real 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 sweetener in some Talenti products resonate with shoppers, or do consumers categorize healthier options like Halo Top separately from indulgent brands, leading to different expectations for each? The answer is still uncertain, but Unilever seems confident that the allure of its ice cream brands will entice consumers back.
Moreover, while considering health aspects, it’s worth noting that some consumers might also be curious about other ingredients and their effects, such as the potential calcium citrate side effects. This could further influence their purchasing decisions as they navigate the balance between indulgence and health.