Talenti’s product range features fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making it accessible to nearly all gelato lovers. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, attracting consumers concerned about high sugar content. Interestingly, the company opted for the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, which is the leading natural sweetener. While monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar, it is more costly and less sweet than stevia. Additionally, monk fruit has a fruity aftertaste that could influence the flavor of products. However, several companies are investing in research and development focused on 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 included a monk fruit product in its sweetener offerings.
Talenti isn’t alone in launching monk fruit-sweetened varieties; health-conscious ice cream brands like Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line also utilize this ingredient, along with erythritol. These companies have surely been observing the rapid rise of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently displays calorie counts on its packaging. Halo Top became the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S. last year, prompting frozen dessert manufacturers to work swiftly to lower their sugar levels to attract similar consumer interest.
Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, is evidently eager to reclaim market share from emerging brands. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream called “Breyers delights,” featuring large calorie counts on the packaging, mirroring Halo Top’s approach. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream named “Moo-phoria.”
There is certainly a growing trend towards healthier options, but the key question remains: do consumers care about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato? Will the presence of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s products influence shoppers? Or do consumers categorize healthier options like Halo Top and indulgent brands separately, adjusting their expectations accordingly? For now, the answer is uncertain, but Unilever appears confident that the allure of its ice cream brands will suffice to draw back consumers.
Amidst these trends, the inclusion of nutrients such as bluebonnet calcium could further enhance the appeal of these products, making them even more attractive to health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how brands like Talenti incorporate such elements to meet consumer demands, especially as the competition heats up in the quest for healthier, indulgent treats.