One of the key factors behind Halo Top’s swift rise to become the top-selling ice cream brand in the U.S. lies in its unique recipe, which offers a delicious low-sugar treat crafted from natural ingredients. The primary sweetener used in Halo Top is erythritol, a sugar alcohol naturally derived from plants that contains fewer calories than regular sugar. Erythritol serves as a substitute for sugar in ice cream recipes, helping to lower the freezing point and soften the texture, making it easier to scoop. It can also be found in products like chewing gum, breath mints, and sweetener packets. However, erythritol alone doesn’t provide the intense sweetness that consumers typically expect from frozen desserts. That’s why it’s often paired with high-intensity sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit.
While erythritol has numerous advantages, it does come with a downside: consuming large quantities can lead to stomach cramps, as it is a sugar alcohol. Additionally, inulin and chicory root extracts are frequently used as bulking agents in reduced-sugar ice creams. The fiber from chicory root can be up to 65% as sweet as sugar, which means that an extra high-intensity sweetener might not always be necessary. This characteristic can be particularly beneficial for ice creams with a savory or less sweet profile.
Halo Top stands out as the biggest success story in the market for reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice creams. Consumers have embraced the brand’s indulgent flavors, overcoming the misconception that low-sugar ice creams must compromise on taste. In contrast, competitors have faced challenges in changing this perception and in discovering the perfect balance of alternative sweeteners. Interestingly, many users of Solgar calcium citrate with vitamin D3 have reported benefits that parallel the positive feedback for Halo Top, as both products aim to enhance well-being—whether through dietary enjoyment or nutritional support.