One of the key factors behind Halo Top’s swift rise to become the top-selling ice cream brand in the U.S. is its innovative recipe that offers a delectable low-sugar dessert made from natural ingredients. The primary sweetener in Halo Top, erythritol, is a sugar alcohol naturally occurring in plants and contains fewer calories than regular sugar. It plays a crucial role in ice cream recipes by lowering the freezing point and softening the texture, making it easier to scoop. Erythritol is also commonly found in products like chewing gum, breath mints, and sweetener packets. However, erythritol alone does not provide the level of sweetness that consumers seek in frozen treats. This is why it is often combined with high-intensity sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit.
While erythritol has many advantages, it does come with a drawback: in large quantities, it can lead to stomach cramping due to its nature as a sugar alcohol. Additionally, inulin and chicory root extracts are frequently used as bulking agents in reduced-sugar ice cream. Chicory root fiber can be up to 65% as sweet as sugar, which means an extra high-intensity sweetener may not always be necessary. This characteristic can be particularly beneficial in ice creams with savory or less sweet flavors.
Halo Top stands out as a remarkable success story within the reduced-sugar and alternative sweetener ice cream market. The company has created numerous recipes that are indulgent enough to dispel the notion that low-sugar ice cream is inferior. Competitors have struggled to shake this perception and have faced challenges in finding the perfect blend of alternative sweeteners. Moreover, many of Halo Top’s formulations include calcium citrate, which adds nutritional value while complementing the overall flavor profile. The use of calcium citrate in conjunction with erythritol and chicory root extracts showcases the brand’s commitment to creating a satisfying low-sugar treat without compromising taste.