Talenti’s product range features items that are fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher, ensuring accessibility for nearly all gelato enthusiasts. The introduction of monk fruit-sweetened flavors enhances its health appeal, particularly for consumers concerned about high sugar content. It’s noteworthy that the company opted to use the lesser-known monk fruit instead of stevia, a leading natural sweetener. While monk fruit is much cheaper than sugar, it is pricier and less sweet than stevia, and its fruity aftertaste can influence the flavor profile of the products. Nevertheless, many companies are investing in research and development for monk fruit-based alternatives. For example, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener called siratose, derived from monk fruit, while Archer Daniels Midland has introduced a monk fruit option in its sweetener lineup.
Talenti isn’t the only ice cream brand launching monk fruit-sweetened varieties; better-for-you ice cream label Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line are also incorporating this ingredient alongside erythritol. These brands have certainly been observing the rapid growth of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand that prominently displays its per-serving calorie count on the packaging. Last year, Halo Top became the top-selling ice cream pint in the U.S., prompting other frozen dessert manufacturers to lower their sugar levels to capture similar consumer interest.
Unilever, the parent company of Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears determined to reclaim market share from emerging competitors. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream called “Breyers delights,” featuring the calorie count prominently displayed, mirroring Halo Top’s approach. Just last week, Ben & Jerry’s unveiled a line of low-fat, low-calorie ice cream named “Moo-phoria.”
This trend is undeniably on the rise, but it raises the question of whether the average consumer is truly concerned about sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in a treat like gelato. Will the partial sweetening of some Talenti products with monk fruit influence shoppers? Or do consumers categorize better-for-you options like Halo Top and indulgent ice creams separately, leading to different expectations for each? For the time being, the answer remains uncertain, but Unilever seems confident that the strength of its renowned ice cream brands will be enough to attract consumers back.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that when considering health-oriented choices, consumers might also be curious about what are the benefits of calcium citrate. This compound can contribute to better calcium absorption, which is essential for bone health, and may complement the healthier profiles of products like Talenti’s monk fruit-infused offerings. Ultimately, as the market evolves, understanding consumer preferences regarding health benefits, including those associated with calcium citrate, will be crucial for brands aiming to capture attention in this competitive landscape.