Halo Top grows keto frozen dessert line amid boom in better-for-you indulgence

31 Mar 2021 --- Halo Top is expanding its line of ketogenic-friendly frozen desserts yet again with the launch of its on-the-go keto pops. Halo Top’s Keto Series was originally launched in 2020, with this latest addition signposting that better-for-you ice cream is continuing to be popular with US consumers.

“We created our Keto Series so ice cream fans could enjoy a treat while keeping wellness goals on track, and new Keto Pops do just that for on-the-go dessert lovers,” says Chelsea Parker, Halo Top’s senior marketing manager.

Just like the Keto Series frozen dessert pints, Keto Pops are made with creamy, protein-packed ultra-filtered skim milk, which delivers fewer net carbs than regular ice cream and addresses a broad range of dietary needs.

With net carbs ranging from 2 to 3 g per pop, consumers can enjoy an indulgent dessert without sacrificing wellness goals.

However, Parker emphasizes that the Keto Pops and pints aren’t just for those looking to lower their carb or sugar intake, but for anyone who wants to enjoy a tasty dessert. The on-the-go pops come in sea salt caramel, peanut butter chocolate, berry swirl and chocolate cheesecake flavors. 

Indulgent flavors
The Halo Top Keto Pops come in four varieties, each covered in a chocolate flavored coating. The pops’ calorie contents range from 130 to 180, while protein and net carbs tend to be around 3 g and 2 g, respectively. 

The sea salt caramel variety is a mix of smooth vanilla frozen dessert and swirls of sea salt caramel. Targeting fruit lovers, berry swirl features blueberry and strawberry syrups for fruity sweetness. 

Meanwhile, chocolate lovers can choose between a flavor that adds peanut butter chips and fudge swirls to peanut butter frozen dessert or a chocolate cheesecake option. 

Halo Top is also introducing three new flavors inspired by classic desserts to its lineup of Keto Series pints, with net carbs ranging between 4 and 10 g per pint. 

• Brownie a la Mode: Rich vanilla-flavored frozen dessert swirled with fudge and brownie pieces.
• Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake: Chocolate frozen dessert mixed with rich fudge and sea salt caramel.
• Vanilla Bean: This keto-friendly take on a classic flavor uses ultra-filtered skim milk and earthy vanilla beans to achieve a deliciously simple, creamy treat.

At the start of this year, Kerry flagged that classic desserts such as banana split, apple pie and custard are featured as flavors in different categories – including those in the sweet and beverage categories.  

Rising interest in sugar reduction
Halo Top’s offerings are a prime example of the growing better-for-you indulgence trend. Last month, Lu Ann Williams, global insights director at Innova Market Insights, argued that Halo Top’s success owes much to pricing that is similar to premium mainstream products and a strong brand ethos centered on health.

Innova Market Insights also reports that 91 percent of consumers are “at least a little” influenced by sugar reduction claims. 

However, flavor continues to be the single most important choice factor and purchase driver for ice cream consumers. 

Earlier this year, sugar-free ice cream brand Nick’s landed US$30 million in funding to expand its production capacity, as well as its global reach with the US and Germany at the core of its focus.

Beyond sugar reduction, other rising better-for-you ice cream positionings include sleep-friendly and probiotic choices.

Edited by Katherine Durrell