KANSAS CITY — Here’s the scoop: Frozen dessert innovation is hot in new product launches. New formats, dairy-free desserts, organic options and even alcohol-infused varieties are finding a place in the freezer aisle.
Halo Top Creamery is adding a new format to its portfolio of frozen treats. Halo Top Pops are snackable miniature ice cream novelties featuring 50 to 60 calories per serving. Flavor varieties include strawberry cheesecake, mint chip, peanut butter swirl and chocolate chip cookie dough.
“We love ice cream in all forms and these pops seemed like the next logical place to take our brand,” said Doug Bouton, president and chief operating officer of Halo Top Creamery. “We tried to choose an ideal size for portion-control, but also made sure to pack six to a box so there are plenty to go around.”
Dairy-free desserts are debuting from Unilever P.L.C.’s Magnum Ice Cream brand. New Magnum non-dairy frozen dessert bars are available in classic and almond varieties and are certified vegan by Vegan Action. The bars feature a creamy vanilla-flavored base made with coconut oil and pea protein encased in non-dairy Belgian chocolate made with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa beans.
“We're thrilled to bring our next-level chocolate to the vegan and dairy-free market,” said Leslie Miller, marketing director of ice cream at Unilever. “This is our first launch in plant-based indulgence, and we can’t wait to share with Magnum ice cream fans.”
Another Unilever brand, Talenti is launching a new collection of artisanal gelatos made with all organic ingredients. The Talenti Organic lineup includes four flavors: Ginger Matcha, Oak-Aged Vanilla, Chocolate Mousse and Brown Butter Caramel. Talenti also is expanding its reduced-sugar offerings with new Talenti Crafted with Less Sugar Lemon Bar Gelato. The dessert is steeped in lemon zest with tangy lemon curd and shortbread bits and is sweetened with monk fruit juice.
“We know more consumers are looking for organic options — especially in the ice cream and gelato category,” said Josh Hochschuler, founder of Talenti. “We’re thrilled to offer a line that meets this demand while still delivering that same delicious taste consumers have come to expect from Talenti. We had a lot of fun creating unique flavor combinations in the organic line, and we can’t wait for our fans who are craving something new to try them.”
Spirits are in the spotlight in a new line of desserts from Nestle S.A.’s Häagen-Dazs brand. The Häagen-Dazs Spirits Collection features five ice cream flavors, one non-dairy dessert and a new cookie square. The ice cream flavors include Irish Cream Brownie, Rum Tres Leches, Bourbon Vanilla Bean Truffle, Stout Chocolate Pretzel Crunch and Bourbon Praline Pecan. The Spirits line also features Non-Dairy Amaretto Black Cherry Almond Toffee Frozen Dessert and Irish Cream Cookie Squares.
“The Häagen-Dazs brand is built on a passion for transforming the finest ingredients into extraordinary ice cream experiences,” said Rachel Jaiven, brand manager for Häagen-Dazs. “The Spirits Collection was expertly crafted to offer new, extraordinary ways to indulge. Each flavor is perfect to pair with your favorite cocktail, elevate a boozy float or simply enjoy on its own.”
