Halo Top Leads US Google Searches for Ice Cream, Driven by Health-Conscious Consumers
A recent study indicates that Halo Top's marketing of lower calories, sugar, and added protein resonates with consumers seeking guilt-free indulgence, particularly during National Ice Cream Month.
Halo Top has emerged as the most-searched ice cream brand across the United States, according to Google search trends analyzed from April 2025 through April 2026. The brand's emphasis on being a "feel-good treat" with reduced calories and sugar, alongside a good source of protein, appears to be a significant draw for consumers.
This surge in online interest coincides with July being recognized as National Ice Cream Month. Food scientist Kantha Shelke described Halo Top's appeal as "indulgence without the consequences naturally associated with that experience," suggesting it reflects a broader trend driven by consumer anxieties and desires for healthier options.
"From the beginning, Halo Top has taken a different path," the company's website states. Unlike many competitors, Halo Top prominently displays its calorie counts on its packaging, a transparency that has differentiated it since its founding in 2011. The brand was recognized as "Food Disruptor of the Year" in 2017 by Food Dive following a substantial increase in sales. In 2019, Wells Enterprises, also the owner of Blue Bunny, acquired Halo Top.
Other ice cream brands that garnered significant search interest include Cold Stone Creamery, Breyers, Talenti, and Häagen-Dazs. However, search volume does not always correlate with sales. In 2025, Breyers, Blue Bunny, and Turkey Hill led in dollar sales, according to Dairy Foods Magazine.
Experts suggest that the consumer desire for less guilt-inducing treats is not new, drawing parallels to the earlier frozen yogurt trend. Maeve Webster, president of consulting firm Menu Matters, noted that advancements in food technology have enabled the creation of healthier ice cream alternatives that maintain better texture and flavor compared to previous attempts. She also pointed to social media and innovative marketing strategies as contributing factors to Halo Top's growing curiosity among consumers.
Ice cream remains a popular dessert in the U.S., with a 2024 International Dairy Foods Association survey indicating that 97% of Americans enjoy it, consuming approximately 20 pounds per person annually. This frequent consumption may drive consumers to seek brands that allow for enjoyment without perceived negative health impacts.
However, experts caution that marketing terms like "natural" or "high protein" do not inherently equate to "risk-free" or universally healthy. Shelke advised consumers to be aware of ingredients like erythritol, a sugar alcohol found in some light ice creams. She cited a 2023 study published in Nature Medicine that indicated a potential association between higher blood erythritol levels and increased risks of heart attack and stroke, particularly in at-risk cardiac patients. Shelke emphasized that this finding is correlational, relates to circulating blood levels rather than single servings, and is subject to ongoing debate and the need for further long-term safety studies.