This July, Americans are celebrating National Ice Cream Month by searching for a very different kind of frozen dessert. A recent study by Innerbody Research analyzed Google search trends from April 2025 through April 2026. The data crowned Halo Top as the most-searched ice cream brand across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Halo Top has carved out a unique space by branding itself as a feel-good treat. The company explicitly prints its low calorie counts right on the front of its packaging. This bold marketing strategy has helped the brand stand out in a crowded freezer aisle.
The brand originally launched in 2011 and quickly shook up the industry. After reporting a massive 2,500% sales spike, it was named Food Disruptor of the Year in 2017. The company was later acquired by ice cream giant Wells Enterprises in 2019.
best halo top flavour? pic.twitter.com/DSicWY180T
— elle ⋆★ (@wonykjoules) August 5, 2023
Other brands also captured significant online interest. Cold Stone Creamery, Breyers, Talenti, and Häagen-Dazs rounded out the top five most-searched list. However, high search volume does not always equal top retail sales.
In 2025, traditional favorites like Breyers, Blue Bunny, and Turkey Hill actually led the market in dollar sales. Experts note that search behavior often reflects consumer anxieties rather than final purchases. Halo Top represents a desire for indulgence without the typical dietary guilt.
Food scientist Kantha Shelke compared this curiosity to the modern GLP-1 weight-loss era. Consumers are actively looking for high-protein, portion-controlled, and low-sugar options. Food consultant Maeve Webster added that improved food technology has made healthier desserts taste much better.
America's most-searched ice cream brand may surprise you — and there's a healthy reason why https://t.co/UZFwWLKSUH pic.twitter.com/gflsIwITI6
— Chris 🇺🇸 (@Chris_1791) July 3, 2026
Americans absolutely love ice cream, with 97% of the population reporting they enjoy the treat. The average citizen consumes about 20 pounds of ice cream every single year. This high consumption rate drives the constant search for guilt-free alternatives.
However, experts warn that natural claims do not automatically mean a product is healthy. Some light ice creams rely heavily on the sugar alcohol erythritol. A 2023 Cleveland Clinic study linked high levels of this sweetener to elevated cardiovascular risks.
The study suggested erythritol could make blood platelets more likely to form clots. Researchers have called for further long-term safety evaluations of these sugar substitutes. Consumers are urged to stay informed and read ingredient labels carefully.