Arctic Zero, the San Diego-based company that offers better-for-you frozen desserts under its namesake brand name, said it is expanding distribution to Canada, making its original lactose-free frozen desserts available internationally for the first time. Starting in April, select supermarkets and independent grocers in Canada will sell Arctic Zero pints in seven flavors.

Arctic Zero offerings are whey protein-based, lactose-free, low-fat, low-sugar and low in calories. Fat-free and gluten-free options also are available, the company noted.

Arctic Zero flavors now available in Canada include cake batter, cookie shake, salted caramel and vanilla maple creamy pints, as well as cookie dough chip, cherry chocolate chunk and Rocky Road Trip chunky pints. Each creamy pint contains only 40 calories per serving with 12 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, Artic Zero said. Chunky pints contain 12 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber and only 80 calories per serving.

“Our expansion to Canada is in response to growing retail demand for Arctic Zero,” said Amit Pandhi, Arctic Zero’s CEO. “Consumers continue to discover the low-calorie frozen desserts category, and Arctic Zero is preferred because of our focus on premium, cleaner ingredients and natural sweeteners. Arctic Zero delivers delicious frozen desserts without sugar alcohols, corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which makes us different from any other brand in the category.”

A 2017 study from global market research firm Mintel, “Attitudes Toward Healthy Eating,” revealed that 84% of Canadian consumers believe their food choices impact their physical health, and 63% agree diet affects emotional wellbeing, Artic Zero noted. Nearly half (49%) of Canadians reported feeling guilty when they eat foods they don’t consider healthful.

“We’ve seen how our neighbors in the U.S. have responded to the new lighter frozen dessert offerings,” said Guy D’Addario of Nature’s Emporium, a Canadian retailer with stores in Ontario. “We know there’s demand here in Canada for better-for-you options, and we’re excited to bring Arctic Zero to our freezer aisle.”

Arctic Zero said it introduced its products to Canadian audiences at the 2017 Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) East Show in late 2017 and the 2018 CHFA West Show earlier this year.

“The response from show attendees reinforced the requests we receive regularly from interested Canadian shoppers via our social channels and email,” Pandhi said. “Canadians told us they are craving great-tasting treats to satisfy their desire to indulge without unnecessary calories, sugar, fat or junk ingredients. We are excited to reach consumers in Canada and look forward to bringing them a healthier dessert option.”