The American food industry, forced to adapt its products with the introduction of new diet pills
Packaged food manufacturers and fast-food chains may have to make significant changes to their products next year as new diet pills become available in January 2026.
New diet pills become available in January 2026/PHOTO: Harvard Health
More and more Americans are expected to try the drugs in pill form, more affordable and easier to administer than injections, News.ro writes.
Novo Nordisk's Monday, Dec. 22 approval of the Wegovy pill sent shares of major food companies lower on Tuesday.
Competition Eli Lilly will launch an oral version in 2025, and manufacturers such as Conagra and Nestlé are already feeling the shift in consumer preferences toward more protein and smaller portions.
Companies adjust recipes, promote “GLP-1 friendly” products and collaborate with large retailers for better visibility.
“We see clear reductions in salty snacks, alcohol, juices and pastries, and the focus shifts to protein and fiber. The food industry will have to adapt to this growing public,” said JP Frossard, Rabobank analyst.
Andrew Rocco, strategist at Zacks, called the pill's approval “groundbreaking,” highlighting the need for products with smaller portions and more protein. In the US, 40% of adults are obese, and 12% use GLP-1 drugs.
A Cornell University study shows that households using these treatments cut spending at the supermarket by 5.3 percent and on fast food by 8 percent, and the effect could be greater with the advent of cheaper, easier-to-use pills.
Companies react quickly. Conagra labels some Healthy Choice dishes as rich in protein and fiber, “GLP-1 friendly”and their sales exceed rival products.
The company will launch new recipes in May, along with campaigns in partnership with Walmart and Kroger. Danone is reporting double-digit growth for high-protein yogurts, and Nestlé has launched the Vital Pursuit frozen range, aimed at GLP-1 users.
Restaurant chains are starting to adapt their menus. Chipotle on Tuesday introduced a “High Protein Menu”and Olive Garden and other brands have added smaller, cheaper portions.
Stephen Kennedy, director of marketing at Noodles & Company, explained that the new options are designed to offer meals that “satisfy without excess”.
As the adoption of GLP-1 drugs accelerates, the food industry is preparing for structural changes that could redefine demand, portions and product composition in the coming years.
