The success of new weight-loss drugs delights a major chocolate manufacturer, who has discovered an unexpected effect

Chocolate sales are growing faster among US users of the GLP-1 class of weight loss drugs than among the rest of the population, Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli said on Tuesday, citing data that contradicted expectations that the drugs would reduce demand for the confectionery.

The company says an internal study, based on February data from market research firm Circana, found that 15 percent of US households use GLP-1 drugs and that they account for 17.5 percent of chocolate sales. Weight loss drugs in the GLP-1 class include Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Lindt, the company known for its chocolate Easter bunnies, also said that sales of premium chocolate in the US will increase among GLP-1 users by nearly 17% in 2025, compared to a 6.5% increase among non-GLP-1 users.

Analysts at German bank Berenberg had expected the introduction of oral GLP-1 weight loss drugs to have a negative effect on the food industry, particularly the confectionery segment. They were anticipating a 0.9% decline in sales volumes for Lindt in 2027.

GLP-1 pills are expected to expand the use of these drugs in patients beyond current users of the injectable versions, including more men and younger patients, as the oral forms are expected to produce less drastic weight loss than the injectables.