# GLP-1 Snacking Hershey Reports Rising Demand for Mints, Gum and Protein Snacks By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-05-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/GLP-1-snacking References: [gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/ozempic-breath-is-on-the-rise-and-so-is-this-unlikely-winner-2000753320) & [cnbc](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/30/hershey-gum-mints-ozempic-breath.html)  GLP-1 snacking is influencing how food and confectionery brands respond to changing consumer eating habits linked to weight-loss medications like [Ozempic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atkins-simply-good-foods) and Wegovy. Hershey reported increased sales of mints, gum and protein bars as more consumers using GLP-1 medications shift toward functional snacks, smaller portions and premium treats. The company’s [Ice Breakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lemon-seltzer-sparkling-mints) brand experienced notable growth as consumers increasingly seek products associated with freshness and convenience alongside appetite-conscious eating behaviors. Other food companies, including Lindt and [Magnum](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnum-bonbons) Ice Cream, have also reported changing demand patterns connected to GLP-1 adoption. This shift in consumer behavior could encourage food brands to develop more premium, portion-conscious and functional snack products tailored to evolving wellness priorities. Consumer packaged goods companies may increasingly adapt product portfolios around appetite management, protein-focused snacking and higher-quality indulgences. The growing influence of GLP-1 medications also highlights how healthcare trends are beginning to reshape mainstream retail purchasing and long-term food consumption habits. Image Credit: George Sheldon / Shutterstock.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.6/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 75% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Appetite-conscious Snacking:** Demand for smaller portions and low-calorie snack options is rising as GLP-1 users prioritize appetite management over traditional meal patterns, creating room for portion-engineered offerings. - **Functional Freshness Formats:** Products emphasizing freshness and convenience, like mints and gum with functional benefits, are being reimagined to align with medication-influenced eating habits and satiety cues. - **Premium Miniaturized Indulgences:** A shift toward high-quality, bite-sized treats reflects consumers trading quantity for premium sensory experiences while maintaining calorie or portion control. ### Who This Affects Most - **Confectionery and Gum:** Sales growth in brands such as Ice Breakers highlights a market for confectionery positioned around freshness, low-calorie profiles, and on-the-go appetite management. - **Protein and Nutritional Bars:** Manufacturers of protein-focused snacks are encountering demand for compact, nutrient-dense formats that support satiety without large portion sizes. - **Retail Pharmacy and Grocery:** Pharmacies and grocery retailers are experiencing shifts in basket composition as healthcare-driven diets influence stocking and merchandising of functional snack assortments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chocolate-Peanut Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reeses-peanut-butter-cup-toothpaste.md) - [Fantastical Candy Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everlasting-gobstopper-toothpaste.md) - [Life-Saving Chewing Gum Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hero-gum.md) - [Melon Soda Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/melon-soda-toothpaste.md) - [Joyful Oral Care Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocolab.md) - [Tingling Tropical Cocktail Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-breakers-sparkling.md) - [Salty-Sweet Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salted-caramel-pretzel-toothpaste.md) - [Festive Oral Care Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-x-hello-kitty.md) - [Boldly Flavored Mint Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nestl-polo-mints.md)