An unexpected side effect of the rise of GLP-1s? More spicy options in the snack food aisle.
Driving the news: Nestlé is now taking into account how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs affect taste buds when coming up with new flavour combos, the Wall Street Journal reports. This could mean reformulations that include more spices or pepper to entice Ozempified tongues.
Zoom out: Researchers have found GLP-1 drugs can alter users’ tastes, heightening, dampening, or otherwise twisting flavour perception. A study from last year found that all five basic taste qualities — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami — were depressed by GLP-1s.
Another study from last year found, conversely, that a fifth of participants who took Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro said food tasted sweeter and saltier than before.
There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting sweet tastes can be perceived as bitter or metallic, which could prompt a shift to spicier or more savoury snacking products.
Why it matters: Some 3 million Canadians currently take GLP-1 drugs, which will almost certainly rise as they become more accessible. This means continuing changes to packaged food staples — from ingredients to portion size to taste — potentially affecting all shoppers.
Yes, but: Some of these product changes coincide with consumer demands. GLP-1 users need to prioritize protein and fibre to prevent side effects like muscle loss and indigestion — these just so happen to be perhaps the two trendiest words in grocery aisles today.—QH
