Capturing the GLP-1 Consumer: Formulating for During, After and Beyond

The opportunity is in formulating for the GLP-1 journey—the active medication phase and the critical post-medication transition—as well as a growing third demographic: the “beyond” consumer. This consumer wants similar dietary outcomes without taking GLP-1s and is adopting a GLP-1 companion eating lifestyle.

Understanding the Journey

To capture these overlapping demographics, formulators must align their products with what the consumer physically and behaviorally experiences at each stage:

• During GLP-1 Use: Consumers experience drastically reduced appetite, early satiety and often digestive discomfort or sensitivities. Food and calorie intake drops, which can lead to lower nutrient intake and lean muscle loss. The nutritional need is for concentrated, nutrient-dense macros, particularly protein and fiber, delivered in smaller portions. Products must be gentle on the gut and easily digestible.
  

• After GLP-1 Use and Beyond: For those transitioning off GLP-1s, food noise and appetite return, presenting a risk of weight regain. For the “beyond” consumer, the daily goal is managing that same food noise and appetite control naturally. The nutritional need shifts to sustained satiety. Products should be lower in sugar and calories and must leverage macros that naturally satisfy hunger and support long-term weight management habits.
  
  

Fiber’s Nutritional Role

Across all three stages, dietary fiber acts as the partner to protein, delivering the nutritional, digestive and satiety support these consumers actively look for:

• Satiety: Soluble prebiotic fiber complements protein by slowing digestion and triggering internal cues for fullness. For the post-GLP-1 and “beyond” consumers, certain fibers offer the unique advantage of stimulating the body’s natural production of GLP-1 satiety hormones, helping to quiet food noise and promote satiety.
  
• Digestive Comfort: Active GLP-1 users often suffer from gastrointestinal sensitivity. Incorporating a well-tolerated, clinically backed prebiotic fiber helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria and supports comfortable digestion without causing bloating or discomfort.

The Fibersol® Advantage

Fibersol®prebiotic dietary fiber makes adding satiety, digestive tolerance and prebiotic benefits to GLP-1 friendly foods and beverages easier. It is unique in that it is backed by 30+ years of research, is well tolerated and has approved satiety and GLP-1 claims.

Satiety and GLP-1 Claims

• 10g of Fibersol® with a meal may delay hunger and stimulate appetite-regulating hormones
• 10g of Fibersol® with a meal may increase GLP-1 as part of a normal physiological response in healthy individuals

Prebiotic Claims
At 3.25g per serving, Fibersol®:

• Enables “Prebiotic Fiber” claim on products (2.8g fiber from Fibersol® corresponding to 10% DV for fiber)

At 3.75g per serving (4x per day), Fibersol®:

• May help nourish the intestinal flora and maintain a healthy intestinal tract environment (for a total of 15g per day over 3 weeks)
• Is a clinically studied, well-tolerated prebiotic

Fibersol^® Solves Formulation Friction

While the nutritional necessity of stacking protein and fiber while cutting sugar is clear, doing so introduces significant formulation friction. High protein often triggers a chalky, astringent mouthfeel, while sugar reduction causes a loss of functional bulk and binding properties.

To help you overcome these formulation challenges, the Fibersol® team has developed strategies for GLP-1 friendly high-protein beverages, bars, dairy and ready-to-eat meals. Discover how Fibersol® helps maintain quality and functionality while delivering the GLP-1 and satiety support consumers expect.

Download Application Guide: Formulating GLP-1 Friendly Products to explore the GLP-1 journey and access formulation tips and prototype recipes to spark your next GLP-1 product.

1 Mintel. Food and Drink Functional and Nutrition Claims – US – 2026