Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on UK Dairy Consumption Patterns

The adoption of GLP-1 medications, used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, is reshaping dairy consumption patterns in the UK. Currently, 4.1 percent of households are using these drugs, which are known to suppress appetite and shift preferences towards fewer calories and more nutrient-dense foods. This trend is expected to affect the dairy market significantly.

Data show a rise in demand for high-protein dairy products. For instance, sales of cows’ standard plain yoghurt have increased by 19.6 percent year on year, while fat-free yoghurt has seen a volume growth of 12.9 percent, with an additional 4.3 million kg purchased. Retailers are responding by launching smaller-portion ready meals tailored to GLP-1 users.

Annabel Twinberrow, an Analyst at AHDB, notes that the UK market could learn fr om the United States, wh ere widespread uptake of GLP-1 drugs has already influenced grocery and dairy purchases. In the US, households with GLP-1 users reduced their grocery spend by about 6 percent, with declines in high-fat dairy categories and growth in high-protein options like Greek yoghurt and whey-based beverages.

Dairy manufacturers in the UK are starting to develop fortified, nutrient-dense products in response to changing consumer priorities. The focus is on offering high-quality nutrition in smaller portions and investing in local processing capacity for purified whey products.

Twinberrow highlights the opportunity for the dairy sector to align with consumer priorities of health, protein, and high-quality nutrition, which could lead to strategic innovations and investments in the industry.