NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Food spending patterns are shifting as use of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes medications expands (like Ozempic and Wegovy), with new research showing measurable reductions in grocery and restaurant demand within months of adoption.
A study highlighted by Meat + Poultry Magazine and published in the Journal of Marketing Research found households reduced grocery spending by an average of 5.3% within six months of starting GLP-1 medications, with higher-income households cutting spending by more than 8%.
Researchers from Cornell University analyzed transaction data from roughly 150,000 households tracked by Numerator, comparing GLP-1 users with similar non-users to isolate post-adoption changes. The steepest declines occurred in calorie-dense foods. Spending on savory snacks fell about 10%, with similar pullbacks in sweets, baked goods, cookies, and other indulgent categories. Core grocery items — including meat, eggs, and bread — also declined.
A small number of categories saw gains, led by yogurt, fresh fruit, nutrition bars, and meat snacks. Foodservice spending also softened, particularly at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops.
The study notes that lower food spending persists for at least a year among continued users, though the impact moderates over time. With GLP-1 use rising rapidly, researchers say long-term implications for food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants could include changes to product mix, portion sizes, and marketing strategies.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising GLP-1 adoption may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects for protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Water access—not acreage alone—is driving where irrigation expands or contracts.
December 07, 2025 12:00 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
December 05, 2025 02:18 PM
·
The FAO Food Price Index for November fell by more than 1 percent in November, marking the third straight month of declines.
December 05, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
December 04, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.
December 04, 2025 07:00 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies continue to drive lower beef output despite heavier weights.
December 04, 2025 05:00 AM
·
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
December 03, 2025 06:52 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us to break down what telehealth entails and which conditions can be managed through remote appointments.
December 03, 2025 02:17 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
