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
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
January 30, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.
January 30, 2026 07:00 AM
·
January 30, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law explains the updated ag data use agreement model and what it means for farmers and companies alike.
January 29, 2026 01:25 PM
·
UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
January 29, 2026 01:13 PM
·
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
January 29, 2026 12:44 PM
·
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has four years remaining in her Senate term and could decide to continue serving in that role while campaigning for Governor of Minnesota.
January 29, 2026 11:51 AM
·
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
January 29, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
January 29, 2026 06:00 AM
·
