Hershey's CEO Kirk Tanner revealed that the company's Ice Breakers mint and gum sales surged 8% in the first quarter, partly due to increased use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The medications, known for suppressing appetite, are also linked to side effects such as bad breath and dry mouth, which may be driving demand for breath fresheners.
GLP-1s and Mint Sales
Hershey's earnings call highlighted that functional snacking trends, including GLP-1 adoption, are boosting sales of mints and gum. Tanner noted that while appetite suppressants reduce snack consumption, they also create demand for products that address side effects like halitosis. Medical experts confirm that GLP-1 drugs can cause dry mouth and burping, though bad breath is not an officially listed side effect.
Broader Market Impact
Other confectionery companies are also reporting unexpected sales growth tied to GLP-1 users. Lindt & Spruengli saw faster U.S. sales of premium chocolate among medication users, while Magnum Ice Cream cited a "premium treat substitution effect," where users opt for higher-quality snacks. Hershey's protein bar sales jumped 17%, contributing to a 10% revenue increase in the quarter.
Medical Context
Doctors and researchers are still studying the oral health effects of GLP-1 drugs. A clinical trial by Novo Nordisk found that 9% of participants reported burping, while nausea and vomiting were more common. Dental experts link dry mouth to dehydration and saliva changes caused by the medications.