“Ozempic breath” is boosting Hershey’s sales of mints and gum
Candy Giant Hershey Sees Sales Boost from Users of Weight-Loss Drugs
Hershey, the renowned candy giant, is experiencing a surge in sales from an unexpected consumer segment: individuals using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
During Hershey’s first-quarter earnings call, CEO Kirk Tanner highlighted that while appetite suppressants are causing customers to consume smaller portions of popular snacks, they are also driving demand for breath fresheners.
Tanner mentioned, “We have observed a significant increase in the demand for gum and mint products due to functional snacking tailwinds, particularly with the adoption of GLP-1 medications.” He further stated that sales of the company’s Ice Breakers mint and gum brand rose by 8% during the quarter.
One possible reason for this trend is that while these drugs help in weight loss, they may also lead to side effects such as bad breath, as noted by medical professionals. Dr. Neha Lalani explained, “Ozempic breath is characterized by a fishy smell in burps or bad breath.”
Although GLP-1 manufacturers do not list bad breath (halitosis) as a side effect of the drugs, doctors advise that it is not a formal diagnosis and that the impact of these medications on patients’ oral hygiene is still under study.
In a clinical trial conducted by Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, approximately 9% of individuals taking GLP-1 medications reported experiencing “eructation” or burping. More than 40% reported nausea, while nearly 25% reported vomiting as side effects of the drugs.
