Arla Foods Ingredients launches high-protein concepts for GLP-1 medication users
Arla Foods Ingredients has developed a range of high-protein, nutrient-dense food and beverage concepts designed to address the nutritional challenges faced by users of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) anti-obesity medications. The solutions will be presented at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona (5–7 May 2026).
Growing market, growing nutritional gaps
GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, are now widely used for weight management. Among consumers actively trying to lose weight in 2025, 11% globally and 18% in the US reported using them, with adoption expected to increase as availability widens, tablet formats emerge and prices fall.
However, the medications carry clinically documented side effects relevant to nutritional status. Whilst lean muscle typically accounts for around 25% of total mass lost following conventional interventions such as diet or bariatric surgery, this proportion can rise to 40% with GLP-1 use. Up to 76% of GLP-1 users also experience gastric discomfort, including nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea and reduced appetite – factors that directly affect dietary intake and nutrient adequacy.
Protein solutions targeting muscle and gut health
The new concepts from Arla Foods Ingredients are built around its Nutrilac® and Lacprodan® BLG-100 whey protein ingredients, which deliver a complete essential amino acid profile to support muscle protein synthesis. Probiotic cultures and fermentation technologies from Novonesis have been incorporated to support digestive comfort.
Four formats have been developed, all suited to reduced appetite and smaller serving sizes:
- Fermented high-protein shot (Nutrilac ProteinBoost): 10 g protein per 70 ml; low fat, no added sugar, lactose-reduced
- Fermented high-protein drinking yoghurt (Nutrilac ProteinBoost + NutrilacMFGM): 20 g protein per 200 ml; lactose-reduced
- Fermented high-protein spoonable yoghurt (Nutrilac ProteinBoost, Nutrilac YO-7700, Capolac® milk minerals): 20 g protein per 120 g; high calcium, low fat, lactose-reduced
- Ambient water-based protein shot (Lacprodan BLG-100): 21 g protein per 100 ml; fat-free, sugar-free, low lactose
Formats designed around reduced appetite
Anne Widart, Chief Commercial Officer of Arla Foods Ingredients, commented: “GLP-1 companion nutrition is a rapidly growing category, with considerable untapped opportunities for dairy manufacturers. Anti-obesity medications are creating a market for more nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein to protect lean muscle mass and are easy to digest. Featuring our specialty proteins, these new concepts can help manufacturers realise that potential. Delivering all the essential amino acids vital for muscle health, they also support gut comfort, and the small serving sizes and great taste appeal to smaller appetites.”
Additional concepts at Vitafoods Europe
Arla Foods Ingredients will also present an aerated protein bar solution (AirBar, made with Nutrilac PB-8420) and ready-to-stir medical nutrition powder concepts using Lacprodan BLG-100 Acidic, which offers low viscosity, no gelling at high protein concentrations, and cold and warm water solubility.
The company will exhibit at Stand #3G156 at Vitafoods Europe, Barcelona, 5–7 May 2026.
- For more information, visit: https://www.arlafoodsingredients.com
