How CPG Manufacturers Can Cost-Effectively Create Foods for GLP-1 Agonist Users

As the market for GLP-1 agonists continues to expand, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers have a significant opportunity to serve this growing, health-focused audience. 15 million adults are using GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy in the effort to improve health and lose weight. The size of this group, and their unique dietary preferences, has very quickly created an entirely new sector in the marketplace.

CuliNEX helps our clients efficiently formulate and bring foods to market that meet the needs of GLP-1 users. CuliNEX also understands its clients need to keep costs in line. With 20 years serving the CPG market developing Clean Label foods, we understand how important it is to formulate with costs in mind during the development and manufacture of a new product. That’s why we offer affordable, strategic approaches to product development, sourcing, and manufacture.

“A finished good contains the costs of ingredients, packaging, manufacturing labor, overhead expenses, profit margin, distribution and grocery slotting fees, if it’s in a store,” said Sarah Fitzgerald, Senior Culinoligist at CuliNEX. Sarah and her team know how to help their partners save money in all aspects of product development and production.

Here are several cost-effective ways CuliNEX can help CPG manufacturers to create foods that appeal to GLP-1 agonist users:

Focus on Nutrient-Dense, Simple Ingredients

GLP-1 users are seeking clean, nutrient-dense foods. Using affordable, whole-food, Clean Label ingredients can reduce production costs while meeting these consumer needs. “We can help serve the client through cost optimization projects in which we assess the ingredients currently in the formula and search for lower cost options,” said Fitzgerald.

We understand the uses and advantages of cost-effective, nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, beans, lentils, peas, eggs, dairy, and whole grains. These ingredients are versatile, affordable, and naturally rich in fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients—critical to GLP-1 users.

“We can assess the supplier horizon and find cost savings in the ingredients themselves when creating a Clean Label, GLP-1 agonist friendly product,” said Fitzgerald. Instead of using expensive superfoods or imported kale or acai, for example, we help you look for more budget-friendly alternatives, such as leafy vegetables, legumes and whole grains. “Ingredient cost savings are one way we can help our clients save money,” said Fitzgerald.

Co-man Cost Savings

The right co-man can help save on you from making expensive capital investments in someone else’s plant, reduce product waste and excessive inventory with lower MOQs and avoid excessive overhead costs.

“We have a large network of Co-mans we can tap in our search process. We know what questions to ask and can increase co-man interest based on our reputation for bring them production ready formulas that require less work on their end,” said Fitzgerald. “Over the last twenty years, we have built a reputation that precedes us.”

Simplify Product Formulations For Cost Savings

GLP-1 users are drawn to products with clean, simple ingredient lists that are easy to understand. By limiting the number of ingredients on the ingredient deck, and focusing on functionality, we help our clients create effective, delicious, healthy products while keeping costs low. This approach also supports the Clean Label movement that is our guiding principle.

We know how to streamline product formulations by reducing the complexity of ingredients during our benchtop development. We focus on key benefits—such as high protein, fiber, or specific nutrients—while avoiding unnecessary additives or expensive ingredients. Rather than using complex mixes or premium-priced flavorings, we stick to basic, cost-effective seasonings and whole foods to create craveable products.

Striking a Balance Between Quality and Cost

CPG manufacturers can tap into the growing GLP-1 agonist market in a cost-effective way by focusing on simplicity, strategic sourcing, and cost-effective ingredients. Culinologists at CuliNEX can help CPG food producers understand GLP-1 agonists and their impact on consumer behavior. With this understanding, together, we can formulate delicious, affordable products to meet the needs of this growing sector of the marketplace.