Hershey has seen a notable increase in sales of its gum and mint products, driven in part by consumers using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The company’s first-quarter earnings call revealed an 8% sales growth for its Ice Breakers brand over the quarter, attributed to this emerging trend.
Hershey CEO Kirk Tanner explained that while appetite suppressants tend to reduce the consumption of typical snacks, they simultaneously boost demand for breath fresheners. This shift is associated with what some users describe as “Ozempic breath,” a term referring to a fishy odor in breath or burps.
Medical professionals note that although bad breath—known clinically as halitosis—is not listed as a direct side effect of GLP-1 drugs, users have reported this symptom. Dr. Neha Lalani, speaking to Healthline, described “Ozempic breath” as a fishy smell accompanying burps. However, the phenomenon is not officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis, and research on the drugs’ impact on oral hygiene is ongoing.
In clinical trials conducted by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, approximately 9% of participants reported “eructation,” or burping, while more common side effects included nausea (over 40%) and vomiting (about 25%). These gastrointestinal symptoms may contribute to changes in breath odor experienced by some users.
Why it matters
The rising popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, which have transformed dieting and appetite control, is influencing consumer behavior and purchasing patterns in the snack and breath freshener markets. Hershey’s sales boost highlights how side effects of prescription drugs can shift demand within consumer goods industries, creating new market opportunities.
Background
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are prescription drugs initially developed for diabetes management and later approved for chronic weight management. They suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying, often leading to reduced calorie intake. As their user base grows, associated lifestyle changes and side effects—such as changes in breath odor—are becoming more noticeable and commercially relevant.
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Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source: