Weight-loss drugs set to reshape UK dairy market

The rapid uptake of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is set to reshape the UK dairy sector, as shifting consumer habits drive changes in grocery spending and product demand, according to the AHDB.

GLP-1 medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, slow digestion, suppress appetite and alter taste perception.

As a result, users typically consume fewer calories and prioritise nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods.

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Annabel Twinberrow, analyst at the AHDB, said: “Dairy is well placed to respond to the ‘less but better’ consumption mindset seen among GLP-1 users.

“However, it will be key to invest in local processing capacity for purified whey products for British dairy to fully capitalise on the opportunity.”

Demand for high-protein yoghurts and cottage cheese has increased, with further acceleration expected as GLP-1 usage rises.

Data for the 12 weeks ending 24 January 2026 show cows’ standard plain yoghurt grew 19.6% year on year.

Cows’ fat-free yoghurt recorded the largest actual growth, rising 12.9% with an additional 4.3m kilograms purchased compared with the previous year.

Uptake 

According to research by Worldpanel, 4.1% of households in Britain are already using GLP-1 medications, although the UK is at an early stage of adoption.

With two-thirds of adults in England classified as overweight and more than a quarter as obese, according to the Department of Health and Social Care, even modest uptake could lead to significant shifts in purchasing behaviour.

Ms Twinberrow added: “Although the US takes a different approach to healthcare and their rate of obesity is higher, we can take learnings from their markets when predicting dairy consumption changes related to weight-loss medications.

“A Rabobank report on a study conducted by Cornell University and Numerator found that US households with at least one GLP-1 user reduced their total grocery spend by around 6% within six months.

“High-fat categories such as cheese, butter and ice cream declined, while cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and whey-based protein beverages have seen growth.”

Retailers have introduced smaller portion ready meals aimed at GLP-1 users.

And dairy manufacturers are expected to expand fortified, high-protein and reformulated products, including whey and cultured dairy lines.