Danone’s GLP-1 strategy: summary
- Danone targets GLP-1 users with whey-rich yoghurt supporting muscle health
- Microbiome focused medical nutrition aims to rebalance gut impacted by treatment
- Kate Farms offers high protein plant based shakes supporting satiety and muscle health
- Consumer and medical approaches expand opportunities as GLP-1 demand grows
- Launch timing and markets depend on regulation alignment and patient needs
As the early signs of GLP-1-driven disruption emerge in the food sector, more manufacturers are exploring weight management-friendly innovation. The shift isn’t seismic yet, but momentum is building.
Nestlé was the first of the CPG giants to cater to GLP-1 users. Now, smaller operators, too, are trying their hand at protein-rich, portion-controlled offerings for consumers taking GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Danone is also making moves in the GLP-1 arena. The company has hinted at further developments behind the scenes. So what can we expect from the French multinational in the months and years ahead?
Here are three key initiatives on Danone’s GLP-1 radar.
1. Danone trailblazes dairy innovation for GLP-1 users
Danone was the second out the gate among the multinational food giants to launch a consumer product specifically designed for GLP-1 users. Oikos Fusion is the market’s first yoghurt with a science-backed formulation to prevent muscle loss.
“The problem with weight loss is that it’s not only fat, you also lose muscle,” explains Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research and innovation officer. “And to have a healthy body, you cannot lose muscle. We have developed a product that enhances muscle production.”
How does it work? Unlike many protein or yoghurt drinks on the market that rely on predominantly casein protein, Oikos Fusion is richer in whey – a protein containing more leucine, an amino acid that helps muscles to grow and repair after exercise.
While the drink is suited to GLP-1 users, Danone hasn’t mentioned ‘GLP-1′ anywhere on-pack. Whether consumers are taking weight-loss drugs or not, the company says its new drink caters to anyone on a weight loss journey or looking to maintain or build muscle.
2. Treating patients’ microbiome while taking weight-loss medication
Danone does not only work in consumer products. The France-headquartered multinational also operates in medical nutrition through its Specialised Nutrition business, developing products for people with specific health needs.
Some GLP-1 users may have specific health needs Danone can help with. And that’s where its expertise in the gut microbiome comes in.
“Users of GLP-1s have a very specific microbiome. Not just because they are taking a drug which affects the microbiome, but they’re likely to have gut microbiota dysbiosis – because they have diabetes or other diseases," explains Esser.
Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance or disruption of the community of microorganisms living in our digestive tract. When beneficial microbes are lost, harmful ones can dominate and diversity is disrupted.
On top of that, GLP-1 users will be changing their dietary patterns, which presents another risk to the gut microbiome. “We know that one of the key factors influencing the microbiome is diet,” says Esser. “So they need a different type of diet, which is nutrient-rich and contains more probiotics.”
Danone sees an opportunity to help meet these needs with science-backed medical nutrition.
“Understanding the microbiome of GLP-1 users before, during and after treatment is key, because then we can help with products that alleviate certain symptoms and rebalance the microbiome if necessary.”
3. GLP-1 drinks, but without the dairy
Another way Danone is playing in the GLP-1 arena is through plant-based formulations.
Kate Farms, in which Danone owns a majority stake, traditionally develops plant-based formulas as either supplemental nutrition or for tube feeding. But this year, the business has branched out into high-protein plant-based shakes for GLP-1 users.
Unlike mainstream protein shakes, Kate Farms’ high-protein range is designed to support satiety and muscle health. The formula contains 25g pea protein, and all 9 essential amino acids.
“We led preference tests, sensory panels, and tastings with real people, including GLP-1 users,” explains Joe Rupnow, vice president of new enterprises at Kate Farms. “We pushed the shake’s flavour and sensory experience to make it something you’d actually want to drink – not just something you should."
More work going on behind the scenes, but geography matters
Aside from work in Kate Farms, and Danone’s own Oikos Fusion drink, is there more work going on behind the scenes to cater to GLP-1 users at the French dairy giant?
“Yes, of course,” confirms Danone’s Esser. There are opportunities for both sides of the business: consumer and medical nutrition.
But as to where those opportunities will be realised is not yet known. Geography matters. Consumer goods products are of course regulated, but anything in the specialised medical nutrition space is “highly regulated”, says the chief research and innovation officer. That means ensuring you’ve got the right evidence, and developing a significant number of dossiers. And then they need to pass through several authorities – and that’s country-dependent, too.
“So it’s a very specific process, depending on the country and the regulation. The two work together.”
What does that mean for future Danone GLP-1-friendly launches? More are likely on the way, but where they appear will depend on consumer demand, patient need, and regulatory feasibility.
Want to learn more about weight management in the GLP-1 era?
How is the food industry responding to the rise of GLP-1s like Wegovy or Mounjaro?
From reformulation to portion control, appetite supression to satiety science - the GLP-1 revolution is reshaping how we think about food innovation and weight management.
Join us at our free digital summit to hear from leading experts, brands and researchers tackling the big questions:
- What role can food play in supporting GLP-1 users?
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Weight Management: Food Innovation in the GLP-1 Era will be broadcast 13 & 19 November 2025.
