McDonald's execs are figuring out how to handle more customers on GLP-1s

"In a Wednesday earnings call, McDonald's executives talked about how the chain was testing menu items for more customers on GLP-1s. CEO Chris Kempczinski said he expects GLP-1 adoption to continue to grow, adding, "as adoption grows, we know that consumers' behavior changes." He said these customers are interested in protein-rich products, and that McDonald's already has a menu of high-protein dishes. Vice President Jill McDonald chimed in with examples of McDonald's Snack Wraps, Sausage Biscuit sandwich, and chicken McCrispy Strips."

""But we're also seeing changes around maybe less snacking, changes in some of the beverages that they drink, less sugary drinks," Kempczinski said. "And so all of those things are factoring into some of what we're out there experimenting with and testing with." Jill McDonald added that the team has ideas in the works for how to better serve customers on GLP-1 drugs in the long term, though she did not share any additional details."

"GLP-1 adoption in the US is on the rise. An EY consumer products expert told Business Insider last year that 10% of the entire US population was on some form of GLP-1 drugs. These drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, are known to suppress appetite, leading to users opting for small portion sizes. And it's reshaping the US food and beverage sector."

McDonald's is testing menu items for customers using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Company leaders say GLP-1 adoption is rising and that users' behavior changes, including reduced snacking and lower intake of sugary beverages. These customers show interest in protein-rich products, and McDonald's already offers high-protein menu items such as Snack Wraps, Sausage Biscuit, and McCrispy chicken strips. The company is experimenting with offerings and beverage options to better match smaller portion sizes and altered preferences. Other food companies, including General Mills, Conagra Brands, and Shake Shack, are introducing smaller-portion or 'GLP-1 friendly' products to address the shifting U.S. food and beverage market.

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