A regular customer who used to leave with chips, soda and a frozen pizza now buys Greek yogurt, a protein shake and a single-serve soup. Multiply that by thousands of shoppers and you have one of the biggest shifts in food retail this decade.
GLP-1 medications, the class of drugs used for diabetes and weight loss, are changing how many people eat. For independent grocery and health food stores, that is both a risk to some categories and a real opening in others. This guide covers what the research shows and what to change on your shelves.
Key takeaways
- Gallup data cited by the National Retail Federation shows weight-loss drug use among US adults roughly doubled, from 5.8% in February 2024 to 12.4%.
- In an Attest survey of US grocery shoppers in May 2026, about half of current GLP-1 users said they eat smaller portions.
- An NFRA survey found 52% of current GLP-1 users are buying more high-protein dairy and 48% more single-serve or portion-controlled foods.
- Big Chalk Analytics, cited by the NRF, estimates $6.5 billion in US grocery sales lost to reduced snacking by GLP-1 users.
- Independent stores can respond faster than chains: adjust assortment, pack sizes, displays and staff knowledge.
How many shoppers use GLP-1 medications?
The numbers have grown fast. The National Retail Federation's 2026 trends piece cited Gallup data showing weight-loss drug use roughly doubled, from 5.8% in February 2024 to 12.4%.
Survey results vary with the question asked. In Attest's survey of 1,000 US adults who do at least half of their household's grocery shopping, conducted May 21 and 22, 2026, 14% said they currently take a GLP-1 medication and 9% said they had used one in the past. Another 28% said they would consider it.
Either way, a meaningful share of your customers are on these medications now, and the group is still growing.
What do GLP-1 shoppers buy more of, and less of?
Two 2026 surveys point in the same direction.
Buying more. In a survey for the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association, conducted by Morning Consult in June 2026 with 241 current GLP-1 users, users reported buying more of:
| Category | Share of current GLP-1 users buying more |
|---|---|
| High-protein dairy | 52% |
| Single-serve or portion-controlled foods | 48% |
| Protein drinks | 43% |
| Frozen proteins | 42% |
| Soups and lighter meals | 41% |
| Frozen vegetables | 40% |
The same survey found 44% of GLP-1 users said they are spending more per grocery trip, and 41% said they are increasing overall grocery spending. That is a reminder that this shopper is not simply buying less. They are buying differently.
Eating less. In Attest's survey, about half of current GLP-1 users said they eat smaller portions and 47% said they buy healthier foods. Across all shoppers surveyed, about 46% said they had cut back on sweet snacks over the past six months, 45% on alcoholic drinks and 42% on soft drinks.
The NRF piece cited an estimate from Big Chalk Analytics of $6.5 billion in US grocery sales lost to reduced snacking by GLP-1 users, and noted that large food makers and Kroger's Simple Truth private label have launched high-protein and GLP-1-friendly products.
What GLP-1 shoppers look for on the label
When choosing frozen and refrigerated foods, GLP-1 users in the NFRA survey said these factors mattered: feeling full and satisfied (84%), high protein (81%), lower sugar (79%), digestive ease (79%), fiber (75%) and gut health (75%). Those are the words your shelf tags and signs should use.
6 ways to adapt your store
1. Read your own data first
National surveys show the direction. Your sales data shows your store. Compare the last 90 days with the same period last year for protein drinks, yogurt, single-serve soups, frozen vegetables, sweet snacks and soft drinks. Expand what is growing and trim what is shrinking.
2. Expand protein, especially in single-serve
Protein drinks, high-protein yogurt and frozen proteins appear at the top of the NFRA list. Add facings and flavors, and look for single-serve sizes.
3. Rethink pack sizes
Smaller portions mean smaller packs. Add single-serve and portion-controlled options next to family sizes rather than replacing them, so every household finds what fits.
4. Build a "protein and portions" set
Group high-protein, lower-sugar and portion-controlled items in one clearly signed area or end cap. Shoppers who are new to this way of eating appreciate one easy place to start.
5. Rebalance the impulse zone
If sweet snack sales are sliding, test protein bars, nuts, jerky and single-serve cheese near the register.
6. Train staff to help, not to diagnose
Teach staff where to find high-protein and lower-sugar items, and how to read a nutrition panel with a customer. Avoid medical advice, and point health questions to the customer's doctor or pharmacist. Health food stores with knowledgeable staff have a clear edge here.
How ShelfPerks helps
- See the shift in your numbers. Real-time analytics show sales by product and category, so you can spot growing and shrinking categories.
- Buy smarter. AI-based purchase orders and expiration reports and alerts are included on Plus and above, which helps with perishable protein and dairy.
- Test sets and bundles. Promotions let you run a "protein and portions" bundle or a new-item discount.
- Clear shelf tags. Product labels are included from the Standard plan up.
- Weighed items. ShelfPerks integrates with Datalogic scale scanners and the Star Bluetooth scale for deli proteins and bulk foods.
See how ShelfPerks works for grocery stores and health food stores.
Frequently asked questions
How are GLP-1 drugs changing grocery shopping?
Users tend to eat smaller portions and buy more protein and portion-controlled foods. In an NFRA survey, 52% of current GLP-1 users said they buy more high-protein dairy and 48% more single-serve or portion-controlled foods.
What foods do GLP-1 users buy more of?
According to the NFRA survey, GLP-1 users report buying more high-protein dairy, single-serve or portion-controlled foods, protein drinks, frozen proteins, soups and lighter meals, and frozen vegetables.
Do GLP-1 users spend less on groceries?
Not necessarily. In the NFRA survey, 44% of current GLP-1 users said they spend more per grocery trip and 41% said they are increasing overall grocery spending, even while eating smaller portions.
How many Americans use GLP-1 medications?
Gallup data cited by the NRF shows weight-loss drug use roughly doubled from 5.8% in February 2024 to 12.4%. In Attest's May 2026 survey of grocery shoppers, 14% said they currently take a GLP-1 medication.
What should a small grocery store stock for GLP-1 shoppers?
Start with your own sales data, then expand high-protein dairy, protein drinks, single-serve and portion-controlled foods, frozen proteins and vegetables, and lighter soups. Group them in one clearly signed area.
Your next step
Pull your category sales for the last 90 days this week and compare them with last year. To see category trends, purchasing and promotions in one system, try ShelfPerks with a 14-day free trial of Premium features, no credit card required, at grow.shelfperks.com.
