Nestlé is deploying artificial intelligence and nutritional science to develop a line of products aimed at the millions of consumers taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, the company said Monday.
Chief Technology Officer Stefan Palzer told Reuters that Nestlé’s scientists have been examining the effects of rapid weight loss and deploying AI to sift through large bodies of clinical research, pinpointing nutrient combinations that may support muscle health, hydration and nutritional intake. “We are well positioned with the portfolio. It’s a huge opportunity for our company,” Palzer said.
The company said it has identified a combination of two micronutrients that it has industrialized to help stimulate muscle tissue growth — a concern for drug users because GLP-1 medications can accelerate lean muscle loss alongside fat reduction. Nestlé has also patented combinations of proprietary ingredients designed to reduce appetite in consumers who often experience increased hunger after discontinuing GLP-1 treatments.
Around 16 million Americans are currently taking GLP-1 medicines, a figure expected to rise by the end of the decade, according to Boston Consulting Group.
Nestlé has already brought products to market. Its U.S. business launched Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake, which is marketed as containing 35 grams of protein to support muscle health during weight loss. For markets in Asia and Australia, the company rolled out Milo PRO High Protein, a higher-protein variant of its Milo malt drink.
AI is playing a broader role in the company’s product development process. To support that work, Nestlé built an internal tool called Food Genie, which Palzer said allows scientists and product developers to forecast recipe performance and surface reformulation options across a library of roughly 120,000 recipes. Nestlé is additionally piloting AI-powered simulations that model likely shopper reactions to new products ahead of launch, while a separate AI system scans social media to surface shifts in what consumers want.
Nestlé has been reformulating some of its products to account for the dulled taste perception that can accompany GLP-1 use, running trials with consumers to map how the drugs affect flavor experience. Marketing chief David Rennie said GLP-1 users would be brought in as collaborators during recipe development, with potential adjustments including heavier use of spices. The company has also been rethinking portion sizing and overhauling nutrition label clarity as part of the effort.
Not everyone views the strategy favorably. Amanda Avery, associate professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Nottingham, said that meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts and pulses remain inexpensive sources of the same protein and nutrients found in specialized products. Even so, Avery conceded that such products would probably attract a customer base. “Sadly, we are quite influenced by marketing,” she said. “Nestlé will have done their research.”