“Ozempic breath” is boosting Hershey’s sales of mints and gum

Hershey, the well-known candy company, is experiencing a surprising increase in sales from users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. During a recent earnings call, CEO Kirk Tanner revealed that while these appetite suppressants are causing consumers to eat smaller portions of snacks, they are also driving up demand for breath fresheners. This trend has led to an 8% rise in sales for Hershey’s Ice Breakers mint and gum brand. The increased demand is partly due to a side effect of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which can cause bad breath, sometimes referred to as “Ozempic breath.” Although bad breath is not officially listed as a side effect, medical professionals note that it can occur, with some patients experiencing burping, nausea, and vomiting. This unexpected market shift highlights how pharmaceutical side effects can influence consumer behavior and product demand. QUESTION: How might the growing use of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 impact the snack and confectionery industry in the future?