Good things come in small packages

Mary Wilcox is the founder of Significant Outcomes LLC, an Ohio-based consultancy, providing technical and business expertise spanning both the dairy and food industries. She holds a B.S. in Biological Science, M.S. in Animal Nutrition and MBA in Business. Learn more at https://significantoutcomesllc.com.

As the new year has begun, many individuals make a resolution to lose weight. For those who have previously been unsuccessful in their weight loss attempts and are considered obese and/or have type 2 diabetes, they may be considering the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or sometimes referred to as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications.

According to the 2025 Journal of American Medicine Network Open report on “Spending on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults,” GLP-1RA use in the U.S. increased more than 500% between 2018 and 2023, as reflected by total spending of $13.7 billion and $71.7 billion, respectively (https://doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2964). This type of growth, therefore, represents a substantial client base and market segment opportunity.

These products mimic the activity of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone found in the intestine after eating. The peptide analog binds to the pancreas, which stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion, which prevents the release of stored glucose from the liver, causing blood glucose levels to drop. The peptide also signals fullness to the brain, which slows digestion and leads to decreased appetite, cravings, energy intake and ultimately weight loss.

These types of treatments can be beneficial for individuals who are insulin resistant, meaning their cells have stopped responding to insulin correctly, resulting in higher blood sugar levels and changes in metabolism, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

When GLP-1 is used, consumption of low sugar, nutrient-dense foods and adequate resistance exercise are important for maintaining health and muscle mass. While dietary recommendations from clinicians focus on protein and fiber to help individuals feel fuller longer and stabilize blood sugar, other nutritional deficiencies may occur.

A 2025 retrospective observational study in Obesity Pillars on nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists indicated that within 12 months after GLP-1RA initiation, 22.4% of users experienced nutritional deficiency. Among patients who visited a dietitian, approximately one in three had a nutritional deficiency diagnosis, one in five had vitamin D deficiency, 6% had nutritional anemia resulting from insufficient absorption of key nutrients like iron, folate or vitamin B-12, and 4% experienced muscle loss (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100186).

The good news is that dairy is a nutrient dense food source that can help consumers achieve their nutritional needs even when meal consumption patterns are reduced. Milk, cheese and yogurt contain essential nutrients all in one package to help the body function properly.

Dairy is a source of:

• High quality, complete protein which provides all the essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
• Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus for bone health and tissue growth.
• B vitamins like B-12, riboflavin and folate that help the body convert protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy.
• Potassium, which helps regulate body fluid balance, blood pressure and muscle function.
• Selenium to support immune function.

With the use of specialized filtration membranes, protein compositions of milk can be modified through concentration and separation techniques to help create product offerings to meet the special needs of these consumers.

For example, dairy-based beverages such as fairlife Nutrition Plan and Quest Nutrition protein shakes offer consumers higher protein levels ranging from 30 to 45 grams of protein per 11.5- and 14-ounce servings, respectively, with only two grams of sugar. Additionally, Oikos Triple Zero blended Greek yogurt contains 15 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving and zero fat, added sugars or sweeteners, while Chobani High Protein Greek yogurt has 20 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving with no added sugars.

Cheese products are being introduced in smaller formats as well. BelGioioso snacking cheeses like fresh mozzarella, Fontina, Asiago Fresco, and Parmesan featuring 5 grams of protein per serving are in the market. Additionally, Babybel has expanded its line of snacking cheeses to include Gouda, mozzarella, Monterey jack, white cheddar, and a reduced-fat version of its original product, which also contains 5 grams of protein.

Both Good Culture cottage cheese with 18 grams of protein per five-ounce container and Breakstone cottage cheese with 12 grams of protein per four-ounce container are providing yet another nutrient dense option with live and active cultures.

If portability is a concern, consumers can also enjoy the Designer Wellness Protein Smoothie pouches made with 12 grams of whey protein isolate, real fruit blends and no artificial sweeteners or colors as a convenient on-the-go solution. They are shelf stable, so they can be put in the refrigerator at home, enjoyed in a lunch box or even at room temperature.

Now more than ever, individuals using GLP-1 medications or those who are trying to shed a few pounds this year have the opportunity to discover that many good things dairy come in small packages and conveniently fit into a healthy lifestyle. DF