Nestle has entered the U.S. weight-loss market with the launch of its new protein shots, designed to suppress appetite and support weight loss efforts. The world’s largest packaged food company, known for products like Kit Kat and Nesquik, is expanding its portfolio with a product aimed at those using weight-loss medications.
The protein drink, named Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, is marketed to individuals using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovy from Novo Nordisk and Zepbound from Eli Lilly. These medications, which mimic the body’s natural hormone GLP-1, curb appetite and promote a feeling of fullness. Nestle’s protein shot, while less potent than these drugs, is claimed to trigger a similar natural GLP-1 response in the body, helping users manage hunger.
According to Stefan Palzer, Nestle’s Chief Technology Officer, the drink boosts natural GLP-1 production, resulting in enhanced satiety, or the feeling of fullness. The shots are designed to be consumed up to 30 minutes before a meal and are aimed at consumers already taking GLP-1 medications. The product began rolling out last month and is available for $10.99 for a pack of four on Amazon and at select CVS stores.
Each serving contains 10 grams of whey protein, 45 calories, one gram of sugar, and is fat-free. Nestle promotes the shots as a way to maintain reduced weight and control hunger, leveraging the body’s natural response to meals.
However, experts remain cautious about the long-term effectiveness of the shots. Lora Heisler, chair of human nutrition and director of research at the Rowett Institute, suggested that while the shots might trigger a slight release of GLP-1, similar effects might also be achieved by consuming a simple glass of milk. She expressed uncertainty about whether the protein shots could significantly impact long-term weight loss.
Nestle is no stranger to the weight-loss market. Earlier this year, the company launched a line of protein-enriched frozen pizzas and pastas aimed at consumers using weight-loss drugs. These new protein shots are part of Nestle’s broader strategy to tap into the rapidly growing market for obesity and weight-loss products, which analysts estimate could be worth up to $150 billion globally by the end of the decade.
While some analysts point to the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs and their potential to influence consumer behavior, others highlight that products like Nestle’s protein shots are not meant to replace these medications. Instead, they offer a supplementary option, with the potential to help users manage hunger and support healthier eating habits.
The shots, developed using a patented mix of peptides, are designed to be digested quickly, causing an amino acid spike that controls hunger. Whey protein micro-gels, another key ingredient, help slow digestion, allowing the product to interact longer with receptors in the intestine, where GLP-1 is released.
Nestle’s push into the weight-loss space follows a study conducted in 2021 involving 26 people with type 2 diabetes. Participants who consumed the whey protein micro-gels showed a 22% reduction in glucose levels two hours after eating, compared to those who took a placebo. The study also demonstrated positive effects on GLP-1 hormone levels, further supporting the potential benefits of Nestle’s protein shots in managing appetite and blood sugar.
As the obesity drug market continues to grow, Nestle’s new product marks the company’s commitment to providing accessible solutions for those seeking to lose weight while capitalizing on a rapidly expanding industry.
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