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Hershey says its gum and mint products are seeing increased demand, with executives pointing to the growing use of GLP-1 medications as a key factor.
During the company’s earnings call on April 30, CEO Kirk Tanner said the category is benefiting from broader shifts in consumer behavior.
“We’ve also seen strong demand for gum and mints, as the category benefits from functional snacking tailwinds, including GLP-1 adoption,” Tanner said. “Retail sales for our third-largest confection brand, Ice Breakers, increased over 8% in the quarter.”
The comments come as GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic continue to grow in popularity for weight loss and diabetes management. Tanner later told the Wall Street Journal the trend is already shaping Hershey’s refreshment category, highlighting Ice Breakers as a key growth driver.
“We’ve started to see some traction around our refreshment brand, Ice Breakers. Gum and mints, our business is doing very well. This will be a billion-dollar brand,” he said.
Hershey
GLP-1 side effects linked to breath issues
GLP-1 medications mimic hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite, according to the National Academy of Medicine. They are commonly prescribed to help manage Type 2 diabetes and support weight loss.
While Hershey did not specify why the drugs are boosting gum sales, some users have reported a side effect known as “Ozempic breath.”
“Ozempic breath refers to a fishy smell in burps or bad breath,” Dr. Neha Lalani said in a 2024 interview.
Dr. Christopher McGowan added that bad breath, or halitosis, is typically linked to oral hygiene, noting that identifying the source of the odor is key to treating it.
“Ozempic breath” is not among the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs. More frequently reported issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, along with dizziness, headaches, and increased heart rate.
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