Nestlé has launched a new range of protein drinks designed to help people who are losing weight, especially those taking GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic. Developed using proprietary whey protein microgel technology, the products are designed to help regulate appetite, stabilize blood sugar and preserve muscle mass.
This innovation is part of Nestlé’s strategic focus on weight management and personalized nutrition. Nestlé scientists have filed more than 100 patents for whey protein innovations over the past decade, 11 of which support this latest microgel format.
Clinical trial results
Clinical trials conducted by Nestlé scientists and their external partners have found that drinking a drink containing 10 grams of whey protein microgel before a meal reduces blood sugar response and increases levels of GLP-1, a gut hormone that enhances satiety and slows digestion. The findings were recently published in the journal Metabolism.
Christophe Schmitt, Senior Expert in Protein Science and Technology at Nestlé Research, said:
Whey protein is known for its high nutritional quality, but tends to clump when concentrated by heating, a key step in making shelf-stable, ready-to-drink beverages. This causes the liquid to thicken and develop off-flavors. Our new technology enables us to develop beverages with high concentrations of whey protein while ensuring consumers get great taste and mouthfeel.
The first commercial product to use this technology is Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support, a portable whey protein drink currently being tested in select stores in the US. The product is designed to be taken 10 to 30 minutes before a meal to stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 response and reduce appetite.
To further support patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists and help them address challenges such as nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss, Nestlé has launched Boost Advanced, a high-protein shake enriched with nutrients that support digestive health and energy metabolism. With 35 grams of protein per serving, it will be available in the US in June in Rich Chocolate and French Vanilla flavors.
Andrew Franklin, President of Holistic Health at Nestlé Health Science USA, added:
We are leveraging our expertise in nutritional science to provide innovative solutions to consumers, including those taking GLP-1 medications, to help them on their weight loss journey. While exploring supplemental support for weight loss management, we are committed to meeting emerging nutritional needs, such as maintaining muscle mass and supporting metabolic health, through convenient and portable innovative products.
Addressing the side effects of GLP-1 drugs
What are whey protein microgels?
While GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown significant weight loss results, they may also bring unexpected nutritional consequences. These drugs often reduce overall food intake, leading to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, and iron. In some cases, rapid weight loss can lead not only to fat loss but also to loss of muscle mass due to low food intake and poor diet quality. Therefore, muscle maintenance and balanced nutrition are critical for users.
Nestlé focuses on high-protein, nutrient-rich beverages to address these issues, providing products that help maintain muscle mass while supporting metabolic and digestive health. By combining scientific research with practical and accessible models, Nestlé provides tailored nutritional support to meet the changing needs of consumers and healthcare professionals.
Full Factor, a ready-to-drink product from Nestlé’s Vital Pursuit series, is also under development. The drink, which is currently being tested in-store in the US, contains 15g of protein, 10g of fibre and essential vitamins per serving with no added sugar, and is designed to keep consumers feeling fuller for longer.
As GLP-1 drugs gain popularity, Nestlé’s latest innovation marks a timely entry into a growing market – bringing nutritional science to health-conscious consumers and clinical users.
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