GLP-1 demand drives need for satiating, low-calorie plant-based proteins, fibers

About 12% of adults have taken at some point the increasingly popular GLP-1 drugs, which is used for weight loss and to treat diabetes, among other chronic conditions like heart disease, while 6% said they are currently taking the drugs, according to data ​from the Kaiser Family Foundation poll conducted between April and May 2024.

Driven by the dietary shifts of these consumers toward healthier options with less sugar and sodium, even in indulgent products, the food industry is responding with plant-based proteins and soluble fibers that enhance taste and texture without sacrificing function.

BENEO highlights natural solutions for weight management​

At IFT FIRST Event and Expo in Chicago this summer, BENEO featured its Palatinose ingredient, a low-glycemic carbohydrate clinically backed to stimulate GLP-1 release, balance blood glucose levels and reduce appetite. Palatinose is half as sweet as sucrose but exhibits a "very sugar-like taste profile," Kyle Krause, regional product manager, Beneo, told FoodNavigator-USA.

Based on human clinical trials, 50 grams of Palatinose triggers GLP-1 release in the body, supporting weight management claims at 20 grams per serving, or sustained energy claims at 15 grams per serving, Krause said.

BENEO's prebiotic fibers, including Orafti Inulin and Oligofructose derived from chicory root, support gut health and close the fiber gap. "Many human clinical trials around chicory root support weight management claims with three to four grams per serving," Krause noted.

Juliana Hirata, area sales manager for US and Canada at BENEO emphasized chicory root's efficacy as "the only plant-based prebiotic" recognized by the International Scientific Association for Prebiotics (ISAP), making it crucial for digestive health advancements.

"If people want to go on these drugs, they need to eat certain nutrient-dense foods because if they are not hungry, [but] they still need to get their protein and fiber," Krause said.

He continued, "There should be functional offerings to help support consumers.”

Roquette: ‘We believe in a transition from animal to plant-based proteins’​

Roquette's Nutriose soluble fiber helps reduce sugar, which is “a big challenge in the industry,” in food formulations without compromising taste and texture, Global Head of Marketing Alexandre de Souza said at IFT FIRST. Derived from non-GMO wheat or corn, Nutriose exhibits a neutral taste and offers versatility in applications from bakery to beverage, he said.

The ingredient also is backed by clinical trials​ supporting its functionality as a prebiotic fiber for a healthy microbiome.

The company’s pea protein range is under the brand Nutralys. During the show, Roquette featured its recently launched creamy pea protein to improve taste and texture, addressing consumer aversions to traditional pea protein flavors. The company also featured its fava bean protein, which was applied to a coconut milk to showcase its creamy texture.

de Souza emphasized Roquette’s focus on building a robust “multi-protein” portfolio to deliver variety, functionality and sustainability to its customers.

"We believe in a transition from animal to plant-based proteins due to sustainability and animal welfare," de Souza said.

Roquette's sustainability efforts are comprehensive, focusing on upstream and downstream processes. The company sources its pea protein isolate from its facility in Portage, Canada, ensuring proximity to crops to reduce transportation impact.

"We have a commitment to invest $350 million by 2030 to ensure we keep this supply chain sustainable and reduce the total carbon footprint," de Souza added.