The boom in GLP-1 weight loss drugs could cause the biggest change in UK dairy consumption in years, according to new analysis from AHDB.
The collection body said the increased use of pharmaceuticals is already starting to impact how consumers shop for food and choose what they eat.
GLP-1 drugs, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, reduce appetite and change eating habits, pushing consumers toward smaller, more protein-focused options.
Although the UK is still in the early stages of implementation, 4.1% of UK households are already using GLP-1 drugs, based on data from Worldpanel by Numerator.
With two-thirds of UK adults classified as overweight and more than a quarter as obese, AHDB said even small intakes could lead to large changes in demand across the food sector.
AHDB’s Annabel Twinbelow said insights from the US market provide useful guidance on how dairy consumption in the UK might change.
“Although the United States has a different approach to healthcare and high obesity rates, we can learn from the U.S. market when predicting changes in dairy consumption related to weight loss drugs,” she said.
He said data from overseas was already showing changes in household shopping behavior.
A Rabobank report based on research from Cornell University and Numerator found that U.S. households with at least one GLP-1 user saw their total grocery spending decrease by about 6% within six months.
High-fat dairy categories such as cheese, butter, and ice cream declined, while demand for cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and whey-based protein drinks increased.
AHDB said early signs of similar action are now emerging in the UK, particularly in high-protein dairy lines.
According to recent statistics, sales of standard plain yoghurt for cows increased by 19.6% year-on-year, while non-fat yoghurt for cows was purchased an additional 4.3 million kg during the year, registering the largest volume increase of 12.9% (NIQ, 12 w/e January 24, 2026).
This trend is already having an impact on a wide range of food manufacturing, with several UK retailers launching ready-to-eat portions designed with GLP-1 users in mind.
AHDB said this change could shape future decisions on dairy processing, product development and supply chain investment.
Dairy manufacturers are expected to respond with more fortified and nutritious products, convenient prepackaged protein options, reformulated low-fat or high-protein lines, and new developments focused on whey and cultured dairy products.
Annabel Twinbelow said dairy products were well-positioned to respond to what she described as a “less but better” consumption mindset among GLP-1 users.
“The opportunity is to strategically align with consumer priorities for health, protein and high-quality nutrition in smaller, more meaningful doses,” she said.
He added that investment in local refined whey product processing capacity was critical for UK dairy producers to make the most of this opportunity.
