Arla Foods Ingredients has developed new solutions to meet the needs of users of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications. The high-protein, nutrient-dense application concepts will be showcased at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona.

Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists (commonly known as GLP-1s) have re-shaped the weight management market. Among consumers actively trying to lose weight in 2025, 11 % globally¹ and 18 % in the US² reported using them. These numbers are expected to rise significantly as GLP-1 availability increases, tablet formats emerge and prices fall.³

However, GLP-1 medications are associated with side effects. Following traditional weight management interventions, such as diet or bariatric surgery, lean muscle typically comprises 25 % of the total mass lost, but this can increase up to 40 % with GLP-1 use.^4,5,6 Additionally, up to 76 % of GLP-1 consumers experience gastric discomfort such as stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.⁷

To demonstrate how manufacturers can meet the growing demand for GLP-1 companion nutrition that helps manage these side effects, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed new high-protein, functional concepts.

Featuring the high-quality Nutrilac^® and Lacprodan^® BLG-100 protein solutions, they deliver all the essential amino acids for muscle health in nutrient-dense formats. The concepts also incorporate probiotics / cultures from Novonesis, a global leader in bio-solutions, to support digestive well-being.

The concept includes the following great-tasting formats suitable for reduced appetites:

• A fermented, high-protein shot featuring Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost, offering 10 g of protein per 70 ml serving. Low in fat and lactose-reduced, it has no added sugar
• A fermented, high-protein drinking yoghurt featuring Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost and Nutrilac^® MFGM. The lactose-reduced recipe provides 20 g of protein per 200 ml serving
• A fermented, high-protein spoonable yoghurt featuring Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost, Nutrilac^® YO-7700, and Capolac^® milk minerals. Delivering 20 g of protein per 120 g serving, it is high in calcium, low in fat and lactose-reduced
• A high-protein water-based shot for ambient storage targeting health and medical nutrition. Featuring Lacprodan® BLG-100, it provides 21 g of protein per 100 ml serving, and is free from fat and sugar and low in lactose.

Anne Widart, Chief Commercial Officer of Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “GLP-1 companion nutrition is a rapidly growing category, with considerable untapped opportunities for dairy manufacturers. Anti-obesity medications are creating a market for more nutrient-dense foods that are high in protein to protect lean muscle mass and are easy to digest. Featuring our specialty proteins, these new concepts can help manufacturers realise that potential. Delivering all the essential amino acids vital for muscle health, they also support gut comfort, and the small serving sizes and great taste appeal to smaller appetites.”

Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase the GLP-1 companion nutrition solutions at Vitafoods Europe in Barcelona alongside two additional concepts:

An aerated protein bar solution delivering a light, indulgent eating experience and high‑quality milk proteins. Made with Nutrilac^® PB‑8420, AirBar showcases exceptional whipping capacity for stable air incorporation, creating a soft, fluffy texture that stays stable during processing and shelf life

Ready-to-stir medical nutrition powder solutions with a refreshing taste, no bitterness and low astringency. Made with Lacprodan^® BLG-100 Acidic, they offer low viscosity without gelling, even at high protein concentrations, and excellent solubility in cold or warm water or regular foods and drinks.

¹Euromonitor International, The GLP-1 revolution: insights for food and beverages, 2025
²Innova Market Insights, The GLP-1 effect: redefining food, weight & health in the US, 2025
³Euromonitor International, The GLP-1 revolution: insights for food and beverages, 2025
⁴Chaston et al. Changes in fat-free mass during significant eight loss: a systematic review. International Journal of Obesity, 2007;31:743
⁵Wilding et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021;384(11):989
⁶Jastreboff et al. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022;387(3):205
⁷Blundell et al. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 2017;19(9):1242-1251

Free From Functional & Health Ingredients (FFF&HI) broke records when it welcomed more than 7,800 key buyers and decision makers from the free from food, drink and sustainable packaging industries through its doors in Barcelona from 28 – 29 May. Now in its seventh year, this staggering 52 % increase on visitor numbers reflects the dynamic growth and development of the global free from market and cements the show as Europe’s leading platform for the free from industries.

Visitors took advantage of the unique platform the show provides, informing and inspiring decision makers from the world of retail, ingredients, wholesale, distribution and foodservice with a packed schedule of conference sessions, pioneering brands and products plus multiple networking opportunities.

Leading the field

Five core areas of the free from market; free from, vegan, natural and organic, functional and health ingredients were represented across four conference stages with insights from key speakers.

Highlights from the packed conference schedule revealed the latest data covering key areas including the 11.5 % increase in sales of free from foods across Europe in the past year¹ and the 133 % growth of the UK free from market since FFF&HI began in 2013.²

Show partners, ProVeg International hosted a dedicated vegan area and a series of seminars at the vegan conference stage. Verena Wiederkehr, International Head of Food Industry and Retail at ProVeg International revealed the most prominent trends driving the sector including sensory experiences, clean-label products and raw materials, explaining the opportunities for businesses who tap into this buoyant sector.

Pioneering exhibitors

FFF&HI was the platform for new brands and product launches from those shaping the organic, vegan, functional foods and ingredients markets.

On the first day, FFF&HI unveiled the winner of its Product of the Year Awards – a celebration of the most cutting-edge free from food and drink products launched in the past year. Manufacturers and producers put their best innovations for contention to be crowned winner and runner up across three categories, Product of the Year, Best New Brand, Free From Plastics.
Product of the Year Award

• Winner: Qwrkee Foods – Pea M’LK
• Runner-up: Ambrosiae
• Runner-up: Pizza Mi – gluten free pizza bases

Best New Brand

• Winner: I am Bart’s – Vegan Nutrition Bites
• Runner-up: Juustoportti – Organic and Gluten free Oat Drinks made from Finnish Premium Oats

Free From Plastics Packaging

Winner: EncajaBio – Packaging system and cellulose film which sustainably reduces the carbon footprint

The lifetime achievement award was given to Molino Nicoli, European leaders in gluten free cereal-based production, who have exhibited at FFF&HI since the first show in 2013.

I Am Bart’s launched a range organic snack bars made with vegetables, fruit and seeds without preservatives and added sugars. Commenting on winning Best New Brand, Founder, Bart Veldkamp said: “We are delighted to have won an award, especially as it’s our first time exhibiting at a trade show. We’ve been impressed with this dynamic show and the high quality of the visitors. The team has worked very hard and we are very proud of this win. It’s great to be recognised as we’re in the company of such interesting brands showcasing fantastic products – I’m very proud to be surrounded by such great innovators!”

FFF&HI Exhibition Director, Ronald Holman commented: “It was fantastic to return to Barcelona and we are absolutely delighted with the number of visitors that came to discover what’s happening at the forefront of the free from industry. It’s great to see returning exhibitors and new ones coming to showcase such a diverse range of products and the industry leading experts who drive the market forward.

We’ve received a fantastic response from show visitors and exhibitors alike. We’re looking forward to hearing about the outcomes for our exhibitors this year and seeing what the show will bring in 2020.”

FFF&HI will return for its eighth edition in Amsterdam from 23-24 June, 2020.

¹https://www.statista.com/topics/3285/free-from-foods-in-europe/
²Mintel UK Free From Food Market Report – UK – December 2018