Weight Management: Addressing consumer demands with natural solutions

At the 2025 IFT First Expo, held from July 13–16 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, brands looked to BENEO as a strategic partner for weight management journeys and beyond.

US consumers are clear when they cite opportunities and concerns about their weight management programs. According to a recent survey by FMCG Gurus^[i], 65% of US consumers who are taking GLP-1 medication agree that paying attention to nutrient intake, such as fiber and protein, is important for maintaining health. Looking ahead, 73% are concerned about regaining weight after stopping the medication. Importantly, 58%—including both medicated and non-medicated individuals—are interested in foods and drinks that naturally support GLP-1 release.

With its portfolio of science-based ingredients, BENEO continues to play a key role in the weight management arena in the food and drinks segment. Its prebiotic chicory root fibers, for example, allow for structure/function claims for weight management and body weight reduction on pack. Additionally, BENEO’s smart carbohydrate Palatinose™ has proven its effectiveness to naturally trigger the body’s own GLP-1 release and allows for a respective structure/function claim as well.

“At IFT, we are showcasing our toolbox of natural ingredients that are valuable and proven companions for losing weight, be it during, after, or without GLP-1 medication. With managing weight being usually a lifelong journey, nutritious solutions are needed that are effective and can be used long-term,” said Jon Peters, Sales Director Americas for BENEO.

Weight management journeys encompass different stages. BENEO’s ingredients focus on three basic areas:

Nutritious diets during GLP-1 medication

US consumers agree that nutrient-dense foods are important when eating less during a GLP-1 medication. BENEO’s portfolio of functional ingredients enables manufacturers to develop solutions that address these nutritional gaps and counteract side effects related to GLP-1 use, such as gastrointestinal issues or muscle loss. The toolbox includes prebiotic fibers, wholegrains, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and plant-based proteins.

Weight management without medication

As every diet is related to eating restrictions, the need for fiber and protein remains equally important for those dieting the ‘traditional’ way without medication. Additionally, more than half of US consumers are interested in stimulating GLP-1 naturally. BENEO’s Palatinose™ helps stimulate the body’s natural GLP-1 release, supporting satiety and stable blood sugar- two critical benefits for sustained weight management.

After dieting: Sticking to a long-term healthy nutrition

Alongside supporting the body’s natural GLP-1 response, developing satiety-promoting diets is key to addressing a major consumer concern: regaining weight after dieting. Fiber and protein are important for generating a natural feeling of fullness and should be a vital part of everyday meals. BENEO supports manufacturers in the development of products that deliver nutritional benefits and also a pleasant taste and texture.

Visitors to BENEO’s booth S1634 had the opportunity to see and taste a range of delicious food and beverages designed to support a healthy weight loss journey. BENEO’s experts engaged with attendees to discuss weight management challenges and shared insights on how these can be addressed through innovative food and beverage solutions — including indulgent, better-for-you treats and nutritious snacks such as high-protein plant-based tortilla chips, heart-healthy cookies, and slim fiber chews.

[i] FMCG Gurus, Weight loss medication Survey, USA, May 2025