BARCELONA — GLP-1 medications took center stage at Vitafoods Europe, held May 20 to 22 in Barcelona. Discussions at the show focused primarily on two topics — how to formulate products to naturally boost GLP-1 hormone production in the body and how to develop nutrient dense foods for GLP-1 users.  

The first approach aims to support satiety, metabolic health, gut function and even hormonal regulation, said Silvia Soragni, category manager-savory ingredients, Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, Montreal.  

“This evolution reflects consumer demand for evidence-backed, functional foods that fit into holistic wellness lifestyles rather than temporary or restrictive diets,” she said.

Exhibitors at Vitafoods showcased a range of GLP-1 boosters, many of them relying on specific proteins. Darling Ingredients Inc., Irving, Texas, for example, presented new research on collagen from its Rousselot brand.

The company screened a library of specific collagen peptide compositions. Seventeen of them were viable candidates and were subjected to an in vitro digestive process to mimic human gastrointestinal digestion. The most effective collagen in vitro went through a clinical study. The results showed that it enhances natural GLP- 1 production and supports glucose metabolism.

“It’s a very versatile ingredient for metabolic wellness,” said Florencia Moreno Torres, global business development manager for Rousselot. “It significantly enhanced natural GLP-1 release when taken 30 minutes before a meal.”

The ingredient also may be used in combination with another collagen to formulate foods for metabolic support, which is the second focus of the GLP-1 movement.

It is about small portions packed with nutrients, namely protein to prevent muscle loss, fiber for digestive health, and vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in a GLP-1 medication-induced, calorie-restricted diet.

“For a food to qualify in this segment, it must deliver measurable effects and be rooted in solid nutritional science,” Soragni said.

Alice Bulonza, senior account manager, Innova Market Insights, Arnhem, The Netherlands, said some consumers are taking health into their own hands. They won’t settle for hearsay; they expect quality and integrity in the foods and beverages they purchase. And while many are interested in losing weight, there are also some who are skeptical about a magic drug. They are particularly concerned with the side effects from GLP-1 medications, as well as long-term potential implications.

Research from UK-based FMCG Gurus showed that 1 in 10 consumers believe GLP-1 drugs will be banned in the next decade, said Mike Hughes, head of research and insights. He said that in a survey completed earlier this year, consumers expressed greater interest and support for products that naturally boost the hormone in the body.

“Ethics will dictate success,” Hughes said. “The industry needs to apply caution.”

Startup standouts

Also at Vitafoods Europe, 4 companies — out of 56 entries — received first-place accolades as innovative early-stage businesses in Vitafoods’ startup challenge. Prior to the exposition, the judges narrowed it down to 18. Final pitches were made on May 19.

Turkish startup Yomio Drops was named the Most Innovative Finished Nutraceutical Product for its freeze-dried functional yogurt snack. The shelf-stable probiotic yogurt drops may be consumed as a snack or the drops may be added to water and rehydrated into a yogurt format.

Exhibitors at Vitafoods showcased a range of GLP-1 boosters.

| Source: Sosland Publishing Co.

The company was founded in 2021 by Sanay Akca and Ahu Bayoglu, both chemical engineers. During their pitch, they said the freeze-drying process allows moisture to be removed from the product while enabling it to retain all the nutrients, probiotics and natural flavors without any need for preservatives. The base formula is about 70% yogurt. It also contains apple puree, chicory fiber, apple juice concentrate, rice starch and milk protein.

Favamole received the Most Innovative Sustainable Solution for its alternative to guacamole. The Netherlands-based startup uses fava beans instead of avocados to make an essential amino acid-rich dip and spread that also contains prebiotic fiber to support gut health, digestion and muscle recovery.

A lactoferrin developed using proprietary strain engineering and an artificial intelligence-optimized purification process from Portugal-based PFx Biotech was named the Most Innovative Nutraceutical Ingredient. Paris-based Revobiom was named Most Innovative Service, Technology or Digital Solution Supporting the Nutraceutical Industry for its Microbial Evolution Machine (MEM), a new technology focused on simplifying microbiome research.