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This is berry good news for Ozempic users.
Smoothie King this week became the first quick-service chain to introduce a special menu for people who use GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.
The five new smoothies contain 20 grams of protein or more — and no added sugar — which the Dallas-based company says will help customers maintain their energy levels and achieve their health goals.
“When developing this menu, it was important to offer blends with a thoughtful balance of nutrient-dense, high-protein, fiber-rich foods to support satiety and muscle mass,” said Molly Kimball, a registered dietitian with Ochsner Health who helped develop the menu.
The new offerings — which are available online, via the Smoothie King mobile app, and in its nearly 1,200 US locations — launch as Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs that mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone so users feel fuller for longer explode in popularity.
One in eight American adults, about 12%, has taken Ozempic or a similar drug for diabetes or weight loss, recent research found.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic in 2017 to treat diabetes in adults. The medication helps the pancreas produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar.
The agency OK’d Wegovy (which, like Ozempic, contains semaglutide) in 2021 for adult weight loss.
As Ozempic becomes more prevalent, researchers have explored the potential for the drug to treat substance abuse, heart disease and even skin conditions.
Meanwhile, some retailers have complained that these drugs mean users spend less time and money in grocery stores and restaurants because they have reduced appetites.
Smoothie King, for its part, decided to adapt.
“With the rising use of GLP-1 medications across the country and our customer base, we want to ensure that Smoothie King provides the nutritional resources to match,” said Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King.
Smoothie King’s 5 new GLP-1 smoothies
- Gladiator: Protein option of chocolate, vanilla or strawberry with choice of two ingredients — almonds, almond butter, wild blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, organic ginger, kale, carrots or spinach
- Slim N Trim Mango Greens: Mangoes, Greek yogurt, Califia Farms almond milk, Slim N Trim Blend, organic kale, ginger and spinach
- Keto Champ: The berry option has Califia Farms almond milk, almond butter, wild blueberries, raspberries, keto protein blend and 100% cocoa. The chocolate option has Califia Farms almond milk, almond butter, 100% cocoa, keto protein blend and Stevia plant-based sweetener.
- The Activator Recovery Almond Berry: Strawberries, wild blueberries, Califia Farms almond milk, coconut water and Gladiator Protein Strawberry
- Power Meal Slim: The chocolate ingredients are bananas, Califia Farms almond milk, Power Slim Protein and 100% cocoa; the vanilla option has bananas, Califia Farms almond milk and Power Slim Protein; the strawberry choice boasts bananas, strawberries and Power Slim Protein.