Hershey says GLP-1s lead to higher gum and mint sales

Hershey Mints and gum are seeing higher sales, thanks to the increasing use of GLP-1 drugs.

“We also saw strong demand for gum and mints, as the category benefits from functional snacking tailwinds, including GLP-1 adoption,” CEO Kirk Tanner said in pre-recorded remarks ahead of the company’s earnings conference call on Thursday. “Retail sales of our third largest confectionery brand, Ice Breakers, increased more than 8% during the quarter.”

While Tanner did not determine why the increased use of GLP-1 agonists has increased sales of mints and gum, some people who take medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have reported experiencing halitosis, or bad breath. However, the so-called Ozempic breathing is not an officially listed side effect of the drug.

Dental experts have linked these medications to dry mouth, which is likely caused by dehydration and changes in saliva caused by the medication.

Hershey’s isn’t the only company known for its sweets to report a sudden increase in sales from GLP-1 users. Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Spruengli said in March that sales of luxury chocolate in the United States rose faster last year among people who used the drug than among those who did not.

Magnum Ice Cream Company told investors that data suggests increased reliance on GLP-1 drugs is likely to boost sales of its more expensive products, such as those that come in smaller portions, offer more protein or contain real fruit. This trend has been called the “premium treatment substitution effect.”

“Because consumers using GLP-1s are getting rid of them [the] “Low-quality chewing categories first, categories like premium chocolate, premium ice cream and protein snacks could gain share in the overall snacking market,” CEO Peter ter Kolff said on the company’s February earnings conference call.

Boosting sales of Hershey’s breath freshening mints and gum, as well as a 17% jump in protein bar sales, helped the company’s quarterly revenue rise more than 10% in the first quarter. However, shares fell more than 2% in morning trading.