Companies Supporting Changing Consumer Needs in Weight Management and Health with Emerging Taste Solutions

As demand for health-focused dietary products surges, companies like ADM, Symrise, IFF, and dsm-firmenich are developing unique product platforms to meet evolving consumer needs, particularly those impacted by the rise of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) such as GLP-1. These companies are taking aim at consumer demands for nutrient-dense, functional foods and supplements that align with healthier lifestyles and weight management goals.

In Mintel's 2025 Food & Drink Trends Insights Report^a, the platform shared, "Food and drink brands will have opportunities in the coming years to complement fiber and protein claims with stats on former diet villains but key macronutrients: fat and carbohydrates. More complete macronutrient claims will appeal to health-conscious consumers, weight-loss drug users and former weight-loss drug users who are in need of convenient options to help them maintain any health improvements they gained while on the drugs."

Here’s how industry leaders are innovating.

ADM Launches GLP-1 Supportive Platform with 25 Market-Ready Concepts

ADM recently introduced a solutions platform aimed at consumers on GLP-1 and other anti-obesity medications, debuting over 25 market-ready food and supplement concepts. ADM’s research underscores significant demand, with 83% of U.S. consumers^b on AOMs finding specially marketed food products appealing. Formulated with plant-based ingredients, science-backed prebiotics, botanical extracts, and naturally derived flavors, ADM’s new concepts address unique AOM-related needs like nutrient density and taste alteration.

According to Ian Pinner, ADM's senior VP and chief sales and marketing officer, this growing market segment requires tailored solutions to meet changing taste preferences, such as reduced sweetness perception and “food noise”—persistent food cravings that may decrease as medication usage is adjusted. ADM’s platform is also intended to assist manufacturers in speeding up market entry by providing ready-to-market, functional and clean-label solutions.

According to Ian Pinner, ADM's senior VP and chief sales and marketing officer, this growing market segment requires tailored solutions to meet changing taste preferences, such as reduced sweetness perception and “food noise”—persistent food cravings that may decrease as medication usage is adjusted.Adobe Stock

Symrise’s Chondractiv Plus Targets Active Lifestyles and Gut Health

Symrise launched Chondractiv Plus^c in North America, a targeted solution designed to support active lifestyles and gut health. Featured at SupplySide West 2024, Chondractiv Plus is a hydrolyzed chicken cartilage powder rich in collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, recommended at a low dosage of 1.5g/day for joint health.

Symrise offers two concept products: the Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mobility Protein Bar and the Red Berry Gut Health Powder. The protein bar features Chondractiv Plus for joint support, while the gut health powder uses Prebiocran^d, a clinically backed prebiotic to support the gut microbiome. Yannick Leën, senior director of Health BU, highlights Symrise’s emphasis on science-backed ingredients and taste expertise to provide targeted health solutions that address the demands of today’s wellness-oriented consumers.

IFF Expands Nutrient-Dense Taste Solutions for Mindful Eating

IFF has enhanced its taste solution portfolio, reflecting the global trend toward mindful eating, which grew by 190% last year. The company’s Consumer Intelligence Social Listening Insights indicate a growing demand for products that support healthy weight management while delivering high-quality flavor and texture.

IFF’s expanded offerings include high-protein solutions to support satiety, a range of FlavorFit modulation technologies to maintain flavor intensity while reducing sugar and salt, and Litesse^e fiber solutions for metabolic health. IFF CEO Erik Fyrwald emphasized the company’s commitment to partnering with brands to offer consumers healthier choices that aid in weight management journeys. As consumer sentiment around AOMs remains mixed, IFF’s technologies are designed to help manufacturers create flavorful, functional products that respond to a complex health landscape.

In October 2024, Symrise launched Chondractiv Plus in North America, a targeted solution designed to support active lifestyles and gut health.Adobe Stock

dsm-firmenich Partnership to Pioneer Botanical Solutions

In late 2023, Indena and dsm-firmenich joined forces to create innovative botanical-based solutions for human health. This collaboration aims to leverage Indena’s expertise in botanical extracts and dsm-firmenich’s formulation knowledge to develop solutions that support immunity, brain health, healthy aging, and more.

Daniele Giavini, managing director at Indena, emphasized the partnership’s focus on developing scientifically supported products that respond to the sophisticated demands of today’s consumers. Martin Dos Ramos, global VP at dsm-firmenich, noted that the combination of dsm-firmenich’s flavor, taste masking, and formulation capabilities with Indena’s botanical research positions the partnership to address the global demand for effective, science-backed health products.

Embracing the Future of Health-Driven Foods and Supplements

Across the industry, companies are reshaping product innovation to support the unique requirements of health-focused consumers, especially those on weight management medications. 

As the landscape evolves with new AOMs' emergence, we're guaranteed to witness a slew of innovations designed to meet consumer demand.

Footnotes

^ahttps://bit.ly/3Uotdqz

^bADM Outside Voice, Anti-Obesity Medications Survey, September 2024

^cChondractiv is a trademark of Symrise

^dPrebiocran is a trademark of Symrise

^eLitesse is a registered trademark of IFF