Smoothie King launches special menu for Ozempic users: 'Thoughtful Balance'

This is good news for Ozempic users.

Smoothie King this week became the first quick-service chain to introduce a special menu for people using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.

The five new smoothies contain 20 grams of protein or more — and no added sugar — that the Dallas-based company says will help customers maintain their energy levels and reach their health goals.

“When developing this menu, it was important to provide mixes with a thoughtful balance of nutrient-dense, high-protein, high-fiber foods to support satiety and muscle mass,” said Molly Kimball, a registered dietitian at Ochsner Health. which helped develop. the menu.

The new offerings — which are available online, through the Smoothie King mobile app and at its nearly 1,200 U.S. locations — are being touted as Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs that mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone so that users feel fuller for longer burst in popularity.

One in eight American adults, about 12%, has taken Ozempic or a similar drug for diabetes or weight loss, recent studies have found.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic in 2017 to treat diabetes in adults. The drug 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 widespread, researchers have explored the drug’s potential to treat substance abuse, heart disease and even skin conditions.

Meanwhile, some retailers have complained that the drugs mean users spend less time and money at grocery stores and restaurants because they have reduced appetite.

Smoothie King, for its part, decided to adapt.

“With the increasing use of GLP-1 medications across the country and our customer base, we want to ensure that Smoothie King provides the appropriate nutritional sources,” said Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King.

Smoothie King’s 5 New GLP-1 Smoothies

• Gladiator: Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry protein option with choice of two ingredients – almond, almond butter, wild blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, organic ginger, kale, carrot or spinach
• Slim N Trim Mango Greens: Mango, Greek Yogurt, Califia Farms Almond Milk, Slim N Trim Blend, Organic Kale, Ginger & Spinach
• This Champ: The berry option has Califia Farms almond milk, almond butter, wild blueberries, raspberries, keto protein blend and 100% cacao. The chocolate option has Califia Farms almond milk, almond butter, 100% cocoa, keto protein blend and plant-based sweetener Stevia.
• Red almond for activator recovery: Strawberries, Wild Blueberries, Califia Farms Almond Milk, Coconut Water and Strawberries Gladiator Protein
• Power Meal Slim: The chocolate ingredients are bananas, Califia Farms almond milk, Power Slim Protein and 100% cocoa; the vanilla option has banana, Califia Farms almond milk and Power Slim Protein; The strawberry selection boasts banana, strawberry and Power Slim Protein.