Greggs will target customers on weight-loss drugs with a new selection of foods amid plunging sales and store closures. The bakery chain is to roll-out smaller portions and high protein alternatives to cater to a new market of health-conscious people. CEO Roisin Currie said the new range would help people on GLP-1 drugs, which curb appetite and help users feel fuller for longer.
She said: “If anyone is on a GLP-1 [weight-loss drug], we know they still need to eat, but what they need to eat starts to change and the portions that they start to eat are changing. That’s really important for us and making sure that we have got a variety of protein-led options in our range, and also making sure that we’ve got some of the snack products that customers are looking for if they are on any of the GLP-1 drugs.”
The drugs mimic the hormone of the same name to keep users feeling satiated, as well as regulating blood sugar. They were originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, but are increasingly given to people looking to lose weight.
People taking them should prioritise lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated are also important.
This comes as the Government plans to enforce calorie cutting at large chains in an effort to lower obesity rates.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged overweight Brits to cut 200 calories from their diet per day, as supermarkets were warned that they could be fined if they do not sell healthier food.
He said: “If everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by around 200 calories a day – the equivalent of a bottle of fizzy drink – obesity would be halved.
“This Government’s ambition for kids today is for them to be part of the healthiest generation of children ever. That is within our grasp. With the smart steps we’re taking today, we can give every child a healthy start to life.
“Our brilliant supermarkets already do so much work for our communities and are trying to make their stores healthier, and we want to work with them and other businesses to create a level playing field.”
Greggs’ latest scheme may please the health secretary, but it comes amid a disappointing sales period.
The high street chain disclosed a 14.3% drop in pre-tax profits to £63.5 million for the half-year ending June 28, compared to the same period last year.
It cited “challenging market footfall, more weather disruption than in 2024” and rising costs as factors impacting the first half of 2025.