New research from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association suggests GLP-1 medication use is changing how consumers approach snacks, small meals and food purchases.

Nearly one-third of current GLP-1 medication users said they have become more selective about what they buy. A similar share said they plan meals and snacks more carefully than six months ago, according to the association.

The findings point to a shift that could matter to convenience services operators. Rather than focusing only on eating less, GLP-1 users are placing greater importance on foods that deliver nutrition and satisfaction in smaller portions and eating occasions.

Among current GLP-1 users, 30% said they are paying more attention to protein, 29% to hydration and 28% to fiber. Another 19% reported paying greater attention to digestive health.

Satisfaction also remains important when consumers choose smaller meals or snacks. The survey found 84% of GLP-1 users said it is important for foods to help them feel full or satisfied. Eighty-one percent said high protein foods are important when deciding what to buy.

Those preferences are influencing purchases. Since starting GLP-1 medications, 52% of users reported buying more yogurt, cottage cheese and other high protein dairy products. Forty-three percent said they are buying more protein drinks.

Other categories gaining purchases include frozen proteins at 42%, soups and lighter meal options at 41%, and frozen vegetables at 40%.

For convenience services operators, those categories overlap with products commonly positioned for snacking, between-meal eating and smaller meal occasions. The findings suggest consumers using GLP-1 medications may increasingly look for foods that combine manageable portions with protein and other nutritional benefits.

Convenience remains important, but the survey suggests consumers may be defining it more broadly. Forty-two percent of GLP-1 users said frozen and refrigerated foods help with portion control. Thirty-seven percent said they make it easier to consume fruits, vegetables or fiber, while 37% said the foods help reduce waste.

Consumers also use frozen and refrigerated products when they want something smaller than a full meal or do not want to cook, according to the association.

That behavior could make small-format meal solutions increasingly relevant across micro markets, vending and other unattended retail environments, particularly when products are easy to eat during shorter breaks or between traditional meals.

Clear nutritional information also matters. GLP-1 users identified simple ingredient lists at 40%, protein content at 39%, fiber information at 39% and serving-size guidance at 38% as helpful when evaluating foods.

The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association said the findings reflect growing consumer attention to nutrition, portions and meal planning as GLP-1 use expands. Its full research report is available to members.