GLP-1 Formulation Strategies: Best Plant Proteins for Satiety
More than 15 million Americans now use some form of GLP-1 drug, with growth expected to double by 2030.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are reshaping the food and beverage industry in 2026. These appetite-suppressing medications reduce food consumption substantially, with many users consuming as much as 30-40% less food on average.
With reduced food intake comes reduced nutrition—creating risk of muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies for users. This rapid shift demands reformulation efforts focused on strategic nutrient selection.
CPG brands must now innovate to deliver complete nutritional profiles in smaller, GLP-1-friendly portions. Premium protein, combined with high quality, intact dietary fiber, serves as an essential base for nutrient-dense formulations. Organic plant proteins deliver both—and in clean label formats.
The Nutritional Impact of GLP-1 Use
Appetite suppression, slower digestion and nutrient loss creates a series of challenges.
- Protein deficiency accelerates muscle loss during weight reduction
- Rapid satiety onset limits macronutrient intake
- Reduced capacity demands maximum nutrition; minimum volume
- Nutrient reduction increases risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies despite adequate calorie intake
- Fat sensitivity causes digestive issues in many users
Mineral Depletion: The Hidden Crisis for GLP-1 Users
When daily food consumption declines significantly, consumers miss valuable minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc) that the body requires for basic metabolic function. Iron deficiency often manifests as relentless fatigue, while magnesium depletion causes muscle cramps and negatively impacts sleep. Hunger aside, these mineral deficiencies often lead to discomfort that may cause users to abandon weight loss programs altogether.
High quality plant proteins solve this challenge by concentrating nutrition into smaller servings. High protein and fiber, combined with essential micronutrients and a low to moderate fat content, creates products that GLP-1 users can realistically consume.
With many users consuming 30-40% less food, they’re also forgoing many vital minerals that our bodies need to properly function. Protein tends to garner mainstream attention in weight management formulations, but mineral deficiencies that lead to fatigue, brain fog and muscle cramps, are what actually derail end-user commitment.
While most plant proteins require choosing between high protein or meaningful mineral and antioxidant content, certain sources deliver both.
Strategic Plant Protein Selection for GLP-1 Formulations
1. Organic Pea Protein
Austrade’s Organic Pea Protein delivers ~25g of protein with minimal carbohydrates, and 7.4mg of iron per 30-gram serving—41% DV for premenopausal women; 92% for men and postmenopausal women. Supplementation is often vital for GLP-1 users due to risk of iron deficiency from reduced food consumption.
In addition to iron, this single-ingredient plant protein contains a very high phosphorus content (950mg/100g). Phosphorus plays a direct role in protein metabolism by enabling phosphorylation. Phosphorylation is the process that activates amino acids and enzymes for muscle protein synthesis.During caloric restriction, adequate phosphorus ensures protein intake can be fully utilized for muscle preservation.
Maximum Protein Density: When GLP-1 users are consuming significantly less, every gram counts. The 80% concentration allows users to pack 20+ grams of protein into smaller portions that GLP-1 users can actually consume.
Pea Protein GLP-1 Formulation Advantages
- 80% protein content with excellent essential amino acid profile—delivers maximum protein in small quantities for muscle preservation
- 24.5mg iron addresses common deficiency risk when food intake is reduced
- 950mg phosphorus fuels ATP production for energy metabolism
- Ultra-low fat (1.1g) maximizes nutrient density while minimizing calories
- Moderate fiber (2.2g) supports digestive health
- Low carbohydrates (6.75g, <1g sugar) aligns with weight management goals
- Neutral taste and color for a diverse range of formulations
Target GLP-1-Friendly Applications: The neutral taste profile allows for endless formulation potential across ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages where maximum protein density is required, nutritional smoothies & shakes, protein bars & balls, meal replacement applications, and protein-enhanced snacks.
2. Organic Heliaflor® 55 Sunflower Protein
Austrade’s Heliaflor® 55 functions as a mineral delivery system that balances substantial protein (51%) with exceptional fiber (20%) while maintaining minimal fat content (2-3%).
Production begins with hulled organic sunflower seeds that are partially de-fatted by cold pressing, followed by a critical CO2-extraction step. CO2-extraction works to reduce overall fat content, while simultaneously increasing protein. The final product is a light beige powder with a neutral odor and flavor.
The Low-Fat, High-Fiber Solution: Heliaflor® 55 offers unmatched concentration for compact, nutrient-dense formulations and extended satiety. Product-friendly CO₂ extraction removes residual fat while avoiding harsh solvents. The result is a clean-tasting plant protein that is generally well tolerated.
Heliaflor® 55 GLP-1 Formulation Advantages
- 53.1% protein content provides excellent amino acid profile including 3,580mg leucine—activates mTOR signaling pathways that regulate muscle protein synthesis
- 20.1g dietary fiber addresses digestive issues and constipation, a common concern with reduced calorie intake
- Ultra-low fat (1.9g) maximizes nutrient density while limiting calories
- 10.6mg iron helps prevent deficiency when food consumption declines
- 1,767mg phosphorus fuels energy metabolism and cellular function
- 847mg magnesium supports muscle function, reduces cramping, and aids in recovery
- 1,649mg potassium offers critical electrolyte support during all phases of weight loss
- 331µg folate (rare in plant proteins) is known to support cell health and overall metabolic function
- Excellent water and fat-binding (1:4 ratio) properties offer superior functionality for clean label formulations
Target GLP-1-Friendly Applications: The combination of high protein and fiber, ultra-low fat, and an exceptional mineral profile, makes Heliaflor® 55 ideal for various GLP-1 formulations. Common applications include a variety of functional beverages (protein shakes, smoothies, RTD beverages), protein bars, energy balls, dressings and sauces, protein-enhanced dough, baked goods and more.
3. Organic Heliaflor® 45 Sunflower Protein
Austrade’s Heliaflor® 45 strikes a harmonious balance between protein density, functional fiber, and moderate fat content. The balanced micronutrient profile provides maximum flexibility for taste, texture, and satiety in compact applications.
The Balanced Choice: Certain ultra-low-fat proteins tend to create chalky, dry textures. Heliaflor® 45 delivers moderate fat content that helps with mouthfeel and palatability—crucial for keeping GLP-1 users engaged with products. The high fiber content supports digestive health while contributing to the recommended daily fiber intake that many Americans fall short of.
Excellent binding and emulsification properties solve texture challenges in reduced-serving, GLP-1-friendly formats.
Heliaflor® 45 GLP-1 Formulation Advantages
- 45% protein content delivers strong protein density for sports nutrition formulations
- 18g dietary fiber supports digestive health during reduced food consumption
- 1,607mg potassium offers critical electrolyte support for consumers during weight reduction
- 250mg calcium supports bone health when overall food intake is reduced
- Moderate fat (10g) content provides satiety and mouthfeel while maintaining nutrient density
- Zero added sugars with only 4g naturally occurring sugars for clean label positioning
- Good water and fat binding capacities with excellent emulsification delivers versatile functionality for a wide range of applications
Target GLP-1-Friendly Applications: Heliaflor® 45 offers a subtle, nutty flavor profile that works seamlessly across sweet and savory formulations. Ideal for products targeting fiber fortification alongside protein enhancement. Common applications include meat alternatives, spreads and dips, protein-enriched baked goods, and functional beverages.
4. Organic Unroasted Pumpkin Protein
Austrade’s Organic Unroasted Pumpkin Protein delivers omega-3s and minerals like magnesium that are often depleted during rapid weight loss.
Austrade’s Organic Unroasted Pumpkin Protein balances 62% protein and 15% fiber with a unique micronutrient profile. It boasts valuable ALA omega-3s, an exceptionally high amount of arginine (amino acid that supports circulation and muscle recovery), and minerals like zinc and magnesium that are often depleted during rapid weight loss.
The Micronutrient Edge: Magnesium fuels muscle function and energy metabolism which are often compromised during calorie restriction. ALA omega-3s help to combat inflammation triggered by rapid weight loss. A 17% fat content may help prevent digestive distress that higher-fat proteins tend to cause.
Unroasted Pumpkin Protein GLP-1 Formulation Advantages
- 61.8% protein content provides excellent amino acid profile including 4,370mg leucine—activates mTOR signaling pathways that regulate muscle protein synthesis
- 9,720mg arginine per 100g supports circulation, immune function, and muscle recovery during calorie restriction
- 14.7g dietary fiber supports digestive health and satiety
- 14.8mg iron addresses deficiency risk from reduced food intake
- 1,660mg phosphorus supports energy metabolism and muscle protein synthesis
- 11.2mg zinc supports immune function and wound healing during weight loss
- 7mg manganese provides additional trace mineral support for metabolic function
- Moderate fat (10.2g) content naturally rich in ALA Omega-3 provides beneficial fatty acids for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory support
- Neutral-slightly nutty flavor profile for diverse product applications
Target GLP-1-Friendly Applications: Organic Unroasted Pumpkin Protein offers a relatively neutral to slightly nutty flavor profile, and an excellent micronutrient profile. Ideal for products that emphasize immune support and muscle recovery. Common applications include a wide range of functional beverages (protein shakes, smoothies, RTD beverages), baked goods, fortified soups, dressings, sauces and spreads.
Texture Optimization Strategies for GLP-1 Formulations
Beyond nutrition, texture provides consumers with elevated eating experiences, and is often what drives a repeat purchase. Product acceptance among GLP-1 users is no different. When appetite suppression is constant, consumers can become highly sensitive to mouthfeel and consistency. The solution is an ideal balance between taste, texture, serving size and micronutrient profile.
Strategic Functional Properties:
Pea Protein delivers exceptional iron density (24.5 mg per 100g) while its neutral profile serves as a versatile base for customization without competing flavors.
Heliaflor® 55 offers superior emulsification potential (1:4 water binding) while delivering creamy, smooth textures to beverages and baked goods (without excess fat).
Heliaflor® 45 provides strong binding capacity to improve mouthfeel in both sweet and savory formats; prevents a dry, crumbly texture that is common in reduced-fat formulations.
Unroasted Pumpkin Protein delivers superior moisture retention with a moderate fat content, promoting excellent textural stability in dips, sauces, spreads and various vegetable-based formulations.
Nourishing the GLP-1 Generation
The GLP-1 market has taken the globe by storm. The fundamental shift represents an overhaul in nutritional requirements—one focused on strategically selected, nutrient-dense ingredients with excellent micronutrient profiles.
Austrade’s Organic and Non-GMO plant protein portfolio delivers concentrated nutrition that includes essential minerals, functional fiber, and clean label positioning for the GLP-1-focused market. Each plant protein offers distinct advantages for specific applications, allowing formulators to match ingredient profiles to product goals.
Ready to formulate for the future of weight management?
Contact Austrade’s sales team for GLP-1 application support, or to request a sample of one of our Certified Organic & Non-GMO ingredients.