Hershey Sees 8% Sales Rise for Ice Breakers Mints Amid GLP-1 Drug Trend

Hershey's sales of Ice Breakers mints climbed 8% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by growing adoption of GLP-1 drugs, the company's CEO stated. Kirk Tanner, in pre-recorded remarks ahead of Hershey's earnings conference call on April 30, 2026, said the company is experiencing higher sales for its mints and gum due to this trend.

Retail sales for Ice Breakers increased over 8% during the period, Tanner added.

Some individuals taking GLP-1 medications report bad breath, though it is not an official listed side effect. Dental experts have linked these drugs to dry mouth, caused by dehydration and changes to saliva. Packages of Ice Breakers spearmint mints were displayed at a Costco Wholesale store in San Diego, California, on April 27, 2025.

Tanner noted strong demand for gum and mints benefiting from functional snacking tailwinds, including GLP-1 adoption. Some people using medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro experience halitosis, or bad breath. So-called Ozempic breath remains unlisted as an official side effect for these medications.

Hershey's sales of breath-freshening mints and gum rose in the first quarter of 2026, while sales of its protein bars jumped 17%. The company's quarterly revenue climbed more than 10% during the same period. com reported these figures as part of Hershey's earnings details.

U.S. sales of premium chocolate rose faster in 2025 among people using GLP-1 medication than those who were not. The Magnum Ice Cream Company told investors in February 2026 that data suggests growing adoption of GLP-1 drugs will boost sales of its more expensive products, such as smaller portions, those with more protein, or containing real fruit.

Magnum Ice Cream CEO Peter ter Kulve stated on the company's earnings conference call in February 2026 that consumers using GLP-1s are eliminating low-quality munching categories first, allowing premium chocolate, premium ice cream and protein snacks to gain share.