The increasing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications may be influencing more than just dietary habits, potentially reshaping the beverage landscape in restaurants, according to a new report by the National Restaurant Association.
As diners, particularly younger consumers, prioritize health and wellness, restaurants are exploring a wider array of drink choices beyond traditional alcoholic beverages. These include wellness drinks, energy drinks, smoothies, lemonades, and alcohol-free cocktails.
“I think you’re seeing a lot younger folks who are, in general, wanting to be healthier,” said Chad Moutray, chief economist at the National Restaurant Association. “You have the Make America Healthy Again movement, which is also driving some of this trend.”
Moutray noted that the growing use of GLP-1 medications is one of several health trends restaurant operators are monitoring. The report found that health is a significant factor for some Americans' decisions regarding alcohol consumption. Among surveyed adults who do not drink alcohol, 25% cited health reasons, a figure that rises to 34% among Gen Z nondrinkers.
The report, which surveyed consumers and restaurant operators nationwide, suggests that GLP-1 medications, by suppressing appetite, can lead individuals to consume less alcohol. "And then you add to that the GLP-1 notion, where if you’re taking one of those drugs and your appetite is more suppressed, you’re not going to drink as much alcohol," Moutray explained.
Restaurants are responding by planning to expand their beverage offerings. In 2026, 24% of limited-service restaurant operators intend to introduce new wellness drinks, 26% plan to add energy drinks, 29% will offer more smoothies, and 27% intend to add lemonades. Nearly half, 46%, plan to introduce new coffee options.
Moutray anticipates that as GLP-1 medications become more affordable in the coming years, restaurants will continue to seek alternative menu items appealing to consumers using these drugs. "I think as GLP-1s become less expensive as this year goes on and as we move into 2027, you’re going to see restaurant operators continuing to look for alternatives that can be good menu options for consumers that might be taking those drugs,” he said.
Hospitality consultant Derek Brown, founder of Drink Company, also observes that GLP-1s contribute to a broader trend of moderation in consumption. "Yeah, there’s no doubt that GLP-1s are having an effect on the way that people consume," Brown told Fox News Digital. "And it’s part of a basket of things that’s contributing to people moderating more often."
Brown added that the drugs can impact appetites for both food and drinks, potentially leading customers to reduce alcohol intake or opt for nonalcoholic choices. "I think that’s clearly part of this entire moderation trend that we’re seeing that’s just a part of it, but it’s significant enough, so I think that’s certainly a real thing," he said. "And I definitely think that bars and restaurants are starting to feel that."
However, the changing beverage landscape does not signify a complete abandonment of alcohol by younger Americans. The report indicates that 71% of Gen Z adults and 74% of millennials surveyed consume alcohol either at home or in restaurants. Specifically, 60% of Gen Z adults and 68% of millennials report drinking alcohol in restaurants.
Moutray believes that younger consumers are instead diversifying their drink choices from a wider selection. This broader portfolio of beverages is becoming increasingly critical for restaurants, as 87% of full-service operators and 80% of limited-service operators reported that beverages can be a significant driver of customer traffic.
"It’s driving traffic, it’s getting people excited and it’s, hopefully, also helping to improve overall profit margins," Moutray concluded.