The Natural List: The GLP-1 economy and new food pyramid reactions

In this episode of The Natural List, hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith dive into the latest trends and developments shaping the wellness and natural products industry as 2026 kicks off.

Their first big announcement? The podcast is seeking a temporary co-host while Jessica heads out on maternity leave at the end of next month! DM us on Instagram or LinkedIn if you’re interested.

The duo then discusses recent acquisitions, including Good Culture and Vitacost, exploring how the post-Ozempic economy is driving investor interest in food tech and GLP-1 adjacent categories. On a similar note, the Oura Ring and Fullscript partnership underscores the growing emphasis on holistic wellness, personalized health data and the integration of these practices into traditional healthcare systems.

Our hosts pose the question: Is “Dry January” still happening? With consumers drinking less overall, functional beverages are on the rise. These drinks not only avoid alcohol but also deliver added health benefits, reflecting a broader shift toward more mindful consumption habits.

Finally, the hosts examine the updated food pyramid, highlighting shifts in key categories like alcohol recommendations, protein, fats and carbs. They also discuss the broader implications for nutrition, food policy and the environment. Dr. Jessica Knurick, keynote speaker at Expo West, will delve into these topics and more in her talk, “The Future of Food,” sparking excitement about the evolving role of food policy and nutrition in our society.

Thank you to our sponsors, Daabon, Lakanto, A Greener World, FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Advantage Solutions.

In this episode:
0:00 – Open casting call for TNL co-host while Jessica is on maternity leave!
1:50 – Thank you to our sponsor, Daabon
2:28 – Thank you to our sponsor, Advantage Solutions
3:03 – Acquisitions kicking off 2026: Good Culture, iHerb x Vitacost
4:22 – The post-Ozempic economy, investments in food tech and metabolic health products
6:25 – Oura ring x Fullscript partnership signals personalization, wearables, data signal increase in whole-person healthcare
8:37 – Practitioner channel is a major driver of dietary supplement brands, check out NBJ’s Practitioner Report
9:10 – Thank you to our sponsor, Lakanto
9:53 – Thank you to our sponsor, A Greener World
11:13 – Healthspan was a key trend in the 2025 State of Natural at Expo West
12:03 – Is Dry January irrelevant now that consumers are drinking less overall?
13:26 – Shifts in the NA beverage category from sugary mocktails to functional substitutes as the demographic transforms from habitual drinkers to not drinking much at all
16:30 – The new food pyramid hits on some conscious products industry trends and themes, with some criticisms
17:03 – More protein recommended
18:10 – Healthy fats conversation is changing
19:10 – Fewer carbs recommended
20:36 – Look ahead to Expo West, where we have these conversations about the future of food, featuring Dr. Jessica Knurick as a keynote speaker
21:10 – Climate implications for the increased demand of meat and dairy
22:22 – Thank you to our sponsor, FrieslandCampina Ingredients