Dippin’ Dots parent says MAHA, GLP-1 trends aren’t melting demand for indulgent treats

J&J Snack Foods’ CEO said the Icee owner is benefiting from a close association with experiences such as movies, theme parks and sporting events.

What happened

A blue raspberry Icee made from natural dyes? It's possible, but don't count on it, says the CEO of J&J Snack Foods, the maker of the iconic carbonated slushie.

Snack companies have reformulated their offerings to lower sugar and remove artificial ingredients in response to expanding GLP-1 use and pressure from the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement. But J&J, which manufactures treats meant for occasional indulgences, so far has managed to rebuff these threats that have weighed heavily on their competitors.

Why it matters

Built around the motto, “Fun served here,” J&J’s roughly 30 brands are available across nearly every retail channel — from movie theaters and amusement parks to supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants.

For consumers grabbing a SuperPretzel at a ballgame, Dippin’ Dots at an amusement park, or an Icee at the movie theater, J&J said its snacks are part of the experience. GLP-1s and the MAHA movement so far have had “a negligible” impact on J&J’s foodservice business, which makes up nearly two-thirds of the company’s sales, according to J&J CEO Dan Fachner.

“In most cases, our product is really experiential, and so we're a little insulated from some of the GLP-1 fears, or the MAHA fears, that have kind of spooked a lot of the traditional snack companies,” Fachner said.

This news brief is based on reporting published by Food Dive on 2026-02-23. The original report is linked below.