A growing list of restaurants are filling their menus with protein as more Americans opt for healthier diets.
Subway recently announced that it was starting the year with new Protein Pockets. The items are described as soft tortillas with a selection of proteins, such as chicken, ham and turkey, vegetables and a sauce. The company said each contains more than 20 grams of protein and costs less than $4.
“Getting more protein into their diet is important for many people. Too often, that protein is expensive or fried,” said Dave Skena, Subway’s chief marketing officer for North America, in a statement.
Subway recently announced that it was starting the year with new Protein Pockets. (Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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The shift accelerated as weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound reshaped eating habits, pushing consumers toward higher-protein meals. But experts say the trend could gain further momentum as the Trump administration promotes an “inverted” food pyramid that emphasizes protein.
The company said it is also upgrading its value menu with new “Sub of the Day” specials daily. The lineup leans heavily on protein, with options like Meatball Monday, Tuna Tuesday, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki Wednesday, Turkey Thursday and Black Forest Ham Friday.
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In September, Starbucks locations in North America began rolling out Protein Cold Foam alongside a new line of protein lattes made with protein-fortified milk.
Starbucks also recently added drinks with protein to its menu. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The drinks, which contain approximately 15 to 36 grams of protein per 16 ounces of drink, are part of the company’s turnaround strategy to drive innovation and modernize its menu.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX | STARBUCKS CORP. | 92.99 | -0.29 |
-0.31% |
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“Our menu provides guests with the real fuel they are looking for, without compromise, and reflects our continued commitment to ingredient quality and transparency,” said Jammet.
The company launched The Function Menu in partnership with Function and its co-founder and chief medical officer, Mark Hyman. The menu combines expert nutritional advice with the Sweetgreen menu. It comes alongside a range of other menu improvements aimed at boosting protein.
In November 2025, Sweetgreen introduced its most protein-packed menu item yet, the Protein Max Bowl. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In November 2025, Sweetgreen introduced its highest protein menu item yet, the Protein Max Bowl, which contains 106 grams of protein. The company also added new protein scoops, increasing portion sizes for chicken and tofu by 25% without increasing prices. Currently, more than 10 of Sweetgreen’s chef-crafted salads, bowls and plates contain 30 grams or more of protein.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S.G | SWEETGREEN INC | 7.97 | -0.12 |
-1.48% |
Sweetgreen has also added a macronutrient calculator to its app, making the menu even more transparent. The app allows guests to see a clear overview of protein, carbohydrates and fat, in addition to calorie counts for both menu items and custom bowls, Jammet said.
Customers pick up food from a Cava restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
In the new year, the company will add more menu items, including roasted salmon, to its lineup of protein offerings.
But some companies go further than just adding proteins.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAVA | CAVA GROUP INC | 72.09 | +0.09 |
+0.12% |
The company said that now that GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite, “people are becoming much more conscious about what they eat,” which is why the company is “designing foods that deliver more functionality per bite, not just more protein.”
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For example, Rä Foods said products like Wild About Sprouts are sold with roots intact and remain alive until eaten. This living structure stores enzymes and nutrients and embodies what the company describes as “living food,” which is “food designed to remain biologically active rather than heavily processed.”
“We believe the next food pyramid is not just about protein quantity, but also about nutrient quality, bioavailability and function,” the company said.
