Restaurants are adding protein to menus as Americans seek to eat healthier
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol speaks with FOX Business’ Liz Claman at the company’s leadership conference, where he delves into priorities and growth strategies, as well as adding cold protein foam to drinks on the menu.
A growing number of restaurants are packing their menus with protein as more Americans choose to eat healthier.
Subway recently announced that they are kicking off the year with new Protein Pockets. These items are described as soft tortillas with a choice of protein, such as chicken, ham and turkey, vegetables and sauce. The company said each one has more than 20 servings of protein and is less than $4.
“Getting more protein in their diet is important to a lot of people. But 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 they are kicking off the year with new Protein Pockets. (Photos by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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The shift was swift as weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound reformulated diets, pushing consumers toward higher protein diets. But experts say the trend could gain momentum as the Trump administration promotes an “upside-down” food pyramid that emphasizes protein.
The company said it is also improving its value menu with new “Sub of the Day” specials offered daily. The menu leans heavily toward protein, featuring 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 across North America began rolling out Protein Cold Foam alongside a new line of protein lattes made with high-protein milk.
Starbucks recently added protein drinks to its menu. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
The drinks, which contain about 15 to 36 grams of protein per 16-ounce drink, are part of the company’s turnaround strategy to drive innovation and modernize its menu.
| A ticker | Security | Finally | Change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX | STARBUCKS CORP. | 92.99 | -0.29 |
-0.31% |
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Meanwhile, Sweetgreen has continued to add protein-focused enhancements to its menu. Nic Jammet, founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, told FOX Business that protein remains one of the top choices for customers.
“Our menu gives guests the real fuel they want, without compromise, and reflects our ongoing commitment to ingredient quality and transparency,” Jammet said.
The company launched The Function Menu in collaboration with Function and its founder and chief medical officer, Mark Hyman. The menu includes expert food advice and the Sweetgreen menu. It comes with a slate of other menu enhancements that focus on increasing protein.
In November 2025, Sweetgreen introduced its highest protein menu item to date, the Protein Max Bowl. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In November 2025, Sweetgreen introduced its highest protein menu item to date, the Protein Max Bowl, which contains 106 grams of protein. The company also added new protein scoops, increasing the portion sizes of chicken and tofu by 25% without increasing prices. Currently, more than 10 of Sweetgreen’s chef-made salads, dishes and plates include 30 grams or more of protein.
| A ticker | Security | Finally | Change | Change % |
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| SG | Company SWEETGREEN INC | 7.97 | -0.12 |
-1.48% |
Sweetgreen also added a macronutrient calculator to its app, making its menu even more intuitive. The app allows guests to see a clear breakdown of protein, carbohydrates and fat alongside calorie counts for both menu items and custom dishes, according to Jammet.
The founder and CEO of the Mediterranean chain Cava, Brett Schulman, also signed plans to expand its protein offerings this year. In an interview with FOX Business, Schulman said his customers continue to trade in premium items like grilled steak or spicy lamb balls.
Customers take out food at a Cava restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
In the new year, the company is adding more menu items, including grilled salmon, to its list of protein offerings.
But some companies go beyond just adding protein.
| A ticker | Security | Finally | Change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAVA | Company CAVA GROUP INC | 72.09 | +0.09 |
+0.12% |
Rä Foods, a US food technology and functional food company focused on human health, wellness and longevity, told FOX Business that it has been working to add protein to parts of its portfolio, although the company said that is one of several ways it is responding to changing consumer needs.
The company said that since GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite, “people are more conscious of what they eat,” which is why the company is “designing foods that deliver more performance with each bite, not more protein.”
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For example, Rä Foods said that products such as Wild About Sprouts are sold with whole roots and remain alive until consumed. This organic structure stores enzymes and nutrients, including what the company describes as “organic foods,” which are “foods designed to remain biologically active instead of being highly processed.”
“We believe that the next food pyramid is not only about the amount of protein, but about the quality of nutrients, bioavailability and performance,” the company said.
