Food & Beverage
Chipotle jumping on high protein trend
The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams
December 18, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Chipotle Mexican Grill is joining Shake Shack, Sweetgreenand Starbucks on the high-protein train.
In a direct response to soaring consumer demand for protein-rich options, the 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams. A high protein diet has been the top diet pattern in the U.S. for three consecutive years, according to the International Food Information Council's 2025 Food & Health Survey. Also, 61% of Americans reported increasing their protein intake in 2024, up from 48% in 2019, demonstrating a strong consumer demand for high-protein food claims, according to Cargill's 2025 Protein Profile.
"For years, guests have used Chipotle's customizable offerings to build high protein and fiber-filled meals on their own," Chris Brandt, president and chief brand officer, said in a company press release. "This curated menu brings that fan behavior to the forefront with clean ingredients and flexible portions making protein and other dietary goals easier to reach in just a few taps."
Protein snacks
The menu features the chain's first-ever snack item — the High Protein Cup, 4-ounce side of grilled Adobo chicken or steak for under $4 in select U.S. and Canadian restaurants. Chipotle emphasized that its popular Adobo Chicken is humanely raised and never given antibiotics.
Entrees include:
• Double High Protein Bowl (81g protein, 760 calories): Features double Adobo Chicken light white rice black beans fajita veggies fresh tomato salsa Monterey Jack cheese and extra romaine lettuce.
• High Protein-High Fiber Bowl (46g protein, 540 calories): A GLP-1 friendly option with Adobo Chicken light brown rice black beans fajita veggies roasted chili-corn salsa fresh tomato salsa and romaine lettuce.
• High Protein-Low Calorie Salad (36g protein, 470 calories): A GLP-1 friendly salad with Adobo Chicken Supergreens lettuce mix fajita veggies fresh tomato salsa and guacamole.
• Double High Protein Burrito (79g protein, 840 calories): Includes double Adobo Chicken fresh tomato salsa fajita veggies Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce.
Superfan meals
Starting Jan. 5. Chipotle will feature custom entrees created by athletes and creators to spotlight how fans leverage the menu for protein goals. These meals will be available on the app and website.
Smaller fast casuals also on board
Jeff's Bagel Run, a 25-unit chain based in Orlando, is also embracing protein, launching a limited-time high-protein menu Jan. 1.
The High-Protein January rollout includes lattes containing up to 45 grams of protein and a turkey protein lunch box with 26 grams of protein.
"This limited-time offering lets guests build a protein-packed breakfast or lunch without changing their routine," Jeff Perera, co-founder and vice president, said in a company press release. "It's still Jeff's, just with more fuel."
The beverage lineup features chocolate and vanilla protein lattes. The turkey protein box includes sliced turkey, cheddar cheese and fresh vegetables, joining the brand's existing 33-gram protein "Lox Box" in the grab-and-go section.
Combining a bagel, protein box, and latte can provide up to 86 grams of protein in a single visit, Perera said.
The protein-forward items may become permanent menu fixtures depending on January sales performance.
Clean Eatz, which has over 125 locations, is another smaller fast casual leaning on protein. For example, it features the "High Protein Meal Plan Delivery," which contains single-serve frozen meals with 2 extra ounces of protein vs. the chain's regular meals. Each meal starts at $9.99.
About Cherryh Cansler
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