Protein is having a moment as restaurants add more options to menus
Looking to add more protein to your diet? These restaurants and retailers are ready for it.
More companies have been rolling out protein-focused foods and drinks as the trend to get more of it continues into 2026. From Target focusing on wellness to Starbucks adding protein drinks to its menu, protein is having its moment.
Most recently, Subway added Protein Pockets to its menu, Dunkin' launched a line-up of protein-packed drinks and Chipotle dropped a High Protein Menu – complete with a 4-ounce cup of meat.
Here's a look at the retailers and restaurants that are advertising more high-protein options for consumers.
Megan Thee Stallion brings protein to Dunkin'
Dunkin' teamed up with rapper Megan Thee Stallion to launch a new Protein Refresher to the menu.
Megan Thee Stallion's drink is a "juicy mango flavor," according to the company. The drink is made with Protein Milk, and a medium-sized Protein Refresher contains around 15 grams of protein.
Other protein drinks on Dunkin's menu include:
- Strawberry Protein Refresher- A creamy take on Dunkin's Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher.
- Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte- Espresso mixed with chocolate and caramel flavors and Protein Milk.
- Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte: Iced matcha latte with Protein Milk and almond flavor.
- Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Espresso mixed with Protein Milk and a sugar-free vanilla syrup, offering a lighter, customizable option.
Subway introduces Protein Pockets
Subway announced that it was adding "Protein Pockets" to its menu on Jan. 7.
Each Protein Pocket contains over 20 grams of protein, the company said. They are priced at $3.99 at participating Subway restaurants in the United States, but prices may be higher in Hawaii and Alaska.
Here's a look at the new Protein Pockets:
- Baja Chicken: Made with grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, Baja chipotle, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and jalapeños.
- Peppercorn Ranch Chicken: Made with grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, peppercorn ranch, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and pickles.
- Italian Trio: Made with black forest ham, aged pepperoni, Genoa salami, provolone, garlic aioli, banana peppers, lettuce and Roma tomatoes.
- Turkey & Ham: Made with oven-roasted turkey, black forest ham, provolone, honey mustard, lettuce, pickles and Roma tomatoes.
Starbucks adds protein lattes
In September 2025, Starbucks also added protein drinks to its menu.
The coffeehouse chain introduced Protein Lattes, Matcha and Protein Cold Foams that contain up to 36 grams of protein, according to a Starbucks press release.
Protein drinks added to the menu include:
- Caramel Protein Latte
- Caramel Protein Matcha
- Protein Matcha
- Vanilla Protein Latte
Chipotle drops High Protein Menu
Do you ever just crave half a cup of meat? Chipotle has you covered.
The fast-casual restaurant chain introduced a new High Protein Menu in December that includes bowls, burritos, salads and a taco with around 15 to 81 grams of protein.
It also includes 4 ounces of adobo chicken or steak in a "High Protein Cup," according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. It contains about 32 grams of protein and costs about $4 nationwide.
Here's a look at the new High Protein Menu at Chipotle:
- Double High Protein Bowl (81 grams of protein): Burrito bowl with double adobo chicken, light white rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and extra romaine lettuce.
- High Protein-High Fiber Bowl (46 grams of protein): Bowl with adobo chicken, light brown rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, roasted chili-corn salsa, tomato salsa and romaine lettuce.
- High Protein-Low Calorie Salad (36 grams of protein): Salad with adobo chicken, supergreens lettuce mix, fajita vegetables, tomato salad and guacamole.
- Double High Protein Burrito (79 grams of protein): Burrito with adobo chicken, tomato salsa, fajita vegetables, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce.
- High Protein Cup (32 grams of protein): 4-ounce size of adobo chicken or steak.
- Adobo Chicken Taco (15 grams of protein): Soft flour tortilla, adobo chicken, fajita vegetables, tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce.
Smoothie King launches 100 gram Protein Pack
Smoothie King isn't missing out on the protein craze either.
The brand launched the 100-gram protein pack, which includes a Protein Box (which can contain hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter and fruit, cheeses, fresh fruit and flax and sea salt crackers), Peanut Butter Toast and a Gladiator Smoothie, available in chocolate, vanilla or strawberry flavors.
Target, Walmart add more protein options to shelves
Target and its stores have always been popular destinations for groceries, tech and clothing, but it is expanding its health and wellness section, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.
Target shoppers will now find Protein Pop, which has 22 grams of protein, according to Target's website, and a wider selection of protein snacks and powders on Target's shelves.
Walmart is also leaning into the wellness trend and adding more wellness foods to its shelves, like David high-protein bars, which contain around 28 grams of protein, and Oikos Pro Fusion drinks, which contain around 23 grams of protein.
Other protein options available at retailers and restaurants
The following brands and restaurants are also expanding their protein selection, according to press releases shared with USA TODAY:
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: The coffee and tea retailer added a lineup of protein lattes to its menu that includes vanilla, caramel and hazelnut flavors that can be hot or iced with a minimum of 20 grams of protein per serving.
- El Pollo Loco: The fast-casual chain, which serves Mexican-style food, will now have "Double Pollo Salads" on its menu, which contain over 50 grams of protein. Diners can choose between Mexican Caesar, Street Corn, and Bacon Ranch salads.
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe: The restaurant is adding new protein smoothies to its menu that feature Chobani Greek yogurt and contain between 33 and 39 grams of protein. The menu includes Chocolate PB Protein Smoothie (39 grams), Cherry Berry Protein Smoothie (33 grams) and Almond Banana Protein Smoothie (38 grams).
- Dave's Killer Bread: The brand, which is sold at various grocery stores and retailers, is expanding its line of protein bars, Amped-Up organic protein, to include new flavors, Double Chocolate Chunk and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. It also launched new breakfast bars with flavors like Boomin’ Blueberry Muffin, Strawberry Crumble and Apple Cinnamon Crisp, each containing about 4 grams of protein.
- Premier Protein: Another brand sold at grocery stores and retailers across the country is introducing its Premier Protein Muffin Mixes and Microwavable Muffin Cups in blueberry and chocolate chip flavors that contain around 13 to 15 grams of protein in each serving.
How much protein do you really need?
The recommended dietary allowance for protein is currently 0.36 grams of protein per pound, or about 54 grams for a person who weighs 150 pounds, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. But nutrition experts are increasingly pushing for higher protein intake: upwards of 60 to 90 grams daily.
Protein, which is an essential part of a healthy diet, is often associated with people who frequent the gym but has been put in the spotlight as weight-loss drugs, like GLP-1 medications, become more popular.
Individuals taking these medicines are advised to eat more protein, as it can help prevent their bodies from losing muscle instead of fat, according to the Cleveland Clinic. When consumed, protein can also help stabilize blood sugar and help people feel fuller longer, experts say.
On Jan. 7, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also announced U.S. Dietary Guidelines that recommend more protein and less sugary and ultra-processed foods.
Protein options following latest trend
The new menus and high-protein options meets an ongoing demand. In 2025, the most common diet Americans reported following was a high-protein diet, according to the 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey.
Additionally, 70% of Americans noted protein as the top nutrient they tried to consume in 2025, making it the nutrient most people are concerned with getting enough of for the fifth year in a row.
Contributing: Mike Snider, Taylor Ardrey, Hannah Yasharoff and Sara Moniuszko; USA TODAY.
Julia is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers scientific studies, natural disasters and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].