Dubai chocolate is out. Protein everything is in.
Just this week, major chains – including Subway, Jack in the Box, Dunkin’, Blaze Pizza, El Pollo Loco and Smoothie King – debuted all-new high-protein menus, with many brands marketing these launches as GLP-1-friendly.
This list adds to a growing number of eateries putting the focus on protein-forward dining, with Chipotle, Starbucks and Shack Shack all having launched new protein-packed items in December.
Nearly one in five adults say they have taken a GLP-1 drug, such as Ozempic, at some point in their life, and one in eight say they are currently taking a GLP-1 drug, according to a KFF Health Tracking Poll published in November.
GLP-1s make food stay in the stomach longer, so spicy and high-fat foods can cause side effects, including nausea and constipation. It’s recommended to increase protein and fiber content when taking a GLP-1 to help you feel full longer, stabilize blood sugar, keep the body from losing muscle and combat constipation, according to Cleveland Clinic.
New dietary guidelines for Americans encourage diets that prioritize protein foods at every meal. It recommends consuming 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. High-protein foods such as turkey, steak and ground meat can now be seen illustrated at the top of the food “pyramid.”
Jack in the Box and El Pollo Loco both launched new high-protein menus on Monday.
Jack in the Box debuted a Fajita Protein Bowl with grilled or crispy chicken, white or brown rice, grilled onions, shredded cheddar, corn, black beans and Chipotle Ranch sauce. A press release said its Protein Bowls have up to 35 grams of protein.The fast food chain is also offering a two-for-$6 deal on its Jack Wraps, marketing them as an on-the-go protein option.
El Pollo Loco debuted three new Double Pollo Salads (Mexican Caesar, Street Corn and Bacon Ranch), which have 52-61 grams of protein each.
On Wednesday, Dunkin’, Blaze Pizza and Smoothie King hopped on the protein bandwagon.
Dunkin’ launched the option to substitute any drink’s milk with Protein Milk, which a press release promises to be creamy without a chalky texture or aftertaste. Beverages such as a medium Strawberry Protein Refresher or a medium Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte tout 15 grams of protein. Additionally, Dunkin’ Rewards members can redeem a $3 Medium Protein Refresher now through Jan. 14 and a free protein add-in (up to $1) with any latte purchase from Jan. 20-27. In celebration of “National Protein Day” on Feb. 27, Dunkin’ will give rewards members 3x points on all protein beverages.
Blaze Pizza fired up its limited-time Protein-zza, a pizza with cauliflower crust, mozzarella cheese, a double portion of grilled chicken, onions, mushrooms, fresh basil and buffalo sauce. A whole pizza has 56 grams of protein, with nearly 10 grams of protein per slice.
“Today’s guests want meals that work for their lifestyles, whether that means prioritizing protein, following GLP-1-friendly habits, or simply eating more mindfully,” said Casey Terrell, the chief marketing officer at Blaze Pizza.
Smoothie King, which has had a dedicated GLP-1 Support Menu since 2024, also launched a 100g Protein Pack, described in a press release as “a convenient solution to help you hit your 100 grams daily protein goal in one stop in one day, no tracking required.” The pack is a curated selection of menu items, including the Protein Box, Peanut Butter Toast and Gladiator Smoothie.
On Thursday, Subway debuted its Protein Pockets, made with protein-packed tortillas with more than 20 grams of protein. This new launch comes in four flavors: Baja Chicken, Peppercorn Ranch Chicken, Italian Trio and Turkey and Ham.
Many protein-forward launches are still to come, including Starbucks launching its ready-to-drink protein lattes in grocery and convenience stores later this year.
