Fast Food Is Leaning Hard Into Protein—Here’s 11 Items That Prove It
Yup, protein is all the rage right now. According to a YouGov study about Americans’ New Year’s Resolutions for 2026, 25% said they resolved to exercise more, 23% said they planned to eat healthier, and 21% plan on improving their physical health. In response to this growing trend towards healthier living, more and more fast food chains have released protein-forward menu items.
From Sweetgreen’s 100-gram protein bowl to Starbucks, which announced Protein Lattes back in September, the protein push is clearly picking up steam. If you count yourself among the 23% who plan to eat healthier, here’s a list of the latest protein-packed fast food menu items that’ll ensure you stick to your New Year’s resolutions, and then some.
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DUNKIN' PROTEIN REFRESHERS
Dunkin’s “Dunk N’ Pump” campaign re-imagines celebrity hottie Megan Thee Stallion as “Pro-Tina,” a personal trainer who stays pumped up with the chain’s new Protein Refreshers made with protein milk. Available in five flavors, including a signature Mango Refresher chosen by the superstar herself, medium sizes include 15 grams of protein. The full lineup of flavors include:
Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher: Juicy mango flavor mixed with Protein Milk for a bright, tropical sip, created in collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.
Strawberry Protein Refresher: A creamy take on the fan-favorite Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher.
Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte: Espresso paired with rich chocolate and sweet caramel flavors and Protein Milk for a smooth, creamy sip.
Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte: A creamy iced matcha latte made with Protein Milk and nutty toasted almond flavor, whipped to perfection.
Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Espresso paired with Protein Milk and Dunkin’s first-ever Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup, offering a lighter, customizable option.
The Protein Refreshers are now available at Dunkin’ locations nationwide.
Megan’s Mango Protein Refresher: Juicy mango flavor mixed with Protein Milk for a bright, tropical sip, created in collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.
Strawberry Protein Refresher: A creamy take on the fan-favorite Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher.
Caramel Chocolate Iced Protein Latte: Espresso paired with rich chocolate and sweet caramel flavors and Protein Milk for a smooth, creamy sip.
Almond Iced Protein Matcha Latte: A creamy iced matcha latte made with Protein Milk and nutty toasted almond flavor, whipped to perfection.
Iced Protein Latte with Sugar-Free Vanilla: Espresso paired with Protein Milk and Dunkin’s first-ever Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup, offering a lighter, customizable option.
The Protein Refreshers are now available at Dunkin’ locations nationwide.
SUBWAY PROTEIN POCKETS
Subway’s new Protein Pockets come in a soft tortilla that’s loaded with 20 grams of protein, fresh veggies, and sauces, all for $3.99. There are four flavors to choose from:
Baja Chicken: Grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, smoky Baja Chipotle, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and jalapeños.
Peppercorn Ranch Chicken: Grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, zesty Peppercorn Ranch, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and pickles.
Italian Trio: Black Forest ham, aged pepperoni, Genoa salami, provolone, garlic aioli, banana peppers, lettuce, and Roma tomatoes.
Turkey & Ham: Oven-roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, provolone, honey mustard, lettuce, pickles, and Roma tomatoes.
Stop by your local Subway today to get your protein boost on.
Baja Chicken: Grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, smoky Baja Chipotle, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and jalapeños.
Peppercorn Ranch Chicken: Grilled chicken, Monterey cheddar, zesty Peppercorn Ranch, lettuce, Roma tomatoes and pickles.
Italian Trio: Black Forest ham, aged pepperoni, Genoa salami, provolone, garlic aioli, banana peppers, lettuce, and Roma tomatoes.
Turkey & Ham: Oven-roasted turkey, Black Forest ham, provolone, honey mustard, lettuce, pickles, and Roma tomatoes.
Stop by your local Subway today to get your protein boost on.
CHIPOTLE HIGH PROTEIN MENU
Chipotle recently launched its first-ever High Protein Menu, which includes six new menu items — the smallest item, the Adobo Chicken Taco, coming in at 13 grams of protein, and the heartiest, the Double High Protein Bowl, packing a whopping 81 grams of protein. Here’s the full lineup, available now at Chipotle locations nationwide:
Double High Protein Bowl (81g protein, 11g fiber, 760 calories) – A high protein burrito bowl featuring 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, 14g fiber, 540 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly bowl featuring 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, 10g fiber, 470 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly salad featuring Adobo Chicken, Supergreens lettuce mix, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, and guac.
Double High Protein Burrito (79g protein, 6g fiber, 840 calories) – A high protein burrito featuring double Adobo Chicken, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies, Monterey Jack cheese, and romaine lettuce.
High Protein Cup with Adobo Chicken (32g protein, 180 calories) – A 4-ounce side of Adobo Chicken packed with flavor and real protein—the perfect snack or extra side of protein to add to any order.
Adobo Chicken Taco (15g protein, 190 calories) – A soft flour tortilla, Adobo Chicken, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and romaine lettuce.
Double High Protein Bowl (81g protein, 11g fiber, 760 calories) – A high protein burrito bowl featuring 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, 14g fiber, 540 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly bowl featuring 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, 10g fiber, 470 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly salad featuring Adobo Chicken, Supergreens lettuce mix, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, and guac.
Double High Protein Burrito (79g protein, 6g fiber, 840 calories) – A high protein burrito featuring double Adobo Chicken, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies, Monterey Jack cheese, and romaine lettuce.
High Protein Cup with Adobo Chicken (32g protein, 180 calories) – A 4-ounce side of Adobo Chicken packed with flavor and real protein—the perfect snack or extra side of protein to add to any order.
Adobo Chicken Taco (15g protein, 190 calories) – A soft flour tortilla, Adobo Chicken, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese, and romaine lettuce.
SMOOTHIE KING 100 GRAM PROTEIN PACK
Smoothie King has introduced the 100 gram Protein Pack, which features a rotating bundle of menu items specially curated for protein-focused lifestyles. It includes a grab-and-go Protein Box of your choice, filled with either peanut butter and fruit, hard-boiled eggs, an array of cheeses, fresh fruits, or flax and sea salt crackers. A Peanut Butter Toast topped with fruit on 8-grain toast also comes in the Protein Pack, along with the Gladiator Smoothie, available in three flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry.
THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF PROTEIN LATTES
Protein Lattes are trending right now and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is one of several places where you can find them. The chain has announced a wellness-forward winter menu consisting of three latte flavors loaded with 20 grams of protein each. Here’s the deets:
Vanilla Protein Latte (Hot or Iced): Smooth vanilla layered with espresso, milk, and protein.
Caramel Protein Latte (Hot or Iced): Buttery caramel balanced with rich espresso, milk and protein.
Hazelnut Protein Latte (Hot or Iced): Toasted hazelnut flavor combined with espresso, milk, and protein.
The winter menu is available nationwide until March 17.
Vanilla Protein Latte (Hot or Iced): Smooth vanilla layered with espresso, milk, and protein.
Caramel Protein Latte (Hot or Iced): Buttery caramel balanced with rich espresso, milk and protein.
Hazelnut Protein Latte (Hot or Iced): Toasted hazelnut flavor combined with espresso, milk, and protein.
The winter menu is available nationwide until March 17.
EL POLLO LOCO DOUBLE POLLO SALADS
Fifty grams of protein awaits at El Pollo Loco. The chain recently released three new Double Pollo Salads, each featuring super greens, crisp lettuce, and two scoops of the chain’s signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, blended with premium ingredients. Check out what El Pollo Loco has in store:
Mexican Caesar Salad – A double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, chili lime seasoning and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce.
Street Corn Salad – A double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, chili lime seasoning, corn and diced red peppers and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce, served with El Pollo Loco’s creamy cilantro dressing.
Bacon Ranch Salad – Available for a limited time only, a double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, bacon, chili lime seasoning, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce, served with a new House Ranch dressing.
All three bowls are currently at your local Loco and available for online order.
Mexican Caesar Salad – A double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, chili lime seasoning and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce.
Street Corn Salad – A double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, chili lime seasoning, corn and diced red peppers and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce, served with El Pollo Loco’s creamy cilantro dressing.
Bacon Ranch Salad – Available for a limited time only, a double-portion of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken breast, hand-sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, bacon, chili lime seasoning, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca on a bed of super greens and crisp lettuce, served with a new House Ranch dressing.
All three bowls are currently at your local Loco and available for online order.
BLAZE PIZZA PROTEIN-ZZA
Blaze Pizza launched the Protein-zza last week, a protein-forward pie made with cauliflower crust topped with shredded mozzarella, onions, mushrooms, fresh basil, and a double dose of grilled chicken drizzled with buffalo sauce. The 11-inch pizza delivers 56 grams of protein, which equals almost 10 grams per slice.
The Protein-zza joins the chain’s other protein-packer, the Carnivore pizza, which includes pepperoni, julienned ham, and crumbled meatballs drizzled with balsamic and served on scratch-made dough. It features 60 grams of protein.
For even more protein potential, Blaze Pizza encourages you to build-your-own pizza with its extensive list of 35+ ingredients.
The Protein-zza joins the chain’s other protein-packer, the Carnivore pizza, which includes pepperoni, julienned ham, and crumbled meatballs drizzled with balsamic and served on scratch-made dough. It features 60 grams of protein.
For even more protein potential, Blaze Pizza encourages you to build-your-own pizza with its extensive list of 35+ ingredients.
JACK IN THE BOX PROTEIN BOWLS
Jack in the Box just introduced two Protein Bowls filled with 35 grams of protein. The chain has given its fan-favorite Teriyaki Bowl a protein boost, and debuted the new Fajita Bowl. Here’s a breakdown of the new menu items:
Fajita Bowl: Juicy grilled or crispy chicken, fluffy white or brown rice, grilled onions, shredded cheddar, and our corn & black bean blend, all finished with a drizzle of Chipotle Ranch sauce.
Teriyaki Bowl: Tender grilled or crispy chicken, steamed white or brown rice, broccoli, carrots, and Jack’s signature Teriyaki sauce.
Fajita Bowl: Juicy grilled or crispy chicken, fluffy white or brown rice, grilled onions, shredded cheddar, and our corn & black bean blend, all finished with a drizzle of Chipotle Ranch sauce.
Teriyaki Bowl: Tender grilled or crispy chicken, steamed white or brown rice, broccoli, carrots, and Jack’s signature Teriyaki sauce.
TIM HORTONS ICED PROTEIN LATTES
Tim Hortons has joined Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in releasing Protein Lattes. Launching on January 28 and available iced or hot, they come in five flavors and deliver between 11 and 28 grams of protein, depending on which flavor and size you choose.
Iced Protein Latte (11-23g protein) – A creamy and energizing latte crafted with smooth espresso and high-protein blend of milk and whey for a satisfying boost. Perfect for fueling your day with balanced flavor and strength in every sip.
Iced Protein Matcha Latte (14-28g protein) – A vibrant fusion of premium matcha and high-protein blend of milk and whey for a refreshing lift.
Iced Protein Chai Latte (13-26g protein) – A warm, spiced blend of aromatic chai and high-protein blend of milk and whey for comfort that powers you through.
Iced Protein Latte (11-23g protein) – A creamy and energizing latte crafted with smooth espresso and high-protein blend of milk and whey for a satisfying boost. Perfect for fueling your day with balanced flavor and strength in every sip.
Iced Protein Matcha Latte (14-28g protein) – A vibrant fusion of premium matcha and high-protein blend of milk and whey for a refreshing lift.
Iced Protein Chai Latte (13-26g protein) – A warm, spiced blend of aromatic chai and high-protein blend of milk and whey for comfort that powers you through.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE PROTEIN SMOOTHIES
Premium protein smoothies are available at Tropical Smoothie Cafe for a limited time. Blended with Chobani Greek Yogurt and whey that can be substituted with pea protein, each smoothie offers 39 grams of protein. Here are the three flavors:
Cherry Berry Protein Smoothie: A bright blend of dark cherries, strawberries, cranberry and almonds, delivering up to 33g of protein
Chocolate PB Protein Smoothie: A craveable mix of peanut butter, chocolate, banana and cacao nibs, with up to 39g of protein
Almond Banana Protein Smoothie: A smooth, nutty combination of almond butter, banana and coconut, packing up to 38g of protein
The new protein smoothies will be available until March 3.
Cherry Berry Protein Smoothie: A bright blend of dark cherries, strawberries, cranberry and almonds, delivering up to 33g of protein
Chocolate PB Protein Smoothie: A craveable mix of peanut butter, chocolate, banana and cacao nibs, with up to 39g of protein
Almond Banana Protein Smoothie: A smooth, nutty combination of almond butter, banana and coconut, packing up to 38g of protein
The new protein smoothies will be available until March 3.
SHAKE SHACK GOOD FIT MENU
Shake Shack closed 2025 out by announcing its new Good Fit Menu, composed of six new protein-packed menu items. The Menu also includes gluten-free and vegetarian options:
Single ShackBurger Lettuce Wrap: A made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, tomato, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap (gluten-free).
23g protein, 3g carbs
Chicken Shack Lettuce Wrap: Antibiotic-free, hand-breaded, white-meat chicken breast over pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo in a lettuce wrap.
27g protein, 11g carbs
Gluten-Free Double ShackBurger: Two made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, tomato, and ShackSauce on a gluten-free bun.
Gluten-free
47g protein
Double Veggie Shack Lettuce Wrap: Two veggie patties packed with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa, and topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap.
Vegetarian
25g protein
Double SmokeShack in Lettuce Wrap: Two made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap (gluten-free).
52g protein, 5g carbs
Double Avocado Bacon Burger in Lettuce Wrap: Two made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, topped with hand-sliced avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap (gluten-free).
51g protein, 4g carb
Single ShackBurger Lettuce Wrap: A made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, tomato, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap (gluten-free).
23g protein, 3g carbs
Chicken Shack Lettuce Wrap: Antibiotic-free, hand-breaded, white-meat chicken breast over pickles, and buttermilk herb mayo in a lettuce wrap.
27g protein, 11g carbs
Gluten-Free Double ShackBurger: Two made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, tomato, and ShackSauce on a gluten-free bun.
Gluten-free
47g protein
Double Veggie Shack Lettuce Wrap: Two veggie patties packed with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa, and topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap.
Vegetarian
25g protein
Double SmokeShack in Lettuce Wrap: Two made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap (gluten-free).
52g protein, 5g carbs
Double Avocado Bacon Burger in Lettuce Wrap: Two made-to-order quarter pound per patty of 100% Angus beef with American cheese, topped with hand-sliced avocado, applewood-smoked bacon, and ShackSauce in a lettuce wrap (gluten-free).
51g protein, 4g carb
