GLP-1 medications are exploding in popularity, and what and how we eat is shifting with them. Roughly 10 to 12 percent of U.S. adults are currently taking a GLP-1 medication, translating to tens of millions of people, and use continues to climb. At the same time, nearly 70 percent of Americans say they are actively trying to consume more protein. Restaurant chains are responding in real time. Here’s how major chains are redesigning menus around protein density, portion control and GLP-1–friendly meals.
Dunkin’
Your morning coffee run just became a protein delivery system. Dunkin’ made Protein Milk a permanent menu option, adding 15 grams of protein to a medium drink. Customers can swap it into coffees, lattes, matcha and Refreshers, and the brand has built out a full lineup of Protein Lattes and Protein Refreshers, turning a daily caffeine stop into a functional mini meal.
Starbucks
Starbucks also rolled out a protein forward menion, with Protein Lattes and Protein Cold Foam, and some grande drinks reaching up to 36 grams of protein per cup. Options include Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha and Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte, and protein-boosted milk can add roughly 12 to 16 grams of protein to many standard espresso drinks.
Chipotle
Burrito bowls are getting a macro makeover. Chipotle now features a High Protein Menu with bowls, burritos, salads and tacos ranging from roughly 15 to 81 grams of protein. The standout is the High Protein Cup, a four-ounce serving of adobo chicken or steak with about 32 grams of protein and around 180 calories. It can be added to an order or eaten on its own as a compact protein hit.
Sweetgreen
Even salads are being reengineered. Sweetgreen’s Protein Max Bowl delivers about 106 grams of protein, its most protein-packed item to date. The chain also increased scoops of chicken and tofu by about 25 percent without raising prices, and more than 10 menu items now contain 30 grams or more of protein.
Subway
Subway’s Protein Pockets are wrapped in a soft wheat tortilla and deliver more than 20 grams of protein in a smaller, grab-and-go format. Flavors include Baja Chicken, Peppercorn Ranch Chicken, Italian Trio and Turkey and Ham, designed to satisfy a sub craving without committing to a full sandwich.
Smoothie King
Crafted with registered dietitians from Ochsner Health, Smoothie King introduced a GLP-1 Support menu featuring high-protein, high-fiber smoothies with 20 grams of protein or more. The lineup prioritizes low-glycemic fruits and healthy fats and is aimed at guests using medications such as Ozempic or Zepbound who want nutrient-dense options in a smaller format.
Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza launched a limited-time Protein-zza built on a cauliflower crust with mozzarella, vegetables and double grilled chicken. The pie delivers around 56 grams of protein, roughly 10 grams per slice, positioning pizza as performance-minded fuel rather than cheat-day indulgence.
Shake Shack
Classic comfort food is also getting a lighter, protein-forward redesign. Shake Shack’s Good Fit Menu offers lower-calorie, high-protein and lower-carb options that still feel familiar. Choices include lettuce-wrapped burgers and chicken sandwiches, a gluten-free Double ShackBurger and vegetarian builds, with some configurations reaching up to 52 grams of protein.
