In a unique move for a fast-casual chain, Sweetgreen is pairing its protein-heavy menu with digital tools that track macronutrients and show how ingredient swaps change a meal’s nutritional balance
Sweetgreen is bulking up and making it easier to track macros.
The fast-casual chain just launched new macronutrient-tracking tools across its app and website, expanding on earlier menu upgrades that made its entrees more protein-dense.
The new feature lets Sweetgreen customers dig into the numbers behind every bite, showing detailed protein, carb and fat counts for each menu item and offering a live macro calculator to reveal how ingredient swaps change a meal’s nutritional balance.
“At Sweetgreen, we’re always looking for ways to use technology to support personalization and to better serve our customers,” Sweetgreen chief technology officer Wouleta Ayele said. “The new macro tracking tools are designed to give guests more transparency and control, helping them make choices that fit their goals and enhance their everyday lives.”
Nine entrees now pack more than 30 grams of protein, including the Hot Honey Chicken (52g), Harvest Bowl (40g) and Chicken Pesto Parm (39g). Earlier this year, Sweetgreen boosted its antibiotic-free chicken and tofu portions by 25%, and every serving of chicken, salmon and steak is antibiotic-free, marinated overnight, roasted in-house and cooked without seed oils.
“Sweetgreen has always been rooted in enabling our consumers to personalize their experience,” Sweetgreen chief commercial officer Zipporah Allen said. “As people look for food that’s both better for them and aligned with their evolving nutritional needs, we’re continuing to lead the charge by making real, nourishing meals easier to access and enjoy every day.”
Protein has been one of 2025’s top food trends, spilling out of fitness circles and into the broader market, from Khloé Kardashian’s Khloud Protein Popcorn to Starbucks’ protein cold foam, which began testing earlier this year at select U.S. stores before a wider rollout.
Other quick-serve players have followed suit. El Pollo Loco touts its 50-gram Double Pollo Fit Bowls and Subway revamped its Fresh Fit menu to target protein seekers.
While protein may be having a moment, some powders are under scrutiny.
A recent Consumer Reports investigation tested 23 protein powders and shakes and found that more than two-thirds contained more lead per serving than its experts consider safe in a day, with plant-based products showing higher average lead levels than dairy products. CR advises against daily use for most powders. The report sparked a wave of questions, prompting Consumer Reports to publish a follow-up FAQ addressing the response.
