At a Glance
- National chains are redesigning menus with smaller portions and high-protein options.
- The shift follows a surge in GLP-1 drugs use, now at 12% of Americans.
- New U.S. dietary guidelines call for 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram.
- December saw Olive Garden announce a lighter-portion section.
Restaurants across the country are quietly updating menus to match the changing appetites of people taking GLP-1 drugs. The medications, originally approved for diabetes, now help many shed weight by curbing hunger. As a result, chains are offering smaller plates and protein-rich foods to keep guests satisfied while staying on track.
Menu Shifts
Smoothie King was the first major chain to respond, launching a GLP-1 menu in 2024 that features smoothies high in protein and fiber, with zero added sugar. The brand says the new lineup was created with a registered dietitian to help users stay nourished.
Olive Garden announced in December that it would add a “lighter portion” section to its menu. The new line includes seven dishes, each priced lower and served in smaller sizes.
Chipotle has rolled out a high-protein menu, adding a 32-gram-protein cup that costs roughly the same as a latte. The company says the offering meets a growing demand for snack-sized, protein-forward options.
Shake Shack introduced a “Good Fit Menu” that features lettuce-wrapped versions of its smash burgers. The line gives guests the flexibility to enjoy favorite items without the extra calories.
Subway added “Protein Pockets,” small snack wraps that contain more than 20 grams of protein. The new wraps are available in 96% of U.S. stores and sit alongside the chain’s long-standing Fresh Fit menu.
The trend isn’t limited to smoothies and sandwiches. Many chains are now offering “high-protein” versions of their classic dishes, such as grilled chicken bowls, protein-packed salads, and protein-enriched soups.
The Rise of GLP-1 Drugs
The surge in GLP-1 drug use began after the FDA approved these medications for weight loss over the last five years. The approvals added to the drugs’ original use for diabetes treatment.
A November poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 12% of Americans reported taking a GLP-1 drug, a figure that doubled from the previous May.
Novo Nordisk, maker of Wegovy and Ozempic, declined to comment on the growing trend. Eli Lilly, which produces Mounjaro and Zepbound, said it values “efforts to make healthy living easier for everyone.”
Lilly’s spokesperson added that offering more menu options and flexible portion sizes helps diners, including those managing obesity and diabetes, make healthier decisions and reduce food waste.
Restaurant Responses
Smoothie King’s statement said, “As GLP-1 usage has become more common, Smoothie King also saw a growing population trying to navigate appetite changes while still getting enough nutrients.”
Olive Garden’s CEO, Ricardo Cardenas, explained on a December earnings call that the lighter-portion line “is designed to give guests more choices” alongside the chain’s regular supersized portions.
Chipotle’s president and chief brand officer, Chris Brandt, told Olivia Bennett Harris that the “High Protein Cup” came in response to a “growing demand for protein-forward options across more occasions, especially snack-sized portions at accessible prices.”
Shake Shack’s chief communications officer, Luke DeRouen, said the “Good Fit Menu” was born because “many of our guests are increasingly looking for more flexibility in how they enjoy their favorite restaurants.”
Subway’s president for North America, Damien Harmon, told Olivia Bennett Harris that the Protein Pockets were driven by a demand for higher protein and fewer calories. He added that GLP-1 drug use in the U.S. was a key driver behind the new wraps.
Nutritional Considerations
Registered dietitian Jenna Werner said, “People on GLP-1s are prioritizing protein because it’s the macronutrient that they need to preserve muscle mass.” She added that restaurants are “utilizing this weight-loss cultural movement to hop on that train.”
Werner cautioned that “not everybody needs 50 grams of protein in one sitting.” She noted that a balanced meal also requires carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients.
Olive Garden’s chicken parmigiana serves as a clear example. The regular dish contains 1,020 calories and 64 grams of protein, while the lighter-portion version offers 630 calories and 36 grams of protein.
Smoothie King’s 20-ounce Gladiator GLP-1 Vanilla smoothie contains more calories, sodium, and cholesterol than a Krispy Kreme glazed donut, according to the Associated Press.
Werner added, “This is just another example of how the word ‘healthy’ means something different to everyone, and you have to understand what your nutrition needs are in order to make the healthier choice for you.”
Industry Voices
The Trump administration released updated U.S. dietary guidelines that recommend 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, up from the previous 0.8 grams. The guidelines also emphasize healthy fats and a reduction in added sugar.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said, “We are ending the war on saturated fats,” adding, “Today our government declares war on added sugar.”
Werner agreed that the new protein recommendation “significant” and that a protein-focused diet is essential for GLP-1 users.
Bottom Line
The menu redesigns reflect a broader shift toward smaller portions and protein-rich foods, driven in part by the rising popularity of GLP-1 drugs. Chains are responding to consumer demand while also aligning with updated dietary guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- Restaurants are offering smaller plates and high-protein options to match GLP-1 users’ appetite changes.
- The shift aligns with new U.S. protein guidelines and a broader wellness trend.
- Consumers should still aim for balanced meals, not just high protein.
