Which US restaurant chains put high protein on the menu, when each launch ran, and who got there first.
MenuLaunches has tracked 11 high protein menu launches across 6 US restaurant chains between 2026 and 2026, peaking in 2026-09. The chains that use it most are Fogo de Chão, Smoothie King, 7 Brew Coffee, Playa Bowls.
When chains actually put this on the menu.
Ordered by announce date.
| # | Chain | Item | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starbucks | Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket | August 26, 2026 |
| 2 | Steak 'n Shake | Protein Steakburger | September 14, 2026 |
| 3 | Playa Bowls | Tidal Wave Smoothie | September 14, 2026 |
| 4 | Smoothie King | Slim-N-Trim GLP-1 Pumpkin | September 18, 2026 |
| 5 | Smoothie King | Coffee High Protein Almond Mocha Smoothie | September 25, 2026 |
| 6 | 7 Brew Coffee | Protein Boost | September 30, 2026 |
| 7 | Smoothie King | Pretty, Pretty Protein Smoothie | October 7, 2026 |
| 8 | Smoothie King | High-Protein Smoothie | October 9, 2026 |
| 9 | Smoothie King | Dot Cake Protein Toast | October 21, 2026 |
| 10 | Smoothie King | Dot Cake Protein Smoothie | October 21, 2026 |
A dinner plate featuring 8 to 10 ounces of a fire-roasted cut such as picanha, fraldinha, lamb picanha, double-cut pork chop or roasted chicken, served with unlimited access to the Market Table and Brazilian sides like pão de queijo, crispy polenta and caramelized bananas, for up to 85 grams of prot
A protein smoothie featuring bananas and Smoothie King's Slim-N-Trim Blend with 13 grams of protein, topped with artificial-color-free rainbow nonpareil sprinkles inspired by the viral Dot Cake trend.
Toast with a choice of chocolate hazelnut or peanut butter spread on multigrain bread, providing 11+ grams of protein, topped with artificial-color-free rainbow nonpareil sprinkles inspired by the viral Dot Cake trend.
A new high-protein smoothie served in a rhinestone-studded cup.
A protein smoothie with strawberries and bananas blended in, delivering 47 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of added sugar in a 20 oz. size. At select locations it comes with a free rhinestone-covered cup while supplies last.
An add-on option giving guests 15g of protein added to any handcrafted drink on the 7 Brew menu, including coffee, energy drinks, soda, tea, lemonade, smoothies and shakes.
A 12 oz. coffee smoothie made with cold brew crafted from 100% Arabica beans, delivering 14g of protein, 3g of fiber, and 0g of added sugar, offered free to Healthy Rewards members.
A pumpkin-flavored smoothie from Smoothie King's GLP-1 menu line, containing 23 grams of protein, nine grams of fiber, and no added sugar.
A smoothie containing 31 grams of protein and 520 calories, cited as the highest-selling limited-time-offer smoothie in the company's history.
Chicken, bacon, and creamy garlic herb cheese spread wrapped in toasted whole wheat lavash flatbread, containing 20 grams of protein.