Higher-protein, easier-to-tolerate picks, built from CAVA's own published nutrition and Nishi's transparent GLP-1 scoring lens.
The move
Build a bowl on greens or lentils with grilled chicken or harissa honey chicken, load the veggies, and go easy on the pita, falafel, and creamy dips.
Not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by CAVA. "CAVA" is a trademark of its owner, used here only to refer to the restaurant. Values as published by CAVA in their official US nutrition + allergen guide, per published serving. Menus change; verify in the restaurant (updated 2023 (CAVA's current published guide)).
The quick take
CAVA is protein-friendly if you build it right. The grilled chicken and lamb are protein-dense, and a lentil or greens base keeps carbs in check. The catch is fat and sodium: most items are cooked in oil and run high on sodium, so lead with a lean protein, pick greens or lentils over the pita, and keep the creamy dips and dressings light.
Build your own bowl
Tap to build your exact order. The numbers update live, from CAVA's published values.
Format
Base
Main
Amount
Toppings
Dips & spreads
Dressing
— cal
— g protein · — g fat · — g carbs · — g fiber · — mg sodium
Show the breakdown
Per-serving values as published by CAVA. The amounts you pick (double protein, light grains) are reflected in each line, and the lines add up to the total.
Signature bowls & pitas, scored
Order one as-is. Scored for whole meals, a gentler bar than the single ingredients above, since a balanced meal is naturally less protein-dense and fat only counts against it once it tops half the calories. Best fit first; tap "Show the math" to see the exact rule on any card. How we score.
Greek Chicken pitaGood fit
48 g protein · 895 cal · 67 g carbs · 46 g fat · 9 g fiber
48 g protein · 9 g fiber · lower fat
Show the math
Protein48 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density5.4 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat46.3% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber9 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density895 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy Chicken + Avocado pitaGood fit
50 g protein · 1030 cal · 86 g carbs · 55 g fat · 16 g fiber
50 g protein · 16 g fiber · lower fat
Show the math
Protein50 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density4.9 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat48.1% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber16 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density1030 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy Lamb Meatball pitaGood fit
40 g protein · 865 cal · 70 g carbs · 47 g fat · 9 g fiber
40 g protein · 9 g fiber · lower fat
Show the math
Protein40 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density4.6 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat48.9% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber9 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density865 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Tahini Caesar bowlLower fit
37 g protein · 550 cal · 28 g carbs · 31 g fat · 4 g fiber
watch: higher fat (50.7% of calories)
Show the math
Protein37 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density6.7 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat50.7% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber4 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density550 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Lemon Chicken bowlLower fit
39 g protein · 630 cal · 25 g carbs · 42 g fat · 6 g fiber
watch: higher fat (60% of calories)
Show the math
Protein39 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density6.2 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat60% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber6 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density630 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Greek Salad bowlLower fit
37 g protein · 600 cal · 19 g carbs · 42 g fat · 4 g fiber
watch: higher fat (63% of calories)
Show the math
Protein37 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density6.2 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat63% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber4 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density600 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Chicken + RightRice bowlLower fit
46 g protein · 750 cal · 45 g carbs · 44 g fat · 8 g fiber
watch: higher fat (52.8% of calories)
Show the math
Protein46 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density6.1 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat52.8% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber8 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density750 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Harissa Avocado bowlLower fit
42 g protein · 885 cal · 65 g carbs · 53 g fat · 13 g fiber
watch: higher fat (53.9% of calories)
Show the math
Protein42 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density4.7 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat53.9% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber13 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density885 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Crispy Falafel pitaLower fit
22 g protein · 955 cal · 88 g carbs · 58 g fat · 14 g fiber
watch: higher fat (54.7% of calories), energy-dense, low protein
Show the math
Protein22 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density2.3 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4low density
Fat54.7% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber14 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density955 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreflagged
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Protein density is under 4 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Market Spice bowlLower fit
16 g protein · 765 cal · 68 g carbs · 49 g fat · 12 g fiber
watch: higher fat (57.6% of calories), energy-dense, low protein
Show the math
Protein16 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density2.1 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4low density
Fat57.6% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber12 greward 5+, flag over 30rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density765 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreflagged
Sodiumnot published by the restaurantinformational over 1200 mgnot scored
Lower fit. Protein density is under 4 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Best proteins to build around
GLP-1 fit is Nishi's score, not the restaurant's. How we score.
Numbers are for one published serving of each item, as CAVA publishes it (CAVA does not publish gram weights). Tap "Show the math" on any pick to see exactly how its rating was calculated.
Grilled ChickenGood fit
28 g protein · 250 cal · 13 g fat · 670 mg sodium
watch: higher fat (46.8% of calories)
Show the math
Protein28 gstrong at 25 g or morestrong
Protein density11.2 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6strong
Fat46.8% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 18ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density250 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium670 mginformational over 800 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Harissa Honey ChickenGood fit
26 g protein · 260 cal · 14 g fat · 670 mg sodium
watch: higher fat (48.5% of calories)
Show the math
Protein26 gstrong at 25 g or morestrong
Protein density10 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6strong
Fat48.5% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 18ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density260 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium670 mginformational over 800 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Braised LambLower fit
24 g protein · 210 cal · 12 g fat · 240 mg sodium
watch: higher fat (51.4% of calories)
Show the math
Protein24 gstrong at 25 g or morebelow 25 g
Protein density11.4 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6strong
Fat51.4% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 18ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density210 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium240 mginformational over 800 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy Lamb MeatballsLower fit
24 g protein · 300 cal · 22 g fat · 680 mg sodium
watch: higher fat (66% of calories)
Show the math
Protein24 gstrong at 25 g or morebelow 25 g
Protein density8 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6moderate
Fat66% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 18ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density300 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium680 mginformational over 800 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Roasted VegetablesLower fit
3 g protein · 100 cal · 4.5 g fat · 600 mg sodium
watch: higher fat (40.5% of calories)
Show the math
Protein3 gstrong at 25 g or morebelow 25 g
Protein density3 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6low density
Fat40.5% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber5 greward 5+, flag over 18rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density100 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium600 mginformational over 800 mgok
Lower fit. Protein density is under 6 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy FalafelLower fit
6 g protein · 290 cal · 22 g fat · 620 mg sodium
watch: higher fat (68.3% of calories)
Show the math
Protein6 gstrong at 25 g or morebelow 25 g
Protein density2.1 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6low density
Fat68.3% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber7 greward 5+, flag over 18rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density290 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium620 mginformational over 800 mgok
Lower fit. Protein density is under 6 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Protein density1.7 g per 100 kcalstrong at 10+, weak under 6low density
Fat66.9% of caloriesflag over 37.5% or friedflagged
Fiber5 greward 5+, flag over 18rewarded
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 17 gnot scored
Portion density350 kcalflag if density under 6 and 300 kcal or moreflagged
Sodium810 mginformational over 800 mgshown; does not change the tier
Lower fit. Protein density is under 6 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Go easy on
Pita and falafel, carbs and fat add up fast for little protein.
Creamy dips, feta, and avocado, they stack calories quickly.
Sodium overall, most bowls run 1,500 to 2,500 mg, so go easy on the saltiest add-ons.
Common questions
How much protein is in CAVA's grilled chicken?
CAVA's grilled chicken is 28 g of protein for 250 calories. Harissa honey chicken is similar at 26 g. Both are protein-dense picks to build a bowl around.
Which CAVA base has the most protein?
RightRice, at 18 g of protein, and black lentils at 17 g with 15 g of fiber, both far more than saffron rice or greens.
What should I go easy on at CAVA?
Falafel and the pita add carbs and fat fast for little protein, and the creamy dips and avocado stack calories. Lead with grilled chicken or lamb and a lentil or greens base.
How each score is calculated. Deterministic rules published in full in our methodology (v1.1), with one published bar for single ingredients and one for whole meals. Every row above lists the exact factors behind its label.
What the score does and does not consider. See the limitations. It scores one item, not your whole day, and it is not medical advice.
How to challenge or correct it.Tell us if a value is stale or a call looks wrong. Corrections are recorded in the methodology version history.
Get this for any meal, personalizedNishi scores your exact order and remembers your goals.