CHIPOTLE UNVEILS ITS FIRST-EVER HIGH PROTEIN MENU FEATURING A NEW SNACK-READY HIGH PROTEIN CUP

Rhea-AI Summary

Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) will launch its first-ever High Protein Menu in the U.S. and Canada on December 23, 2025. The curated lineup ranges from 15g to 81g protein per item and includes entrees, tacos, and a new snack: the 4-ounce High Protein Cup (Adobo Chicken, 32g protein, 180 calories). U.S. pricing starts at $3.50 for a Single Chicken Taco at select restaurants; the national weighted average price for the High Protein Cup is $3.82. Several menu items include nutrition details (protein, fiber, calories) and select creator-featured builds will appear in-app beginning January 5, 2026.

Positive

• National rollout on Dec 23, 2025
• Menu protein range: 15g–81g per item
• High Protein Cup: 32g protein, 4-ounce snack
• High Protein Cup national weighted average price $3.82
• Creator-featured menu launches in app on Jan 5, 2026

Negative

• Some featured items high in calories (up to 1,340 calories)
• Delivery pricing higher and fees apply to orders

Key Figures

Protein range 15–81 grams protein per item High Protein Menu item range

High Protein Cup protein 32 grams protein Adobo Chicken High Protein Cup

Single Chicken Taco price $3.50 Starting U.S. price at select restaurants

High Protein Cup price $3.82 National weighted average U.S. price

Double High Protein Bowl macros 81g protein, 11g fiber, 760 calories Menu macro profile

High Protein-High Fiber Bowl 46g protein, 14g fiber, 540 calories GLP-1 friendly bowl profile

High Protein Cup size 4 ounces Portion size of Adobo Chicken or Steak

Protein prioritization 70% of Americans Survey respondents prioritizing protein intake

Market Reality Check

$37.00 Last Close

Volume Volume 27,086,099 vs 20-day average 19,915,848 (relative volume 1.36x) ahead of this product launch. normal

Technical Shares trade below the 200-day MA at 44.81, despite a recent 3.76% daily gain.

Peers on Argus 1 Up

Among key restaurant peers, moves were mixed: YUM +1.64%, SBUX +0.76%, DRI +2.14%, YUMC +0.67%, QSR -0.40%. Only DRI appeared on the momentum scanner, suggesting today’s context is more company-specific than a broad sector surge.

Common Catalyst Darden (DRI) reported quarterly results and a dividend, but no widespread, shared catalyst across restaurant peers appears in the data.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 12	Store milestone expansion	Positive	+3.6%	Opened 4,000th restaurant and highlighted accelerated new unit growth.
Dec 04	Brand collaboration launch	Positive	+0.7%	Launched BÉIS x Chipotle travel capsule with promotional incentives.
Dec 02	Earnings date notice	Neutral	-0.6%	Announced date and access details for Q4 and full-year 2025 results.
Dec 01	Promotional campaign	Positive	-0.8%	BOGO December offers and Rewards promotions tied to holiday campaign.
Nov 25	Board appointment	Positive	+7.1%	Added Josh Weinstein to board and governance committee, expanding board to ten.

Pattern Detected

Recent Chipotle headlines tied to strategic growth, partnerships, and governance have mostly seen positive price alignment, with one promotional campaign showing a mild negative divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the last month, Chipotle announced several brand and growth milestones, including opening its 4,000th restaurant with high‑efficiency formats on Dec 12, 2025, which coincided with a 3.64% gain. A fashion collaboration launch on Dec 4 and a December BOGO promotion generated smaller moves, while appointing Josh Weinstein to the board on Nov 25 aligned with a 7.09% increase. Today’s high‑protein menu fits the pattern of product and brand innovation updates.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement introduces a curated High Protein Menu, including a snack-sized High Protein Cup and bowls ranging up to 81g of protein, targeting the 70% of Americans prioritizing protein. It continues Chipotle’s recent stream of brand and product initiatives following its 4,000th restaurant milestone and board refresh. Investors may track guest adoption, check averages, and upcoming earnings commentary to understand how these offerings affect traffic and mix.

Key Terms

macronutrients medical

"With the rise of GLP-1s and a broader focus on macronutrients..."

Macronutrients are the main types of nutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—that provide the body with energy and the building blocks for growth and repair. For investors, macronutrient composition matters because it drives consumer choices, product labeling, reformulation, and regulatory scrutiny in food, supplement and health sectors; think of macronutrients as a product’s recipe that can change demand, costs and compliance risk.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• Chipotle will debut its High Protein Menu on Tuesday, December 23, with items ranging from 15 to 81 grams of protein per item
• The menu offers entrees like the Double High Protein Bowl and High Protein-High Fiber Bowl, snacks like the new High Protein Cup, and a Single Chicken Taco starting at $3.50¹

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced its first-ever High Protein Menu that will roll out in the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, December 23. The curated menu features a High Protein Cup with fresh grilled, hand-cut Adobo Chicken at 32 grams of protein, meeting consumer demand for a quick protein-packed snack. Chipotle's popular Adobo Chicken is humanely raised and never given antibiotics, so the menu makes it easy to enjoy clean, high protein options without sacrificing flavor.

Starting Tuesday, December 23, guests in the U.S. and Canada can order from the High Protein Menu in-restaurant and via the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca. In the U.S., prices start at $3.50 for a Single Chicken Taco at select restaurants.¹ The national weighted average price of a High Protein Cup of Adobo Chicken is $3.82.¹

A Clean Menu for the Protein Movement
A high protein diet has held the title as the top diet pattern in the U.S. for three consecutive years. In addition, 70% of Americans say they are prioritizing protein and more than one-third have increased their intake in the past year.² With the rise of GLP-1s and a broader focus on macronutrients, Chipotle's new High Protein Menu offers more ways for guests to get the protein they want in the portions that work for them, whether that is a lighter bite or a more substantial build.

The High Protein Menu also features Chipotle's first-ever snack: a High Protein Cup. Inspired by real protein hacks that Chipotle guests rely on to boost their protein intake (see HERE), the High Protein Cup is 4 ounces of clean, craveable Adobo Chicken or Steak.

The High Protein Menu includes:

• Double High Protein Bowl (81g protein, 11g fiber, 760 calories) – A high protein burrito bowl featuring double Adobo Chicken, light white rice, black beans, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and extra romaine lettuce
• High Protein-High Fiber Bowl (46g protein, 14g fiber, 540 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly bowl featuring Adobo Chicken, light brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, roasted chili-corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa and romaine lettuce
• High Protein-Low Calorie Salad (36g protein, 10g fiber, 470 calories) – A GLP-1 friendly salad featuring Adobo Chicken, Supergreens lettuce mix, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa and guac
• Double High Protein Burrito (79g protein, 6g fiber, 840 calories) – A high protein burrito featuring double Adobo Chicken, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce
• High Protein Cup with Adobo Chicken (32g protein, 180 calories) – A 4-ounce side of Adobo Chicken packed with flavor and real protein — the perfect snack or extra side of protein to add to any order.
• Adobo Chicken Taco (15g protein, 190 calories) – A soft flour tortilla, Adobo Chicken, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce

High Protein Built with Superfans
For years, athletes and creators have turned to Chipotle for protein-packed meals, leveraging its customization to hit diverse macro goals. To spotlight how real fans rely on Chipotle for clean protein, the brand is partnering with creators to feature their go-to entrees on the High Protein Menu in the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com and Chipotle.ca starting January 5.

• Josh Hart's High Protein Burrito (95g protein, 14g fiber, 1340 calories) – A high protein burrito featuring double Adobo Chicken, white rice, black beans, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese
• Professional basketball player Josh Hart, a longtime superfan and Chipotle Celebrity Card holder, prioritizes protein at Chipotle to fuel his performance.
• Smaller Sam's High Protein Tacos (40g protein, 6g fiber, 580 calories) – Three crispy corn tortilla tacos featuring Adobo Chicken, light roasted chili-corn salsa, fajita veggies with sides of tomatillo-red chili salsa and sour cream
• Samantha Milton, @SmallerSam_PCOS, is a health creator who has lost 255 pounds while eating in a calorie deficit and prioritizing protein. Chipotle has been one of Sam's go-to low-calorie, high-protein meals on her health journey (see HERE, HERE, HERE).
• Kylie's High Protein Chicken Bowl (52g protein, 12g fiber, 690 calories) – A balanced bowl featuring Adobo Chicken, half white rice, half brown rice, half black beans, half pinto beans, extra fajita veggies, tomatillo green-chili salsa, Monterey Jack cheese and romaine lettuce
• Kylie Sakaida, @nutritionbykylie, is a dietician and bestselling cookbook author who provides accessible, realistic nutrition tips and evidence-based wellness insights for her audience.

"For years, guests have used Chipotle's customizable offerings to build high protein and fiber-filled meals on their own," said Chris Brandt, President, Chief Brand Officer. "This curated menu brings that fan behavior to the forefront with clean ingredients and flexible portions, making protein and other dietary goals easier to reach in just a few taps."

1 – Pricing varies by menu item and location and is subject to change; see Chipotle online ordering or the Chipotle mobile app for actual prices. Prices reflected do not include guacamole, Queso Blanco, or other extra charges.  Sides, drinks and taxes are extra; delivery pricing is higher and fees apply.

2 –  International Food Information Council's 2025 Food & Health Survey (America) 

About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,900 restaurants as of September 30, 2025, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With over 130,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit CHIPOTLE.COM.

 

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SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

FAQ

When will Chipotle (CMG) launch the High Protein Menu?

The High Protein Menu debuts in the U.S. and Canada on December 23, 2025.

What is included in Chipotle's High Protein Cup and how much protein does it have?

The High Protein Cup is a 4-ounce serving of Adobo Chicken with 32g protein and 180 calories.

How much do Chipotle (CMG) High Protein items cost — any price examples?

U.S. prices start at $3.50 for a Single Chicken Taco at select restaurants; the High Protein Cup national weighted average price is $3.82.

What is the protein range for items on Chipotle's High Protein Menu?

Menu items range from 15g to 81g of protein per item.

Will Chipotle feature creator-built high-protein meals in the app (CMG)?

Yes — creator-featured entrees will appear in the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, and Chipotle.ca starting January 5, 2026.

Are there any nutrition or ordering caveats for Chipotle's High Protein Menu?

Nutrition details are provided per item; prices exclude guacamole, Queso Blanco, sides, drinks, taxes, and delivery fees — delivery pricing is higher.