- Sweetgreen launches Power Max Protein Bowl with 106g protein, featuring roasted chicken and quinoa.
- Dietitian warns excess protein may be harmful as the body absorbs only 30 to 40 grams per meal.
- At $21.45, it’s hearty but best split into two meals; moderation remains key for balanced eating.
Sweetgreen is in their “protein-forward era,” and in case you don’t believe it, their newest meal will make it clear. Starting today, you can order the Power Max Protein Bowl at the restaurant chain, and this lunch or dinner has a whopping 106 grams of protein per serving.
Yes, you read that three-digit number correctly. The protein bowl is packed with four servings of antibiotic-free roasted chicken, two servings of herbed quinoa, spicy broccoli and their creamy green goddess ranch dressing. The chain also just added new caramelized garlic-steak entrées to the lineup: a Steak Mezze Plate with 36 grams of protein, and a Steak Honey Crunch Bowl with 31 grams of protein.
But back to the main event, here’s the provided nutrition information for one of the Sweetgreen Power Max Protein Bowls:
- Calories: 1120
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Total Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 106g
- Total Fat: 60g
For $21.45, you’re getting a hefty bowl, and if you ask for the ranch dressing on the side, you can divide into at least two meals for easy meal prep. Splitting your bowl over a couple of sittings could be for the best to meet your goals, according to our senior nutrition editor and registered dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD.
“While protein is trending right now, it historically has not been a nutrient that people in the U.S. are deficient in. And when it comes to protein, more is not always better. In fact, too much can lead to kidney damage, bone health problems, liver problems and higher risk of heart disease over time,” Ball shares. “Not to mention, research suggests that people can only absorb about 30 to 40 grams of protein at a time, meaning that over half of the protein from this meal will just be excreted rather than used by your body. I would not recommend the new menu item for those reasons.”
At EatingWell, we are adamant that any food or drink can be included in a healthy eating pattern when done so in moderation. So if this Sweetgreen bowl sounds like your dream meal, we say go for it! But if it interests you because of the protein content, maybe reconsider. Instead, try one of our similar recipes that are still high in protein like our highly-rated Green Goddess Grain Bowl or our Copycat Sweetgreen Chicken Pesto Parm Bowl.
