CAVA has long been known for its Mediterranean-style bowls, pitas, fresh ingredients and customizable meals. In 2025, the chain is leaning more heavily into menu innovation — adding new proteins, rotating seasonal ingredients, expanding vegan/vegetarian options, and experimenting with bold new flavor combinations. This refresh reflects evolving consumer tastes (health-consciousness, plant-based diets, flavor-forward preferences) and aims to keep loyal fans interested while attracting new customers. Flavor365+2Cava Group, Inc.+2
Additionally, CAVA recently upgraded its loyalty program in 2025 — meaning regular customers may enjoy perks, deals or value opportunities when ordering these new items. Cava Group, Inc.
✅ Major New Additions & Updates to the CAVA Menu
Here are the most significant new items and changes at CAVA in 2025:
• New protein: Chicken Shawarma
- As of September 2025, CAVA introduced Chicken Shawarma as a new protein option. This allows customers to get shawarma-style shaved chicken (spice-marinated, roasted, shaved thin) in bowls or pitas. Cava Group, Inc.
- Two chef-curated menu items highlight this: the Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl and Chicken Shawarma Pita — blending Mediterranean spices, hummus, feta, fresh veggies, and signature sauces. Cava Group, Inc.
This is a substantial expansion beyond the usual proteins (like grilled chicken or falafel), giving more variety and a richer Mediterranean flavor.
• New Curated Bowls & Fresh Mixes
2025 sees several new bowls and curated meal options, such as:
- Spicy Lamb + Avocado Bowl — combining well-seasoned lamb, avocado, and fresh toppings for a bold, hearty meal. CAVA+1
- Falafel Crunch Bowl — a vegetarian-friendly bowl option, giving value to plant-based eaters, combining crunchy falafel, veggies, grains, and signature dips. CAVA+1
These bowls reflect CAVA’s push toward offering more than just standard bowls — catering to different dietary preferences and flavor desires. Flavor365+1
• Expanded Protein & Meat Options (Grilled Steak + Lamb / Spicy Lamb Varieties)
In addition to Chicken Shawarma and lamb-based bowls, CAVA also expanded its protein lineup earlier with offerings like Grilled Steak (grass-fed, Mediterranean-spiced) — which can now be added to custom bowls/pitas, or ordered in curated dishes like the “Steak Mezze Salad” or “Steak + Feta Pita.” Verdict Foodservice+1
This appeals to meat-eaters who want more robust, protein-heavy Mediterranean meals rather than only chicken or vegetarian options.
• New Snacks & Sides — Flavored Pita Chips & Add-ons
CAVA in 2025 added new snack-type menu items to go along with bowls and pitas — for example flavored pita chips, which make for tasty sides or add-ons. Cava Group, Inc.+1
These extras give more flexibility: you can order a lighter bowl, or treat yourself to chips + dip — making the menu more versatile for snacks, lunch, or full meals.
• Enhanced Vegetarian / Vegan & Dietary-Friendly Choices
As part of a broader menu evolution, CAVA has expanded its offerings for plant-based eaters: more vegetarian bowls, vegan-friendly proteins or dips, and improvements to customization and allergen-friendly options. Cava Menu+1
This makes CAVA more inclusive for people with dietary restrictions or preferences — a big plus in 2025’s increasingly health-aware and diverse food environment. Cava Menu
🥗 What’s Changed: Menu Structure, Customization & Customer Experience
Beyond new items, CAVA also updated how its menu works and how customers interact with it:
- Expanded customization + build-your-own base menu remains strong — but now with more protein, dip, and topping choices. This helps customers craft meals that match their appetite, dietary needs, or budget. Cava Group, Inc.+1
- More protein variety = more flexibility — with Chicken Shawarma, Grilled Steak, Spicy Lamb, falafel, vegetarian options, CAVA caters to a broader audience (meat-lovers, vegetarians, flexitarians).
- Improved loyalty & rewards program (2025 update) — the updated “CAVA Rewards” lets frequent guests earn points and redeem for free items (e.g. dips, pita chips, bowls/pitas), making the new menu more appealing value-wise. Cava Group, Inc.
- Better seasonal & flavor-forward offerings — CAVA adjusts toppings, dips or ingredients sometimes depending on seasons or demand, keeping the menu fresh and dynamic. Flavor365+1
🍴 What to Try Right Now: Best Picks from the 2025 Menu
If you visit CAVA now, these are some of the most interesting or value-packed options based on the new 2025 offerings:
- Garlicky Chicken Shawarma Bowl — a great choice if you want classic Mediterranean flavor with new protein twist.
- Spicy Lamb + Avocado Bowl — bold, flavorful, and filling choice for those who like spice + richness.
- Falafel Crunch Bowl — a hearty vegetarian option that delivers on texture, taste, and fullness.
- Steak Mezze Salad or Steak + Feta Pita — for meat lovers who want Mediterranean flavors with grilled-steak protein.
- Bowl + Pita Chips (or new flavored chips) — a good balance of wholesome meal + crunchy side.
- Custom bowl with mix of veggies, light protein (chicken or falafel), lots of greens & dips — great for healthy eaters or lighter appetites.
⚠️ What to Keep in Mind (Menu Variability & Regional Differences)
Because CAVA is a nationwide chain with many locations, a few caveats apply:
- Not all new items may be available at every location, especially new proteins like Chicken Shawarma or Steak — rollout could vary by region.
- Menu updates can be seasonal or limited-time — some bowls or proteins may be “specials” rather than permanent — so it’s good to check the app or menu before visiting.
- Custom orders with premium proteins/extras may increase cost significantly — a fully loaded bowl with steak or lamb + extra dips + pita chips may cost more than a basic bowl.
- Availability of flavored pita chips and certain dips (or side items) may vary depending on stock, store, or seasonal rotation.
✅ Conclusion — 2025 Looks Like a Refresh & Growth Year for CAVA
The 2025 menu updates at CAVA represent more than just minor tweaks — they show a push for broader variety, greater inclusivity, and flavor-forward innovation. With new proteins (Chicken Shawarma, Steak, Spicy Lamb), expanded vegetarian/vegan options, flavored snacks, and a stronger loyalty program — CAVA is adapting to evolving food trends and customer expectations.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying CAVA for the first time, 2025 offers more choices than ever before. The new bowls and proteins give meat-lovers, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike something to enjoy, while the build-your-own flexibility keeps meals customizable to your taste or diet.
