Nutrition comparison · official data
Chipotle vs CAVA Nutrition
Calories, protein and sodium compared, side by side
Big number: the most protein in one order under 500 calories
Both chains publish nutrition information for their menus. We ran both through the same engine that powers our calculators, so every number here comes from Chipotle's and CAVA's own figures. Updated Oct 2026.
At a glance
Key Differences
- Most protein under 500 calories72 g58 gBowl: Black Beans, double ChickenBowl: Baby Spinach, double Grilled Steak, Tzatziki, Crumbled Feta, Yogurt Dill, Greek Goddess
- Calories in that order490490
- Signature item: calories660700Classic chicken bowlChicken + Rice Bowl
- Signature item: sodium (daily value 2,300 mg)1,610 mg1,810 mg
- Menu items, sizes and ingredients124113
- Most protein for 500 calories or less: 72 g (490 calories) at Chipotle for a burrito bowl with Black Beans, double Chicken, against 58 g (490 calories) at CAVA for a bowl with Baby Spinach, double Grilled Steak, Tzatziki, Crumbled Feta, Yogurt Dill, Greek Goddess.
- Sodium in one signature item each: 1,610 mg (70% of the daily value) at Chipotle for a classic chicken bowl, and 1,810 mg (79%) at CAVA for the Chicken + Rice Bowl.
- Chipotle lists 124 menu items, sizes and ingredients; CAVA lists 113.
The details
Head to Head
| Chipotle | CAVA | |
|---|---|---|
| Most protein under 500 calories | 72 g, 490 calBowl: Black Beans, double Chicken | 58 g, 490 calBowl: Baby Spinach, double Grilled Steak, Tzatziki, Crumbled Feta, Yogurt Dill, Greek Goddess |
| Signature item | 660 cal, 50 g proteinClassic chicken bowl | 700 cal, 40 g proteinChicken + Rice Bowl |
| Sodium in that item | 1,610 mg (70% of daily value) | 1,810 mg (79% of daily value) |
| How you order | Build your own | Build your own |
| Menu items in our calculator | 124 | 113 |
| Nutrients published | calories, protein, carbs, fat, saturated fat, fiber, sugar, sodium | calories, protein, carbs, fat, saturated fat, fiber, sugar, sodium |
| Data checked | Oct 2026 | Oct 2026 |
Each "most protein" order is one main dish, without sides or drinks; see how we picked them.
Side by side
Protein at Chipotle and CAVA
Chipotle's Protein Options
Per standard portion, most protein first.
| Protein | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken · 4 oz | 180 | 32 g | 310 mg |
| Barbacoa · 4 oz | 170 | 24 g | 530 mg |
| Carnitas · 4 oz | 210 | 23 g | 450 mg |
| Steak · 4 oz | 150 | 21 g | 330 mg |
| Sofritas · 4 oz | 150 | 8 g | 560 mg |
CAVA's Protein Options
Per standard portion, most protein first.
| Protein | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | 250 | 28 g | 670 mg |
| Harissa Honey Chicken | 260 | 26 g | 670 mg |
| Braised Lamb | 210 | 24 g | 450 mg |
| Spicy Lamb Meatballs | 300 | 24 g | 680 mg |
| Grilled Steak | 170 | 23 g | 280 mg |
| Glazed Salmon | 320 | 23 g | 630 mg |
| Falafel | 350 | 6 g | 810 mg |
| Roasted Vegetables | 100 | 3 g | 600 mg |
Try them
Example Orders
Chipotle
| Order | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic chicken bowl | 660 | 50 g | 1,610 mg |
| High-protein double chicken bowl | 555 | 73 g | 1,790 mg |
| Steak burrito | 1,055 | 49 g | 2,260 mg |
| Chicken salad with vinaigrette | 645 | 46 g | 1,865 mg |
| Crispy barbacoa tacos | 520 | 33 g | 1,270 mg |
| Sofritas bowl with guac | 765 | 23 g | 2,030 mg |
CAVA
| Order | Cal | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter greens bowl | 400 | 35 g | 1,190 mg |
| High-protein double chicken | 793 | 71 g | 1,958 mg |
| Falafel rice bowl | 850 | 18 g | 2,210 mg |
| Loaded lamb pita | 905 | 45 g | 1,845 mg |
Chipotle vs CAVA FAQ
Is Chipotle or CAVA healthier?
Neither is healthier across the board; it depends on what you order. By each chain's official numbers, the most protein you can get for 500 calories or less is 72 g at Chipotle and 58 g at CAVA. Comparing one signature item each: 660 calories and 1,610 mg of sodium at Chipotle for a classic chicken bowl, against 700 calories and 1,810 mg at CAVA for the Chicken + Rice Bowl. Build your usual order in both calculators to compare exactly.
Which has more protein, Chipotle or CAVA?
Under 500 calories, Chipotle comes out ahead: 72 g (490 calories) at Chipotle for a burrito bowl with Black Beans, double Chicken, and 58 g (490 calories) at CAVA for a bowl with Baby Spinach, double Grilled Steak, Tzatziki, Crumbled Feta, Yogurt Dill, Greek Goddess. Per portion, Chipotle's highest-protein option is Chicken (32 g) and CAVA's is Grilled Chicken (28 g).
Which has less sodium, Chipotle or CAVA?
It depends on the order. Comparing one signature item each: 1,610 mg at Chipotle for a classic chicken bowl, and 1,810 mg at CAVA for the Chicken + Rice Bowl. The daily value is 2,300 mg. Both calculators show sodium for every item, so you can pick lower-sodium options as you build.
More Comparisons
About This Data
Figures are from each chain's own published nutrition information, as used in our Chipotle calculator and CAVA calculator, where you will find the source and date. Portions are made by hand and vary. See how we source and check data.