El Pollo Loco Announces Protein Packed Menu, Reminding Everyone that Protein has Always Been their Specialty
MWN-AI** Summary
El Pollo Loco, a leader in the fire-grilled chicken segment, has unveiled its Protein Packed Menu, which showcases over 20 protein-rich items—all priced under $15. This menu addresses the increasing consumer demand for nutritious, flavorful, and convenient meal options. With a strong emphasis on El Pollo Loco’s signature fire-grilled chicken, the newly introduced menu features a diverse array of offerings such as burritos, salads, and bowls, boasting protein content that can exceed 50 grams per item.
Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco, emphasized the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences, stating, “Consumers are seeking higher-protein meals to fit their daily routines and lifestyles.” The menu reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to delivering flavorful and nutritious meals at affordable prices.
Highlighted items include the Double Chicken Bowl, which contains a remarkable 74 grams of protein, the Guacamole Chicken Burrito with 59 grams, and the Mexican Caesar Salad, supplying 52 grams. Each dish maintains the brand’s characteristic flavors, catering to various tastes while promoting healthy eating habits.
El Pollo Loco, which has garnered accolades such as the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food,” operates more than 500 locations across the U.S. and has expanded internationally. This new Protein Packed Menu reinforces the brand's dedication to quality ingredients and innovation within the quick-service restaurant space.
For more details and to explore the full Protein Packed Menu, customers can visit El Pollo Loco’s website. With this new initiative, El Pollo Loco continues to affirm its dedication to not only serving delicious food but also meeting the evolving dietary needs of its customers.
MWN-AI** Analysis
El Pollo Loco's announcement of its Protein Packed Menu reveals a strategic alignment with contemporary consumer dietary trends, making it a noteworthy development for potential investors. This innovative approach caters to the growing demand for high-protein meals, appealing to health-conscious customers seeking convenience and value, while enhancing the overall dining experience.
With over 20 items priced under $15 and exceeding 50 grams of protein in select offerings, El Pollo Loco aims to attract a diverse customer base, from fitness enthusiasts to busy professionals. The emphasis on affordability ensures that the menu remains accessible, promoting repeat visits and increasing customer loyalty. Given current market conditions where consumers increasingly prioritize nutritional value without sacrificing taste or affordability, this launch positions El Pollo Loco favorably against competitors.
The brand's commitment to quality is underscored by its signature fire-grilled chicken and fresh ingredients, which adds competitive differentiation in the fast-casual segment. Items like the Double Chicken Bowl and Guacamole Chicken Burrito not only boost meal customization but also reaffirm the brand's focus on satisfying diverse taste profiles while delivering on protein content.
From an investment perspective, this pivot towards a protein-centric menu may drive increased sales and foot traffic, contributing positively to revenue growth. It also enhances brand perception, with endorsements such as "Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food" further solidifying El Pollo Loco’s appeal.
Additionally, as the health and wellness trend continues to evolve, brands that adapt swiftly and effectively, like El Pollo Loco, tend to capitalize on emerging consumer preferences. Investors should closely monitor this initiative's performance as increased consumer engagement could translate into long-term market share gains. Given these factors, El Pollo Loco represents a compelling opportunity within the fast-casual dining space.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
With 24 protein heavy hitters, all under $15,
the menu delivers big flavor, great value, and plenty of ways to fuel up
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco, the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, today announced its Protein Packed Menu, a curated lineup of more than 20 protein-heavy existing menu items crafted to meet growing consumer demand for balanced, flavorful, and functional meals.
Now available online, the Protein Packed Menu reimagines what “high protein” means in quick?service dining. Centered on the brand’s signature fire?grilled chicken, the lineup spans burritos, salads, bowls, and more – with multiple items delivering over 50 grams of protein, and all for under $15.
“Consumers are seeking higher?protein meals to fit their daily routines and lifestyles, and we’re making it more convenient for consumers to find those items on our menu,” said Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at El Pollo Loco. “This protein menu brings together everything people love about El Pollo Loco and shows how uniquely positioned we are, and always have been, to offer variety and the nutritional value of protein at an accessible price, without ever compromising on flavor.”
From longtime favorites like the Original Pollo Bowl® (first introduced in 1996) to the Double Chicken Tostada and Guacamole Chicken Burrito, the Protein Packed Menu truly offers something for everyone, with items ranging from 23 to 74 grams of protein each. Other standout items include:
- Double Chicken Bowl (74g protein, 930 calories) – Packed with a double serving of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken, seasoned rice, savory pinto beans, crisp shredded cabbage, hand-sliced avocados, shredded Jack cheese, cool sour cream, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca.
- Guacamole Chicken Burrito (59g protein, 960 calories) – Combines citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, creamy chipotle sauce, handmade guacamole, shredded Jack cheese, savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, and crisp shredded cabbage, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and grilled to perfection.
- 2pc Breast & Wing Chicken Meal (60g protein, 740 calories) – Two pieces of citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken, grilled low and slow over an open flame, paired with two classic sides (rice and beans) and warm flour tortillas.
- Mexican Caesar Salad (52g protein, 350 calories) – Blends citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken with super greens, avocado, cotija cheese, tortilla strips, chili lime seasoning, and salsa fresca – served with a creamy Mexican Caesar dressing.
- Original Pollo Bowl (41g protein, 580 calories) – Features citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chopped chicken, paired with savory pinto beans, seasoned rice, and topped with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and freshly-prepared salsa fresca.
- Side of Chopped Chicken Breast (23g protein, 120 calories) – Boneless, skinless chicken breast marinated in our signature blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, for bold, bright flavor then fire-grilled.
For more information and to view the full Protein Packed Menu, please visit https://www.elpolloloco.com/proteinmenu.
About El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant known for its craveable, flavorful, and better-for-you offerings. Named by USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards as a “Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food” two years in a row, our menu features innovative meals with Mexican-inspired flavors made daily in our restaurants using quality ingredients. At El Pollo Loco, inclusivity is at the heart of our culture. Our community of over 4,000 employees reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone has a seat at our table. Since 1980, El Pollo Loco has successfully expanded its presence, operating more than 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants across nine U.S. states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The company has also extended its footprint internationally, with licensed restaurant locations in the Philippines. For more information or to place an order, visit the Loco Rewards app or ElPolloLoco.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X.
CONTACT:
DeVries Global
media@elpolloloco.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f4b5334-7c30-47d4-9440-6c0fa8103939
FAQ**
How does the introduction of the Protein Packed Menu align with El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. LOCO's strategy to meet increasing consumer demand for healthy dining options?
What metrics will El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. LOCO use to measure the success of the Protein Packed Menu in driving customer engagement and sales?
How does El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. LOCO plan to promote the Protein Packed Menu to effectively reach health-conscious consumers?
What competitive advantages does El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. LOCO believe the Protein Packed Menu provides in the fast-casual dining market?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: LOCO).
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