Healthiest Sweetgreen Orders Ranked (Best Picks for Weight Loss, Protein, and More)
Quick summary
At first glance, just about everything on the menu at Sweetgreen seems like a healthy option. However, a closer look shows that some salads and bowls stand out as better choices than others.
The good news is that navigating the menu doesn’t have to be difficult. Knowing the healthiest Sweetgreen orders can take you straight to the best picks, whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh, a protein-packed meal, or a flavor-filled lunch that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.
In this article, I’m breaking down the healthiest orders, making it easier to quickly spot the best options on the menu next time you swing by Sweetgreen.
Ranking criteria
To identify the healthiest Sweetgreen orders, it helps to hone in on a few key nutrients that make meals more satisfying. Here are the main factors I considered when compiling this list — and some useful guidelines to keep in mind next time you’re placing your own order:
- Protein: Ideally, meals should have at least 20 grams (g) of protein for a more well-rounded meal.
- Fiber: Aim for at least 5g (with 8g or more preferred) to promote satiety and gut health.
- Calories: Most orders on this list fall between 500 and 800 calories for a complete meal that strikes the sweet spot between feeling too light and overly heavy.
- Sodium: Sweetgreen meals tend to be high in sodium, so I prioritized options on the lower end when possible (and added a note below when levels were a little higher).
- Nutritional balance: The best orders include a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to support steady energy levels and satiety.
- Ingredient quality: Priority was given to meals made with whole food ingredients, including vegetables, legumes, and minimally processed add-ons.
Healthiest Sweetgreen orders
Sweetgreen makes it easy to build a healthy bowl, but some combinations shine more than others when it comes to their nutritional value. Below are some of the best orders that check all the boxes, no matter your goals or preferences.
1. Best overall: Guacamole Greens
- Calories: 575
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fiber: 14g
- Sodium: 1,020 milligrams (mg)
The Guacamole Greens bowl provides a good mix of protein, fiber, and fats, making it one of the most healthiest Sweetgreen orders on the menu.
It’s made with roasted chicken, avocado, tomatoes, pickled onions, shredded cabbage, tortilla chips, a blend of spring greens and romaine, and a drizzle of lime cilantro jalapeño sauce.
The fiber content is especially notable here, helping boost fullness, while the protein keeps it more hearty than a typical salad. It’s a solid go-to if you want something nutrient-dense and flavorful.
2. Best vegetarian pick: Hummus Crunch
- Calories: 505
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 1,690mg
The Hummus Crunch is one of the best plant-based options at Sweetgreen, thanks to its mix of hearty chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and creamy hummus. It also features feta, cabbage, shredded kale, and a tasty pesto vinaigrette.
This order still manages to hit a solid protein target for a vegetarian order, while the fiber content can help keep you full until your next meal.
The texture combination also makes it feel more substantial than a typical salad, though it’s worth noting that sodium is on the higher side here compared to some other options.
3. Best high-protein option: Harvest Bowl
- Calories: 760
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 42g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 1,300mg
The Harvest Bowl is one of the most protein-packed orders at Sweetgreen, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something more filling or recovery-focused after hitting the gym.
With a generous portion of chicken and nutrient-dense add-ins, it delivers strong staying power alongside a balance of carbs from sweet potatoes and healthy fats from almonds.
It’s a heartier option overall, landing closer to the higher end of the calorie range, but it’s also one of the most satisfying bowls on the menu.
4. Best for weight loss: Chicken Pesto Parm
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 1,560mg
The Chicken Pesto Parm is a great pick if you’re looking for a lower-calorie, high-protein option that still feels like a complete meal.
The combination of chicken, greens, and flavorful pesto keeps it hearty without going overboard on calories.
It’s especially helpful for weight loss, thanks to its high protein and fiber content. However, the amount of sodium is on the higher side, which is something to keep in mind if you’re ordering it often.
5. Best vegan order: Shroomami
- Calories: 665
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbs: 51g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 1,300mg
Made with roasted tofu, portobello mushrooms, wild rice, cucumbers, kale, and a miso sesame ginger dressing, the Shroomami is the best (and only!) vegan option at Sweetgreen.
It delivers a solid 20g of protein for a plant-based meal, along with plenty of fiber to keep you feeling full.
The sesame-based dressing and added fats make it a bit richer and more indulgent than a regular salad, but still well-rounded enough for a full meal.
6. Best low-carb meal: Kale Caesar
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 41g
- Fat: 33g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 1,400mg
If you’re cutting back on carbs, the Kale Caesar from Sweetgreen is a smart, low-carb lunch option.
It provides just 14g of carbs and 510 calories per serving, with 6g of fiber and a whopping 41g of protein as well.
Keep in mind that the sodium content is a smidge higher than many other options on the menu, so make sure to balance it with lower-sodium meals throughout the rest of the day.
7. Best for healthy fats: Fish Taco
- Calories: 765
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 50g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sodium: 1,090mg
The Fish Taco bowl is loaded with heart-healthy fats, thanks to the combination of avocado and salmon.
It also delivers a solid mix of protein and fiber, which helps balance out the higher fat content and keeps the meal filling.
While it’s a bit more calorie-dense than some other picks, it still offers a well-rounded nutrient profile, plus plenty of staying power.
8. Best high-fiber meal: Power Greens Bowl
- Calories: 800
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 51g
- Carbs: 51g
- Fiber: 22g
- Sodium: 1,540mg
With 22g of fiber packed into each serving, the Power Greens Bowl is the clear standout when it comes to fiber, making it one of the most filling and gut-friendly options on the menu.
It’s made with chicken, avocado, chickpeas, kale, and a mix of veggies for a nutrient-dense meal that boosts both gut health and satiety.
It’s also high in protein, making it a well-rounded option, though it does clock in on the higher end for both calories and sodium.
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Healthy custom order ideas
If you prefer to build your own bowl instead of ordering off the menu, Sweetgreen also makes it easy to create a nutritious meal with just a few smart choices.
Here are some simple, dietitian-approved custom order ideas to help you mix and match ingredients based on your goals:
- Golden Glow Bowl: golden quinoa and shredded kale with roasted tofu, raw carrots, roasted broccoli, tomatoes, avocado, and citrus sesame vinaigrette
- Protein Cobb Salad: chopped romaine with hard-boiled egg, roasted chicken, avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Spicy Harvest Rice Bowl: wild rice and shredded kale with roasted chicken or tofu, raw carrots, shredded cabbage, spicy broccoli, fresh cucumber kimchi, and miso sesame ginger dressing
Best sides, drinks, and desserts
Sides, drinks, and desserts may seem like small add-ons, but they can quickly change the overall nutritional profile of your order. Here’s a brief look at a few of the best options to choose from:
- Hummus + Focaccia: With 10g of protein per serving, this is a great side dish to help round out your meal. It’s also a little lower in calories than some other sides, like the roasted sweet potatoes with ranch or hot honey mustard.
- Health-Ade Kombucha: Kombucha is packed with probiotics, a type of beneficial bacteria that can help keep your gut healthy. This brand offers a few flavors at Sweetgreen, including Passionfruit Tangerine and Pink Lady Apple.
- OLIPOP Vintage Cola: If you’re craving a refreshing soda to sip with your meal, OLIPOP is a great choice. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and contains much less sugar than regular soda.
- Organic Jasmine Green Tea: This refreshing green tea features a short, simple list of ingredients and is completely free of calories and added sugar. If you prefer something on the fruity side, the bottled Organic Hibiscus Berry Tea is another solid choice.
- Crispy Rice Treat: Made with brown rice, quinoa, and puffed millet, this sweet treat contains less than 200 calories and just 6g of sugar per serving.
- Hu Cashews + Vanilla Hunks: This snack is made with dark chocolate and cashews and is relatively low in added sugar, with around 4g per serving.
Ingredients to limit or avoid
Sweetgreen is built on whole food ingredients, but some add-ons and dressings can quickly transform a balanced bowl into a more calorie- or sodium-dense meal. While there’s no need to avoid specific ingredients entirely, it can be helpful to be mindful of your intake, depending on your goals:
- Creamy dressings: Heavy sauces like Caesar and Green Goddess Ranch can add a significant amount of calories and saturated fat fast, even in small portions.
- Crispy toppings: Toppings like tortilla chips, crispy rice, and crispy onions are great for adding texture and flavor, but they’re often more calorie-dense than they might seem.
- Double grains: Even though grains like rice and quinoa are a great source of carbs, portions can stack up fast and push meals well beyond your intended calorie range.
- Cheese: Goat cheese, Parmesan, and feta provide flavor and some protein, but can also increase the amount of sodium and saturated fat in your meal.
Tips for healthier orders
Sweetgreen serves up tons of nutritious options, especially if you make a few simple tweaks to your order. Even small adjustments can make a major difference when it comes to keeping your meal balanced, filling, and aligned with your goals.
- Start with greens as your base: Choosing kale, spinach, or mixed greens instead of (or alongside) grains helps add fiber and keep calories more moderate.
- Prioritize protein first: Add chicken, tofu, fish, steak, or hard-boiled eggs to help make your bowl more filling.
- Go easy on dressings: Ask for dressing on the side or use a lighter hand, as this is often where calories and sodium add up fastest.
- Keep an eye on extra add-ons: Crispy toppings, extra cheese, and double grains can quickly turn a balanced bowl into a much heavier meal.
- Build around fiber: Aim to include plenty of fiber-rich ingredients, like vegetables, beans, and lentils.
- Consider the full meal: If you’re adding sides or drinks, keep them lighter to maintain overall balance.
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Conclusion
Overall, the healthiest Sweetgreen orders are all about balance, prioritizing protein, fiber, and healthy fats while being mindful of add-ons and other toppings.
When placing your order, look for meals built around greens, lean protein, and fiber-rich ingredients, and try to limit heavier dressings, double grains, and extra add-ons that can quickly increase the amount of calories and sodium in each serving.
