Protein is everywhere right now — grocery shelves, weight-loss conversations, and increasingly, fast-food menus. The eye-cocking element in that is medical professionals say we should have 100 grams of protein every day – and that's A LOT!
That trend shows up clearly in the International Food Information Council’s 2025 Food & Health Survey, which found protein remains the most prioritized nutrient among Americans.
Older adults, in particular, tend to associate protein with maintaining strength, muscle, and independence, rather than with athletic performance or body aesthetics. The survey also found that many consumers — especially older ones — value flexible portions and simple food choices over rigid or extreme diet plans.
Against that backdrop, Chipotle Mexican Grill is rolling out its first-ever High Protein Menu in the U.S. and Canada. The lineup includes items ranging from a 15-gram protein taco to bowls and burritos exceeding 80 grams of protein, along with a new High Protein Cup offering 32 grams of protein in a 4-ounce serving.
To better understand how that fits into healthy aging, Smart Senior Daily sought commentary from a medical expert.
Gary P Guthrie
What a Health Expert Says About Protein and Aging
Dr. Cintara Bradley, a Resident Physician at Sonoran University of Health Sciences Medical Center, says protein needs generally increase with age, not decrease.
“As we age, our protein needs increase to prevent muscle loss,” Bradley explains. “Our bodies will assimilate more protein to prevent muscle loss when adequate protein is available through meals.”
Bradley notes that many seniors may benefit from consuming between 1.0 and 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on overall health and medical conditions.
“For example, a 150-pound person should aim to consume roughly 68 to 105 grams of protein per day,” she says. “If there are underlying medical diagnoses, they should aim for the upper end of that range to ensure adequate nutrition, bodily repair, and wellness.”
If you want to do the math...
That guidance aligns with clinical nutrition recommendations that go beyond the general adult minimums and focus on preventing age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia.
Why Portion Size — and Timing — Still Matter
While higher daily protein intake can be beneficial, Bradley cautions against trying to consume it all in one sitting.
“There’s no need to try to consume your daily protein goal all at once or consume well above your calculated protein target in hopes that all of it will go straight to your muscles,” she says.
Research shows that spreading protein intake across the day helps maximize muscle protein synthesis — the body’s ability to use protein effectively to maintain and build muscle.
“In fact, research confirms that it is better to spread daily protein consumption throughout the day,” Bradley says. “Aiming for 25–30 grams of protein per meal — more or less depending on body weight — is a safe and quick calculation when grabbing a protein-rich meal on the go.”
That perspective adds important context to restaurant offerings that now range from modest protein portions to very large single-meal servings.
Expect Other Restaurants to Follow Suit
Chipotle isn’t alone in responding to rising consumer interest in protein — but it is one of the first major chains to label and package protein as a standalone menu concept.
Other fast-food and fast-casual chains, including McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Panera Bread, and Starbucks, have already expanded protein-forward items — particularly chicken, eggs, and customizable meals — even if they haven’t branded them as “high protein.”
As national surveys continue to show protein as a top nutrition priority across age groups, industry analysts generally expect restaurants to keep adding clearer nutrition labeling, flexible portion sizes, and protein-centric options to existing menus. For seniors, that likely means more choice — and more responsibility to decide what fits their own health needs.
Gary P Guthrie
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or nutritional advice. Seniors should consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially if managing kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.
