Fast-casual restaurants like Sweetgreen, Cava, and Chipotle have built their brands on customizable meals—allowing customers to tailor every element from the base to the toppings. But beyond the obvious mix-and-match options, there are insider strategies that let you stretch your order further, boost flavor, and stay aligned with your health goals.
Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, these customization hacks can help you get more from your meal without spending more.
Sweetgreen Hacks
1. Ask for Half-and-Half Bases or Proteins
Sweetgreen allows you to split bases and proteins at no extra charge. For example, you can do half kale and half wild rice, or half tofu and half chicken. This gives you more variety and a more balanced bowl in terms of taste and texture.
2. Max Out on Free Veggies
Most vegetable toppings are unlimited. Take advantage of roasted sweet potatoes, shaved brussels sprouts, cucumbers, and spicy broccoli by asking for “a little of everything.” The more you layer on, the more filling (and colorful) your bowl becomes.
3. Skip Dressing and Use Toppings as Sauce
Sweetgreen’s toppings are flavorful enough to serve as dressing substitutes. Try combining avocado, spicy sunflower seeds, and pickled onions for richness and acidity—without needing an extra sauce.
4. Customize Seasonal Bowls
All pre-set seasonal items can be adjusted like build-your-own bowls. You can swap out ingredients, reduce heavy components, or increase lighter ones to make it more in line with your personal preferences.
Cava Hacks
1. Double Your Dips and Spreads
Cava lets you add up to three dips/spreads for free—and sometimes even four if you ask nicely. Go for hummus, tzatziki, harissa, and roasted eggplant for a complex flavor base with built-in moisture and seasoning.
2. Combine Multiple Greens and Grains
Create a more textured bowl by doing half supergreens and half saffron rice or black lentils. This provides fiber and protein while giving the bowl more body.
3. Use Pickled Add-ons for Balance
Cava offers free pickled onions, cabbage slaw, and tomato-onion salad—all of which add acidity and crunch. These elements balance out rich components like lamb or spicy falafel.
4. Turn a Bowl into Two Meals
Cava’s portions are generous. Ask for sauces on the side and leave grains on the bottom to keep part of the bowl crisp for a second meal. Add extra pita (often available on request) and you can split it into lunch and dinner.
Chipotle Hacks
1. Ask for “Half and Half” Proteins
Chipotle allows you to split meats. Instead of one scoop of chicken, you can ask for half chicken and half steak, which often results in a more generous protein portion overall.
2. Go for the Burrito Bowl with a Tortilla on the Side
This gives you the best of both worlds—a full bowl and a tortilla you can use later. It’s essentially a DIY burrito for no extra cost.
3. Maximize Free Toppings
Salsa, lettuce, beans, and fajita veggies are all free. Load them up to add volume, flavor, and texture. Fajita veggies in particular are often underused but make a big difference in flavor.
4. Skip Cheese, Add Guac (if Vegan)
Guacamole is included for free with vegetarian or vegan bowls. Skip the meat and cheese, and you get a high-value, nutrient-dense fat source without paying extra.
Tips for Creating Variety Without Changing Your Base Order
If you find a base you love—whether it’s Sweetgreen’s kale + wild rice, Cava’s supergreens + hummus combo, or Chipotle’s chicken burrito bowl—you don’t have to start from scratch to get a fresh experience each time.
Try these tweaks:
• Swap out just one protein or spread
• Add a different sauce or vinaigrette
• Switch from warm toppings to cold
• Use add-ons like lemon wedges or chili flakes to brighten flavors
Customization is part of what makes fast-casual dining so appealing. With a few smart moves, you can boost satisfaction, nutrition, and value—while keeping your favorite meal on rotation.
