What’s Vegan at Cava? How to Order at the Mediterranean Chain

Mediterranean food is growing in popularity for one key reason: its health benefits. Earlier this year, the US News & World Report named the Mediterranean Diet as the healthiest diet to follow for the eighth year in a row, largely because of its focus on nutrient-dense whole foods.

Jump to the guide

“The Mediterranean diet focuses on diet quality rather than a single nutrient or food group,” notes the publication, which compiles its annual lists with the help of more than 40 nationally recognized dietitians. “Numerous studies have shown that it reduces the risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes while promoting longevity and improving quality of life.”

Getty

If you’re trying to eat more Mediterranean-style foods, of course, you can whip up nutritious, easy meals at home (for help, check out these Mediterranean cookbooks). But another option is to head to Cava, the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant with more than 380 locations across the US. 

RELATED: How to Order Vegan at Chipotle: The Complete Guide

Can you eat vegan food at Cava? 

Founded back in 2006 by three Greek friends and businessmen, Cava has grown into a fast-casual juggernaut. In 2023, it was valued at a whopping $4.7 billion. By 2032, it hopes to expand to 1,000 locations.

Cava’s popularity is largely due to the rising interest in fresh, plant-based Mediterranean foods and its commitment to providing customers with the best-quality ingredients. “The quality of ingredients that go into Greek food is what makes it special, and you can find amazing food everywhere you go in Greece,” co-founder Ted Xenohristos told Extra Credit. “It’s similar to Japan, where the food is great everywhere, not just at high-end restaurants. It’s the driving force behind everything we do.”

Cava

While Mediterranean cuisine is known for its focus on plant-based whole foods, like beans, grains, vegetables, and fruits, Cava is not 100 percent vegan. It does offer several plant-based choices, though, as you’ll see in our list below. The menu is also continuously evolving, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for new meat-free choices in the future. Xenohristos explained that the team goes on regular research trips to Greece to gather inspiration. “We travel the country, eat at amazing restaurants, get inspired by those flavors, and bring them back,” he said.

The best plant-based choices at Cava

But what can you eat at Cava right now? Find out some of the top plant-based choices below, from soft bakery-made pita to refreshingly sweet housemade juice.

Cava

1 Crispy falafel pita

One standout vegan option at Cava is its Crispy Falafel Pita. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor, thanks to the generous spread of hummus, roasted eggplant, tangy pickles, cabbage slaw, and the fresh tomato-onion mix. It’s finished with a creamy garlic dressing and the herbaceous Yemeni hot sauce, skhug, which brings just the right kick of heat.  

2 Build your own bowl

Unfortunately, none of Cava’s pre-set bowl options are vegan. There is one vegetarian choice, the Falafel Crunch, which can be made plant-based if you request it without the feta cheese. All of the others, including the Greek Salad and the Harissa Avocado, are served with meat. However, it’s easy to build your own plant-based bowl at the chain. It offers three different choices to build on your own: A Green + Grains Bowl, a Salad Bowl, and a Grains Bowl. Load them up with leafy greens, rice, lentils, falafel, roasted vegetables, and dips, including hummus and roasted eggplant.

3 Pita chips and dip

Cava has two tasty pita options: Classic Pita Chips (which are similar to tortilla chips but are soft and chewy) and Side Pita. While the former are made in-house, the latter are made at a New York Damascus bakery, specifically for Cava. But of course, if you’re ordering pita, you need a dip. The chain has four vegan-friendly choices: hummus, harissa, red pepper hummus, and roasted eggplant. If you don’t live near a Cava, you can also find some of its vegan dips, including its harissa and roasted red pepper hummus, in a grocery store near you. 

4 Sweet juice

When it comes to a refreshing beverage to wash down your meal, Cava has a few options. There’s the housemade Pineapple Apple Mint juice, for example, or the Cucumber Mint Lime. If you prefer berries, there’s also an ultra-refreshing housemade Blueberry Lavender juice option, too. 

5 Iced tea 

Cava has several classic drink options, including soda and sparkling water, but another great refreshing choice is its housemade iced tea. Choose from the aromatic floral Jasmine Tea or the classic unsweetened iced black tea.