El Pollo Loco Launches Protein Packed Menu Offering Over 24 High-Protein Items Under $15

El Pollo Loco launches a Protein Packed Menu featuring over 20 high-protein items, all priced under $15.

Quiver AI Summary

El Pollo Loco has launched a new Protein Packed Menu featuring over 20 high-protein items for under $15, catering to consumer demand for nutritious and tasty meals. This menu, available online, includes a variety of dishes centered around the chain's signature fire-grilled chicken, such as burritos, salads, and bowls, with many items offering over 50 grams of protein. Highlights include the Double Chicken Bowl, Guacamole Chicken Burrito, and Mexican Caesar Salad, among others. Jill Adams, Chief Marketing Officer, noted that this menu aligns with consumer lifestyles while emphasizing flavor and variety. El Pollo Loco continues to expand its presence with over 500 locations across the U.S. and offers flavorful meals made from quality ingredients.

Potential Positives

The introduction of the Protein Packed Menu addresses the growing consumer demand for high-protein meals, aligning with current health trends.
The menu features over 20 items offering substantial protein content (up to 74 grams), catering to health-conscious consumers looking for balanced meal options.
All menu items are priced under $15, emphasizing value and affordability, making it accessible for a wider audience.
The brand's commitment to flavor and quality is reinforced through the description of the distinctive, fire-grilled chicken offerings, enhancing its reputation in the fast-casual dining space.

Potential Negatives

While the press release highlights a new Protein Packed Menu, it does not disclose any information regarding potential dietary concerns or health implications related to the menu items, such as high calorie content or sodium levels, which could negatively impact consumer perception.
The focus on protein-heavy items may alienate a segment of health-conscious consumers who prefer low-calorie or plant-based options, potentially limiting the customer base.
The launch of the Protein Packed Menu comes amid increasing competition in the fast-casual dining sector, which could challenge El Pollo Loco's market position and sales performance.

FAQ

What is the Protein Packed Menu at El Pollo Loco?

The Protein Packed Menu features over 20 protein-heavy items, including burritos, salads, and bowls, all under $15.

How much protein do items on the Protein Packed Menu contain?

Items range from 23 to 74 grams of protein each, catering to high-protein meal preferences.

What types of meals are included in the Protein Packed Menu?

The menu includes a variety of options such as burritos, salads, bowls, and classic chicken meals.

How can I view the full Protein Packed Menu?

The full Protein Packed Menu can be viewed on El Pollo Loco’s website at https://www.elpolloloco.com/proteinmenu.

Is El Pollo Loco committed to healthy meal options?

Yes, El Pollo Loco is recognized for its healthy offerings and was named a “Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food” by USA Today.

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.

$LOCO Revenue

$LOCO had revenues of $121.5M in Q3 2025. This is an increase of 0.93% from the same period in the prior year.

You can track LOCO financials on Quiver Quantitative's LOCO stock page.

$LOCO Hedge Fund Activity

We have seen 74 institutional investors add shares of $LOCO stock to their portfolio, and 70 decrease their positions in their most recent quarter.

Here are some of the largest recent moves:

WILLIAM BLAIR INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC removed 842,027 shares (-71.9%) from their portfolio in Q4 2025, for an estimated $8,807,602
PORTOLAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC removed 751,012 shares (-100.0%) from their portfolio in Q3 2025, for an estimated $7,284,816
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC added 502,378 shares (+93.9%) to their portfolio in Q4 2025, for an estimated $5,254,873
FUND 1 INVESTMENTS, LLC added 491,184 shares (+193.4%) to their portfolio in Q4 2025, for an estimated $5,137,784
HILLSDALE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC. added 211,900 shares (+59.0%) to their portfolio in Q4 2025, for an estimated $2,216,474
FIRST EAGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC removed 194,000 shares (-26.2%) from their portfolio in Q4 2025, for an estimated $2,029,240
SEI INVESTMENTS CO added 188,735 shares (+924.6%) to their portfolio in Q4 2025, for an estimated $1,974,168

To track hedge funds' stock portfolios, check out Quiver Quantitative's institutional holdings dashboard.

$LOCO Price Targets

Multiple analysts have issued price targets for $LOCO recently. We have seen 2 analysts offer price targets for $LOCO in the last 6 months, with a median target of $12.75.

Here are some recent targets:

Jake Bartlett from Truist Securities set a target price of $12.0 on 01/08/2026
Andy Barish from Jefferies set a target price of $13.5 on 12/15/2025

Full 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
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f4b5334-7c30-47d4-9440-6c0fa8103939