Slideshow: New menu items from Chipotle, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Caribou Coffee

KANSAS CITY — Foodservice operators are tapping into consumer interest in protein and seasonal flavors.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, for instance, has unveiled a high protein menu. The menu includes several items with between 15 and 81 grams of protein per serving, such as the double high protein bowl, the high protein fiber bowl, the double high protein burrito and the adobo chicken taco. The company also is exploring convenience-based protein formats with a high protein snack cup, which features adobo chicken bites and 32 grams of protein per 4-oz serving.

“For years, guests have used Chipotle’s customizable offerings to build high protein and fiber-filled meals on their own,” said Chris Brandt, president and chief brand officer at Chipotle. “This curated menu brings that fan behavior to the forefront with clean ingredients and flexible portions, making protein and other dietary goals easier to reach in just a few taps.”

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has debuted a limited-time line of protein lattes. Formulated with espresso, steamed milk and 20 grams of protein per serving, the lattes include vanilla, caramel and hazelnut varieties. The beverage chain also is aiming to appeal to consumer interest in global flavors with a collection of Mexican chocolate beverages. The line includes dark chocolate and cinnamon flavor notes, with hot latte, iced latte and iced blended drink formats.

Minneapolis-based Caribou Coffee has expanded its menu with breakfast bowls and cinnamon sugar offerings. The bowls feature cage-free eggs, between 12 and 16 grams of protein and less than 150 calories per serving. Varieties include the Denver breakfast bowl, with potatoes, diced ham, cheddar cheese, green bell peppers and onions, and the vegetarian breakfast bowl, with potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, spinach, Monterey jack cheese and salsa verde.

Caribou’s cinnamon sugar introductions include the nitro high rise, a nitro cold press coffee with milk, caramel and a cinnamon sugar sauce, and the cinnamon sugar cold foam.

“As guests settle into their routines after the holidays, we wanted to create a menu that brings together comfort, balance and a little everyday joy,” said Carrie Sazama, director of product for Caribou Coffee.

Click to view more new menu items.