You Asked, CAVA Listened: White Sweet Potatoes are Back as Part of CAVA’s Largest Menu Launch Ever

More Flavor, More Protein, More Veggies, More Delicious Wins with CAVA’s New Mediterranean-Inspired Menu

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CAVA is kicking off 2026 with a new Mediterranean menu fully loaded with flavors. That means bold new staples, satisfying bowls, and the return of the fan favorite white sweet potato (IYKYK — followers have not been shy about their requests).

Curated Bowls to Nourish Your New Year

White sweet potatoes star in these two new high-protein bowls packed with delicious ingredients:

• Spicy Lamb + Sweet Potato Bowl: A hearty bowl that fuels you. Featuring spicy lamb meatballs and white sweet potatoes, plus NEW Power Greens and brown rice for a good source of fiber. Joined with tzatziki, red pepper hummus, sumac slaw, pickled onions, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and tahini Caesar.
• Harissa Chicken Power Bowl: Light in feel, heavy on flavor. A sweet-meets-heat bowl with layers of satisfying flavor, including harissa honey chicken, white sweet potato, and nutritious Power Greens. Enjoyed with Crazy Feta®, hummus, new sumac slaw, tomato + onion, broccoli, cucumber, avocado, skhug, and yogurt dill dressing.

New Flavors Worth Getting Excited About

In addition to bringing back white sweet potatoes, CAVA’s introducing four new menu items, making this CAVA’s biggest menu launch... ever.

• Sumac Sour Cream + Onion Pita Chips: A classic combo on Mediterranean vacay! These limited time, golden pita chips are dusted with a blend of sour cream, garlic, onion, and tangy-citrusy sumac.
• Tangerine Aleppo: A seasonal drink with an attitude! Made with tangerine and Aleppo-style pepper.
• Power Greens: An undeniably delicious base with tender butter lettuce, baby kale, spinach, and heritage greens.
• Sumac Slaw: Crunchy cabbage tossed with sumac, parsley, and red wine vinegar for a bright bite.

“These new offerings and curated bowls bring the bold, bright flavors of the Mediterranean straight to our guests, and truly elevate our entire lineup for 2026,” said Ted Xenohristos, Co-founder and Chief Concept Officer at CAVA. “We’re excited to start the year with flavors that not only pair beautifully together but also make it easy to eat well with more protein and veggies. When your food tastes good and leaves you feeling good, that’s a win; and this menu delivers exactly that!”

It’s Official: White Sweet Potatoes Are Back!

White sweet potatoes first hit the menu in winter 2021. When they took a hiatus after the season, relentless comments rolled in across social platforms begging for their return.

To celebrate the superfans who have been begging for the return of white sweet potatoes, Ted Xenohristos broke the news live via personal Zoom calls, sharing that their vocal commitment is what brought them back onto the menu this year. Limited-edition tees will be released later this month on the CAVA Shop so superfans can flex their role in bringing the dish back to the menu.

The new menu is available starting today at CAVA restaurants nationwide. Guests can ring in the new year with a taste of the Mediterranean by ordering in-restaurant, online, or via the CAVA app. For more information, visit CAVA’s website and follow @CAVA on Instagram to keep an eye on the latest news.

About CAVA

CAVA is the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, bringing together healthful food and bold, satisfying flavors at scale. Our brand and our opportunity transcend the Mediterranean category to compete in the large and growing limited-service restaurant sector as well as the health and wellness food category. CAVA serves guests across gender lines, age groups, and income levels and benefits from generational tailwinds created by consumer demand for healthy living and a demographic shift towards greater ethnic diversity. We meet consumers’ desires to engage with convenient, authentic, purpose-driven brands that view food as a source of self-expression. The broad appeal of our food combined with these favorable industry trends drive our vast opportunity for continued growth.