CAVA announced Wednesday the launch of RightRice, a breakthrough protein-packed, lower-carb veggie rice, in all of its 100-plus restaurants across the U.S. This partnership with CAVA marks the national restaurant debut of RightRice and meets the growing consumer demand for restaurant menus to incorporate more plant-forward and protein-rich options. 

Beginning Wednesday, CAVA guests can order a new curated RightRice Bowl or build a custom bowl or pita using RightRice as a base, packing in even more plant-based protein and fiber into their meal. This debut at CAVA will continue to drive the prominence of plant-based foods in menus across all sectors of the food industry.

Created by popchips founder Keith Belling, RightRice is the first-of-its-kind shelf stable vegetable rice packed with the power of veggies that looks and tastes like rice. Made from a blend of lentils, chickpeas, and green peas, plus a bit of rice, RightRice delivers more double the protein, five times the fiber, and almost 40% fewer net carbs than a bowl of white rice, and since there’s no compromise on taste or nutrition, it makes for a perfect plant-based alternative for CAVA guests. Having reinvented the rice aisle with its national launch at Whole Foods last year, RightRice is now in leading retailers across the country.

“Our guests are seeking more plant-forward options,” says CAVA CEO Brett Schulman. “True to our Mediterranean roots, we saw RightRice as the perfect solution. After looking at a variety of rice alternatives, RightRice was the only one that delivers on the taste and nutritional profile we were looking for and uses Mediterranean ingredients and flavors we love.  We are honored to be the first national restaurant partner for RightRice, and we intend to continue expanding our plant-based menu to meet our guests’ needs.”

The new Chicken + RightRice Bowl is the latest addition to CAVA’s line of curated bowls and features a proprietary, chef-designed blend of RightRice, crisp arugula, grilled chicken, Tzatziki, creamy humus, feta, cucumber, tomato, and onion, finished with house-made Greek Vinaigrette dressing. RightRice will also be featured as a base for CAVA’s build-your-own bowl or pita along with a wide array of greens, dips, proteins, and toppings.

“As one of the most popular fast casual concepts in the country, CAVA is the ideal partner for RightRice to launch our food service business,” adds Keith Belling, RightRice Founder and CEO. “With a shared mission of making delicious, healthier food options more accessible, our brands align so well, and we are excited to introduce RightRice to CAVA’s passionate and loyal guests.”