CAVA Calories: How Many Calories Are in Your Bowl?

How Many Calories Are in a CAVA Bowl?

A typical CAVA bowl ranges from 400 to 900+ calories depending on your base, protein, toppings, and dressing choices. The average curated bowl falls between 600-750 calories. However, a custom greens-based bowl with lean protein can come in under 400 calories, while a fully loaded grain bowl with multiple toppings and dressing can exceed 1,000 calories.

Calorie Breakdown by Base

Your base choice is the single biggest calorie decision at CAVA. Greens bases range from 5-25 calories, while grain bases range from 150-310 calories. That's a potential 300+ calorie difference before you even add protein.

• 1Arugula: 5 calories — the lowest calorie base at CAVA
• 2Romaine: 10 calories — crispy, refreshing, minimal calories
• 3Baby Spinach: 10 calories — iron-rich, mild flavor
• 4SuperGreens: 20 calories — CAVA's signature greens blend
• 5Power Greens: 25 calories — nutrient-dense leafy mix
• 6Black Lentils: 150 calories — highest protein base (10g)
• 7Brown Rice: 310 calories — whole grain, high fiber
• 8Saffron Basmati Rice: 200 calories — aromatic, lower calorie grain option

Calorie Breakdown by Protein

CAVA's proteins range from 170 to 300 calories per serving. Grilled steak is the lowest-calorie protein at 170 calories with 23g protein, making it the most calorie-efficient choice.

• 1Grilled Steak: 170 calories, 23g protein
• 2Braised Lamb: 210 calories, 24g protein
• 3Spicy Lamb Meatballs: 210 calories, 24g protein
• 4Grilled Chicken: 250 calories, 28g protein
• 5Harissa Honey Chicken: 260 calories, 27g protein
• 6Falafel (3 pieces): 280 calories, 10g protein
• 7Roasted Vegetables: 60 calories, 2g protein (vegan option)

How Toppings Add Up

Individual toppings at CAVA are relatively low in calories, ranging from 5-60 calories each. However, adding 4-5 toppings can contribute 100-200+ calories. Avocado (60 cal) and Crumbled Feta (60 cal) are the highest-calorie topping options.

Dressings: The Hidden Calorie Source

Dressings are often the most overlooked calorie contributor at CAVA. They range from 30 to 160 calories per serving.

• 1Skhug: 30 calories — the lowest-calorie dressing
• 2Harissa: 40 calories — spicy, flavorful, low-cal
• 3Tzatziki: 40 calories — creamy yet light
• 4Greek Vinaigrette: 130 calories — classic but calorie-dense
• 5Tahini Caesar: 160 calories — the highest-calorie dressing

Sample Bowl Calorie Ranges

Here are realistic calorie ranges for different CAVA bowl styles:

• 1Light greens bowl (greens + lean protein + veggies + light dressing): 300-450 calories
• 2Balanced bowl (half greens/half grain + protein + 3-4 toppings + dressing): 550-700 calories
• 3Standard curated bowl (grain base + protein + full toppings + dressing): 650-850 calories
• 4Loaded bowl (grain base + double protein or extra toppings + rich dressing): 900-1,100+ calories

How to Track Your CAVA Calories

Use our free CAVA Nutrition Calculator to build your exact bowl and see the total calories, protein, carbs, fat, and sodium in real time. You can compare different combinations, save your favorite meals, and even view an FDA-style nutrition label for any custom bowl.