Protein isn’t a passing trend — consumers’ commitment to this nutritional powerhouse is here to stay. Today’s diners are actively seeking out high-protein options that deliver both flavor and function, reframing meals as fuel and indulgence. For operators, that’s an opportunity. And you don’t need a full menu overhaul to capture it. A few strategic, high-protein builds, especially as LTOs or specials, can turn demand into incremental revenue.
At C.H.Guenther, we’ve spent 175 years helping operators adapt as tastes and nutrition priorities evolve. One constant? Our commitment to high-quality, versatile solutions that make it easy to keep menus fresh, relevant and operationally efficient.
With the right products already in your kitchen, adding protein-forward breakfast, lunch and dinner options is a smart, low-labor move, with no extra SKUs or prep headaches required.
Breakfast: Where Protein Packs the Biggest Punch
Breakfast and brunch are prime territory for protein innovation. Eggs, meats and dairy are already menu staples; capitalize on their potential by reimagining how they come together in craveable, portable formats.
High-Protein Breakfast Sandwich
Build a better grab-and-go with Conestoga Extra Crisp English Muffins. Each muffin delivers five grams of protein, creating a strong base for a stacked, satisfying sandwich. Layer with fluffy egg whites, crispy bacon, melted cheddar and mashed avocado for a balanced, on-trend bite that holds up in transit and delivers on flavor.
Breakfast Reuben
Lean into the enduring deli trend with a bold, cross-daypart mashup. Toasted Conestoga Extra Crisp English Muffins are piled high with corned beef, Swiss, tangy sauerkraut and fried eggs. A swipe of Thousand Island dressing ties it all together for a breakfast sandwich with serious protein appeal.
Breakfast Pizza
Any segment, from non-commercial operators to K-12 to healthcare to C-stores, can add higher-proteine builds to their menu with this rustic breakfast pizza. This hearty handheld is easy to prep and assemble: using Conestoga Thaw & Bake Whole Grain Roll Dough eliminates the need for scratch dough prep. Just thaw, press into a pan, dimple and par-bake. Top with savory Pioneer® Instant Peppered Gravy Mix, turkey sausage, eggs, vegetable and cheddar.
Lunch + Dinner: Protein That Performs All Day
For lunch and dinner, protein-forward builds need to do more than deliver nutrition—they need to satisfy. Think bold flavors, hearty portions and comfort-driven formats that keep guests full and coming back.
In fact, by using any C.H. Guenther sandwich carriers, operators can design high-protein builds. Because sandwich fillings are customizable and interchangeable. The key is to layer protein from multiple sources without sacrificing flavor, texture or operational efficiency.
Some ways to increase protein on lunch and dinner sandwich builds include:
- Extra Portions: One of the quickest ways is to offer intentional upgrades, like double meat, thicker patties and stacked deli cuts.
- Add an Egg: A fried, hard boiled or pickled egg adds up to six grams of protein per sandwich.
- Plant-Based Power: Adding dips like chickpea or edamame hummus or black bean spread, bean sprouts, kale pesto and avocado boost protein, add fiber and improve satiety.
- Blend Proteins into the Base: Stretch everyday proteins by adding in a complimentary nutrient-dense ingredient, like beef and lentil meatballs, chicken and quinoa burgers, or turkey and black bean taco filling.
- Condiment Swaps: Replace traditional condiments with whipped cheeses, Greek yogurt- or cottage cheese-based based spreads, almond or pistachio butters or tahini or peanut sauce to up the protein.
Ready-to-make high-protein recipes to try:
Salisbury Steak Meatball Sub
Two comfort classics, one craveable sandwich. Juicy meatballs meet rich Salisbury-style gravy for a protein-packed sub that hits all the right nostalgic notes. A simple, two-ingredient gravy (ketchup and Pioneer® Roast Beef Gravy Mix)—keeps back-of-house prep fast and consistent.
Serve on a Breadtown Bakery 8” Traditional Hoagie roll for a sturdy, soft bite that soaks up flavor without falling apart. It’s the kind of indulgent, high-protein build that drives repeat orders.
Read more about Breadtown Bakery, the newest line of ready-to-eat American-style breads from C.H. Guenther.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Wrap
This protein-rich wrap delivers on both nutrition and craveability. Tender shredded chicken is paired with a tangy Greek yogurt-based sauce, which boosts protein while keeping the profile bright.
Wrap it all in a Mi Rancho 12” Flour Grande Tortilla for a durable, flexible carrier that’s ideal for high-speed assembly and clean eating on the go.
Looking for more ways to elevate LTOs, streamline prep and build relevant menu items? Check out the C.H. Guenther recipe collection, with recipes designed and tested by foodservice experts.
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