You’ve probably heard it before: food is medicine.
Nutrients found in foods—like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber—are often associated with lower rates of chronic diseases, less obesity, and even longer lifespans.
However, with over 70 percent of the food available in the U.S. being ultra-processed, many Americans end up consuming artificial ingredients rather than the wholesome foods backed by science.
In light of this, the salad chain Sweetgreen has rolled out a new menu focused on longevity.
Partnering with Dr. Mark Hyman, a longevity expert, they’ve introduced five new bowls that highlight key elements like iron, omega-3s, energy, and protein.
Hyman noted that the collaboration revolves around foundational biological ideas: promoting steady energy, metabolic balance, and overall health through recognizable and delicious ingredients.
He added that it pushes back against the notion that healthy eating means giving something up, demonstrating instead that food can indeed be nutritious and satisfying.
Main ingredients feature antibiotic-free salmon, grass-fed chicken and steak, along with a vibrant assortment of vegetables—think broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, and pickled onions.
The bowls range from 590 to 810 calories each and pack up to 34 grams of protein and 80 grams of carbohydrates. Prices at a Sweetgreen in downtown Manhattan fluctuate between $14 and $17.
The Daily Mail’s health team put the new bowls—Spicy Reset Bowl, Nutrient Power Plate, Iron Boost Bowl, Steady Energy Bowl, and The Omega Salad—to the test.
Hyman remarked that food serves as a significant signal for our bodies, and every ingredient in this new menu has been carefully chosen based on nutrient principles and medical insights, with a real focus on quality ingredients.
Starting off, they tried the Omega Salad, which includes antibiotic-free miso-glazed salmon, avocado, shredded carrots, chickpeas, cucumbers, cilantro, baby spinach, and chopped romaine, all topped with a lime cilantro jalapeno sauce.
This bowl has 640 calories, 30 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbs, and 44 grams of fat.
Health guidelines suggest that average, mostly inactive adults need about 0.36 grams of protein for every pound of body weight, although that can vary with activity. For instance, a person weighing 150 pounds needs about 55 grams of protein daily, meaning the Omega Salad provides more than half of that requirement.
The Mayo Clinic advises that carbohydrates should account for around 25 percent of calories in a typical 2,000-calorie diet, though current dietary guidelines suggest a range of 45 to 65 percent. So, you’re looking at about 130 to 325 grams of carbs a day. The Omega Salad contributes a light portion to that while also being compatible with lower-carb diets recommended for weight management or blood sugar control.
Expert recommendations for fat intake range from 44 to 78 grams daily.
The bowl earns its name from the omega-3-rich salmon and avocado, fats known to help reduce blood pressure and triglycerides—these are the fats in our blood that can lead to heart issues.
Research suggests they may also decrease inflammation in the brain and joints, potentially lowering the risk of conditions like dementia and arthritis.
Another Daily Mail health editor tried the Nutrient Power Plate, swapping in salmon for chicken. She found it delicious, noting that she felt satiated longer and cut down on her afternoon snacking.
She mentioned not experiencing the usual post-lunch slump and felt energized well into the afternoon, pleased with her choice knowing it was packed with healthy fats, minerals, and high-quality proteins.
The next bowl sampled (available exclusively online) was the Iron Boost Bowl, featuring antibiotic-free, grass-fed caramelized garlic steak paired with spicy broccoli, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, almonds, golden quinoa, arugula, and lime cilantro jalapeno sauce.
This bowl stands at 615 calories, includes 36 grams of protein, 31 grams of carbs, and 40 grams of fat.
The steak’s iron content is noteworthy—iron is crucial for forming hemoglobin in red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Adult men generally need about 8 mg per day, while premenopausal women require about 18 mg due to blood loss during menstruation. Pregnant women have a higher requirement of 27 mg for fetal development.
For context, a three-ounce steak contains roughly 2 to 3 mg of iron.
Testing the Iron Boost Bowl, one editor couldn’t finish hers but still felt very full. She noted the freshness and a pleasant spicy kick, although she found the steak a bit dry, a common expectation at a salad-focused establishment.
Another reporter mentioned the compelling bursts of flavor throughout the meal, appreciating the moisture level provided by the dressing. The steak impressed her, alongside the broccoli, which she found had a unique flavor—although perhaps not spicy as labeled. She also remarked that while the $16.35 price might shock some, it aligns with average office lunch costs in Manhattan. Although hunger returned by late afternoon, she felt satisfied for a significant period post-meal.
The Steady Energy Bowl is another exclusive offering, combining antibiotic-free roasted chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, spicy broccoli, cilantro, pickled onions, rice, shredded kale, and Green Goddess ranch dressing.
With 590 calories, it brings 32 grams of protein, 56 grams of carbs, and 29 grams of fat. Sweetgreen claims the nutrient-dense sweet potatoes assist in preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
One reporter who tried this bowl found the flavor combinations unexpectedly enjoyable; she noted that while she could have stopped halfway, she kept munching comfortably while working. Overall, she felt full, but in a pleasant way, appreciating the nutritious profile comparative to other fast-casual offerings.
Another editor tested the Spicy Reset Bowl, which includes blackened chicken, avocado, shredded cabbage, apples, chickpeas, cilantro, nori sesame seasoning, wild rice, shredded kale, olive oil, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lemon.
This bowl contains 720 calories, 33 grams of protein, 62 grams of carbs, and 37 grams of fat. Apples are a notable ingredient due to their antioxidant content, beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting immune health. One editor found the addition of apples a bit odd but still enjoyed the meal, finding it filling with an adequate amount of chicken and a lot of kale.
I went for the Nutrient Power Plate, which has blackened chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, spicy broccoli, chickpeas, pickled onions, almonds, wild rice, golden quinoa, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon.
This was the heaviest in calories and carbs, totaling 810 calories and 80 grams of carbs, along with 34 grams of protein and 38 grams of fat. Sweetgreen claims these carbs aim to sustain energy and focus, particularly with the inclusion of complex carbs like wild rice and quinoa that digest gradually.
A few bites in, I sensed I’d be full after this meal without feeling sluggish. The fresh, minimally processed flavors left me with a good impression and made me feel like I received more value than at other fast-casual places. I’ll definitely remember that spicy broccoli kick!
The Omega Salad, Nutrient Power Plate, and Spicy Reset Bowl are available for in-store dining, pickup, and delivery, whereas the Iron Boost Bowl and Steady Energy Bowl are exclusive to online ordering.
