# Customizable Protein Cups Guac Mexi Grill Builds Protein Cups with Beans, Chicken or Steak By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-06-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-cups References: [newswire](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/guac-mexi-grill-celebrates-10-bold-years-with-national-giveback-initiative-brand-evolution-and-international-expansion-890683734.html) & [guacmexigrill](https://www.guacmexigrill.ca/)  2026 is a milestone year for [Guac Mexi Grill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guac-on-the-rocks) and the Canadian fast-casual restaurant brand is marking the occasion with a new Protein Cup that exemplifies its commitment to intentional ingredients, bold flavor and mindful eating. The 12-ounce protein meals or snacks are layered with vibrant ingredients like lettuce, corn, mango salsa, and a customer's choice of beans, chicken or steak, and depending on the protein source selected, the house-crafted [Protein Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-cups) provide 10 to 30 grams of protein. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Guac Mexi Grill also launched the 10 Years Bold campaign and partnered with [Food Banks Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rush-bowls-expansion) to help provide a minimum of 50,000 meals to Canadians in need. What's more, 56 Guac Mexi Grill locations across Canada are activating a donate a dollar program to support Food Banks Canada and the country's network of local food banks. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 78% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Custom Protein Cups:** Modular cup-based meals create a flexible format for diners seeking portion-controlled nutrition without sacrificing flavor or convenience. - **Mindful Fast-casual Dining:** Health-forward menu items with transparent protein ranges position fast-casual brands to compete with both meal-prep services and traditional quick-service restaurants. - **Cause-linked Restaurant Campaigns:** Anniversary promotions tied to food security partnerships give restaurant brands a differentiated loyalty narrative that blends community impact with everyday transactions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast-casual Restaurants:** Ingredient customization and compact meal formats expand the category beyond lunch and dinner into high-protein snack occasions. - **Functional Foods:** Protein-focused menu innovation reflects growing demand for accessible nutrition products that fit mainstream eating routines. - **Foodservice Technology:** Digital ordering systems and menu personalization platforms become more valuable as restaurants offer configurable meals with varied proteins, toppings and nutritional profiles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pickle-Forward QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jimmy-johns2.md) - [Value-Focused Seasonal QSR Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/combo-menu.md) - [Protein-Packed Qsr Menu Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-menu.md) - [Health-Focused QSR Breakfast Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breakfast-menus.md) - [House-Made QSR Veggie Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw-plantbased-burger.md) - [Protein-Forward QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-pockets.md) - [Protein-Focused QSR Menu Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-menu-items.md) - [Limited-Time QSR Combo Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jimmy-johns-meal-deal.md) - [Crispy Tex-Mex Chicken Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-crispy-chicken-menu.md)