Case Study: Lentils Take Center Stage in Luna Grill’s New Medi Macro Bowl

As consumers increasingly seek out better-for-you options, flavor is still the top priority. Luna Grill’s new Medi Macro Bowl bursts with bold Mediterranean flavors with a powerful mix of plant protein and fiber that’s crafted for taste, nutrition, and convenience. Filled with chopped chicken, quinoa lentil salad, hummus, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, tzatziki, and lemon vinaigrette over a bed of lettuce and kale, this bowl delivers the tangy, bright flavors of the Mediterranean.

Luna Grill Mediterranean Kitchen is a modern fast casual restaurant with 55 locations across California, Texas, and Arizona. They are known for serving fresh, flame-grilled Mediterranean dishes made from quality ingredients and handcrafted recipes.

Luna Grill aligns it’s menu with the Mediterranean Diet, ranked #1 diet 8 years in a row¹

Luna Grill’s Chief Culinary Officer Michelle Goncalves says “The Medi Macro Bowl represents the best of the Mediterranean Diet. Our food is built for professional athletes, moms on-the-go, and everyone in-between.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, unlike restrictive diets that focus on a single nutrient or food group, the Mediterranean Diet focuses on ingredient quality and lifestyle. It emphasizes a balance of plant-based foods, including whole grains, beans, nuts, and olive oil as well as modest consumption of lean poultry and seafood².

Goncalves shares, “It must be delicious and made with quality ingredients that are nutrient dense – high protein, fiber, and fresh functional ingredients that fill you up but also contribute to your overall health.”

The bowl’s lentil base soaks up the Mediterranean flavors of the lemon vinaigrette, herbs, tangy tzatziki, aromatic hummus, and briny olives, an excellent complement to the flame-grilled chicken that adds depth to each craveable bite.

“The Medi Macro Bowl has 29 g of protein, 11 g of fiber and whole grains alongside the lentils that provide so much functional value,” Goncalves adds.

Lentils are a natural fit – bringing protein, fiber, and nutrients to every bowl

With lentils being a staple in many Mediterranean dishes, adding them to Luna Grill’s latest bowl concept was a no brainer.

“They not only taste great but deliver a healthy amount of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients,” explains Goncalves.

Goncalves shares, “An immersion tour last year reminded me of how versatile lentils are, and having the opportunity to meet the farmers this past summer gave me a nudge to find an opportunity to add them to the menu.”

She adds, “The bowl received very favorable reviews during testing. We’re seeing a strong, ongoing demand for customizable, higher-protein choices; this bowl aligned perfectly with those preferences.”

Consumer trends show fiber-focused meals will be a top priority in 2026

2026 food trend reports from Datassential and Whole Foods predict high-fiber foods to be something consumers increasingly look for in their meals.

While protein is still a key focus for consumers, fiber is gaining traction due to an increased focus on gut health, widespread use of GLP-1 medications, and 60% of Gen Z consumers indicating interest in high-fiber foods.^3,4

When combined with a whole grain, lentils provide the same quality protein as meat and as much fiber as a bowl of bran flakes. A ½-cup serving of cooked lentils provides about 12 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber.⁵

With 11g of fiber, the Medi Macro bowl at Luna Grill appeals to this consumer need – providing close to half of your daily recommended fiber intake in just one meal.

Goncalves says, “Protein ranks among the top three nutritional priorities in our personalization data each month. Because lentils add meaningful protein while keeping the bowl balanced, it helped validate the decision to launch.”

Luna Grill’s Medi Macro Bowl exemplifies the brand’s commitment to innovation focused on crave-worthy flavor and nutrition using quality ingredients. With consumer trends pointing toward high-fiber, gut-friendly meals, Luna Grill is ahead of the curve, offering a new menu item powered by lentils that satisfies health and nutrition needs packed with exciting Mediterranean tastes.

For more inspiration finding ways lentils can fit your menu, check out our recipe ideas and culinary highlights or reach out to our team for a one-on-one innovation session by contacting info@lentils.org. 

^1,2 Burdeos, Johna. “Best Diets Overall.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News Health, 19 Mar. 2025, https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-diets-overall.

³ Wilson, Caleb. “High Fiber Foods Top 2026 Foodservice Trends Prediction.” Food Business News, 25 Nov. 2025, https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/29408-high-fiber-foods-top-2026-foodservice-trends-prediction

⁴ “The Next Big Things: Our Top 8 Food Trend Predictions for 2026.” Whole Foods Market, https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/trends/the-next-big-things-our-top-8-food-trend-predictions-for-2026.

⁵ “Nutritional Information.” Lentils.org, Pulse Canada, https://www.lentils.org/health-nutrition/nutritional-information/.