As people across the U.S. ease into 2026 with fresh goals and new routines, DoorDash is unveiling its list of 26 Healthy Eats for 2026* – a roundup of 26 small and medium sized restaurants that make eating well easy, delicious, and convenient.
This year, one theme stands out: protein is leading the healthy-eating conversation. With more diners prioritizing meals that keep them full and fueled, protein-forward dishes are having a major moment. According to DoorDash data, orders of protein shakes grew 93% year-over-year**, underscoring how many customers are seeking food choices that support their daily routines and long-term wellness goals. Although DoorDash data does not confirm a direct connection, the rise of weight-loss medications may be one factor behind the increased focus on protein.
While “healthy” looks different for everyone, many customers are gravitating toward meals built around whole ingredients and strong nutritional building blocks – from vibrant grain bowls and hearty salads, to detoxifying açai bowls and nutrient-packed smoothies. Across all definitions, customers are increasingly turning to local restaurants that make healthy eating both wholesome and delicious.
The list, pulled from DoorDash data, includes small-medium sized restaurants and brands across the country with the highest average customer ratings, at least 500 reviews, and less than 10 stores on DoorDash.
“Eating well shouldn’t mean giving up the flavors you love,” said Ruth Isenstadt, Head of U.S. Restaurants at DoorDash. “These restaurants show how local entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they are with meals that are fresh, satisfying, and designed for real life — whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between meetings or easing into healthier habits in the new year. We’re proud to help shine a spotlight on the small businesses behind these big trends.”
From West Coast superfood bowls to Southern salads and Midwest wraps, these 26 restaurants reflect the growing appetite for convenient, better-for-you meals, and the creativity of local chefs shaping what healthy eating looks like today.
In alphabetical order, the list includes:
Acai Joint (Los Angeles, CA) – LA-favorite spot for superfood açaí bowls, smoothies, and healthy snacks loaded with fresh fruit, seeds, and house-made toppings.
Acai R (San Francisco, CA) – Beloved for its colorful açaí bowls crowned with fresh fruit, granola, and nut butters, plus smoothie blends that feel as good as they taste.
Agape Pitas Salads & Bowls (Columbus, OH) – Mediterranean-inspired pitas, salads, and bowls built around lean proteins, bright veggies, and bold, feel-good flavors.
Alfalfa (Hoboken, NJ) – A modern salad and wrap shop known for crisp greens, inventive toppings, and better-for-you twists on comfort classics.
Brick City Vegan (Newark, NJ) – A plant-based spot serving bold, flavor-packed comfort classics and vibrant bowls that bring fresh vegan energy to New Jersey.
Empower Nutrition (Kenvil, NJ) – Protein shakes, energizing teas, and on-the-go healthy bites designed to refuel busy days without slowing you down.
Farmside Kitchen (Raleigh, NC) – Farm-inspired grain bowls and salads featuring seasonal produce, hearty grains, and clean proteins sourced with care.
Fresh Fuel (Hayward, CA) – Wholesome bowls, wraps, and snacks that make it easy to power through the day with fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition.
FUELD Stir Fry and Salads (East Lansing, MI) – A customizable spot for fresh stir-fries and crisp salads crafted to keep East Lansing fueled with fast, flavorful, better-for-you bowls.
Green District Salads (Cincinnati, OH) – Big, bold salads and grain bowls piled high with crunchy veggies, premium proteins, and house-made dressings.
Greens and Grains (Shrewsbury, NJ) – Plant-forward salads, grain bowls, and warm plates that put veggies, legumes, and whole grains at the center of the plate.
In The Pink (Providence, RI) – A bright, cheerful café serving smoothie bowls, juices, and light bites that keep wellness and flavor in perfect balance.
JUUUICE JUICERY (Binghamton, NY) – Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness shots packed with fruits, veggies, and superfoods for a clean, refreshing boost.
Lanas Healthy Bistro & Juice Bar (San Juan, PR) – Fresh juices, power bowls, and light, wholesome plates that bring a tropical twist to clean eating.
Mary’s Salads (San Diego, CA) – Build-your-own and signature salads featuring crisp greens, colorful veggies, and protein add-ons for a satisfying, sunny-day meal.
Moberi (Portland, OR) – A neighborhood favorite for smoothie bowls, oatmeal, and superfood-packed drinks that fit right into an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Naturewell Juice (Los Angeles, CA) – A wellness staple pouring vibrant juices, smoothies, and wellness shots made with fresh produce and superfood boosters.
Palm Berries (Charlotte, NC) – Açaí and smoothie bowls layered with fresh fruit, granola, and nutrient-dense toppings for a dessert-like, feel-good treat.
Playa Bowls (Wilmington, DE) – Beach-inspired açaí, pitaya, and coconut bowls topped with fruit, nut butters, and crunchy granola for a vacation-in-a-bowl vibe.
Protein Lab (Orange County, CA) – Performance-focused shakes, bowls, and wraps crafted around high-quality protein, fresh produce, and functional add-ins.
Terra Superfoods (Monterey, CA) – Superfood-forward smoothies, bowls, and snacks featuring nutrient-dense ingredients and coastal California produce.
The Greenery (Sayville, NY) – Fresh salads, bowls, and light plates that spotlight crisp veggies, thoughtful toppings, and bright, house-made dressings.
The Protein Foundry (Salt Lake City, UT) – High-protein waffles, bowls, and smoothies that feel indulgent but are engineered to fuel workouts and busy days.
Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice (Newport Beach, CA) – Organic, plant-based eats, cold-pressed juices, and wellness lattes served in a feel-good, California-cool style.
Vinaigrette Salad Kitchen (Louisville, KY) – Chef-crafted salads, soups, and grain bowls that feature hearty greens, local ingredients, and signature vinaigrettes.
World Wrapps (Palo Alto, CA) – Global-inspired wraps, bowls, and lettuce cups that pack in fresh veggies, lean proteins, and bold, internationally inspired flavors.
Whether it’s a protein-packed bowl for a post-workout boost, or a wholesome dinner delivered on a busy weeknight, these restaurants show that healthy food travels well, and that great flavor is often just a few taps away. As DoorDash connects customers with meals that fit their routines, every order supports the local businesses behind these feel-good dishes, celebrates regional food culture, and strengthens the communities we serve.
*The list of 26 Healthy Eats for 2026 was generated by analyzing DoorDash data from January 2025 to December 2025. All small-medium sized restaurants and brands with the highest average overall customer rating, at least 500 reviews, and less than 10 stores, qualified for this list.
** According to DoorDash order data from November 2024 to November 2025.
