What is in Cava supergreens vs splendid greens? A Definitive Guide

At Cava, creating a customizable and healthy bowl starts with selecting your green base. For many, this leads to a key decision: what is in Cava supergreens vs splendid greens? While both offer a healthy foundation, their distinct ingredients and textures make for a very different eating experience.

Quick Summary

Cava's Supergreens feature a heartier, crunchier mix of kale, cabbage, and chicory, while Splendid Greens offer a softer, more delicate blend of romaine, endive, and radicchio. The primary contrast lies in texture, flavor profile, and nutrient density per bite.

Key Points

• Supergreens are heartier: Cava's Supergreens contain robust ingredients like kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, offering a substantial chew.

• Splendid Greens are softer: The Splendid Greens mix is a delicate blend featuring romaine, endive, and radicchio, which provides a crisp yet softer texture.

• Texture is the main difference: The key distinction between the two bases is the feel in your mouth, with Supergreens being chewy and Splendid Greens being crisp.

• Supergreens are more nutrient-dense: Per serving, Supergreens have a slightly higher caloric count and more fiber and protein than the Splendid Greens.

• Flavor profiles differ: Supergreens have a rich, earthy, slightly peppery flavor, while Splendid Greens offer a milder, refreshing taste with a subtle bitter edge.

• Base choice depends on toppings: Use heartier Supergreens for heavier, warm toppings and lighter Splendid Greens for more delicate, fresh toppings.

Breaking Down Cava's Supergreens

Cava's Supergreens blend is a robust, fibrous, and nutrient-dense base designed for those who prefer a heartier salad. It's often chosen for its ability to stand up well to warm toppings and heavier dressings without wilting quickly. This makes it an ideal choice for grain bowls or meals you might want to save for later. The rich, earthy flavor is a hallmark of this blend, providing a distinctive and nutritious foundation for your custom bowl. A blend with this ingredient profile is packed with vitamins and minerals, offering a significant nutritional boost.

Core Ingredients in Supergreens

The specific blend can vary slightly, but according to sources like Cava fans on Reddit and Yelp, the typical ingredients include:

• Kale: A nutritional powerhouse, kale provides a firm texture and slightly peppery taste.
• Brussels Sprouts: Shredded Brussels sprouts add a crunchy, hearty component.
• Cabbage: This cruciferous vegetable lends a robust crunch and a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Chicory: Adds a hint of bitterness that complements the other hearty greens.
• Broccoli: Reportedly part of the raw blend, adding another layer of texture and nutrients.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Based on data from nutrition tracking sites, a serving of Cava Supergreens is around 40 calories and contains 4 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein, a higher nutritional concentration than the Splendid Greens base.

Exploring Cava's Splendid Greens

In contrast, Cava's Splendid Greens offer a more delicate and classic salad experience. This mix is for those who prefer a lighter, softer base with a refreshing, slightly bitter complexity. The ingredients are designed to create a crisp and flavorful foundation that pairs well with lighter dressings and toppings. Splendid Greens is a fantastic option for a straightforward salad or a lighter bowl where you want the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.

Core Ingredients in Splendid Greens

User reports and menu descriptions indicate this blend includes:

• Romaine: The softest and most plentiful green in the mix, providing a classic crunch.
• Escarole: A leafy green with a distinctly bitter flavor that adds depth.
• Chicory Endive: Known for its bitter flavor and crunchy texture.
• Radicchio: Adds a beautiful purple hue and a spicy, bitter taste to the blend.
• Belgian Endive: Another crisp and mildly bitter green.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

A serving of Splendid Greens contains fewer calories, carbs, and protein than Supergreens, typically coming in at around 10-15 calories per serving. This is consistent with a lighter, more classic lettuce blend.

Comparison Table: Supergreens vs. Splendid Greens

Feature	Cava Supergreens	Cava Splendid Greens
Primary Ingredients	Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chicory, Broccoli	Romaine, Escarole, Chicory Endive, Radicchio, Belgian Endive
Texture	Hearty, chewy, and robust crunch	Softer, delicate, and crisp
Flavor Profile	Earthy, rich, and slightly peppery with a hint of bitterness	Mild with refreshing, slightly bitter and spicy notes
Best For	Heavy, warm bowls; meals that need a sturdy base	Lighter salads; when you want topping flavors to be prominent
Caloric Density	Higher per serving (approx. 40 calories)	Lower per serving (approx. 10-15 calories)
Nutritional Focus	Fiber and cruciferous vegetable nutrients	Hydration and refreshing flavor

Choosing the Right Greens for Your Cava Bowl

Selecting the best greens for your meal comes down to personal preference for texture and flavor. If you're building a warm bowl with heavy proteins like steak, chicken, or lentils, Supergreens are an excellent choice. The hearty, chewy texture complements these toppings and adds substance. For a light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette and fresh vegetables, Splendid Greens provides a crisp, subtle foundation that won't overshadow the other ingredients. You can also opt for a half-and-half bowl to get the best of both worlds, mixing a sturdy base with a more delicate one.

Cava's Other Base Options

In addition to Supergreens and Splendid Greens, Cava offers other bases to customize your bowl further. These include baby spinach, romaine, and saffron basmati rice. Many customers also choose a 'Greens + Grains' option, which layers greens on top of a warm grain, providing a diverse texture and nutritional profile. A mixed base can create a truly unique flavor and texture experience.

Conclusion

Both Cava's Supergreens and Splendid Greens are excellent, nutritious choices for the foundation of your meal. The core difference lies in their ingredients, which dictate the final texture and flavor. Supergreens is a hearty, earthy, and nutrient-dense blend of kale, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables, perfect for a robust meal. Splendid Greens is a softer, more delicate mix of romaine, endives, and radicchio, suited for lighter, refreshing salads. Understanding the distinct characteristics of what is in Cava supergreens vs splendid greens allows you to make an informed choice that perfectly complements the other delicious ingredients in your customized bowl. You can explore the full menu and ingredient details on the official Cava website for more information on the other customizable bases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Cava greens option is healthier?

Both Supergreens and Splendid Greens are healthy, but Supergreens offer slightly more nutrients per serving, including higher fiber and protein, due to their denser vegetable content. The best choice depends on your overall meal composition and preference.

Which greens at Cava have more calories?

Cava's Supergreens base contains slightly more calories than the Splendid Greens base. A standard serving of Supergreens is around 40 calories, while Splendid Greens are closer to 10-15 calories.

Can I mix Supergreens and Splendid Greens at Cava?

Yes, many Cava customers opt for a 'half and half' base, combining Supergreens and Splendid Greens. This allows you to experience a mix of textures and flavors in one bowl.

Which greens are better for a warm bowl with protein?

Supergreens are generally a better choice for a warm bowl. Their hearty, robust texture holds up well to warm ingredients like chicken or lentils and heavy dressings without getting soggy.

What is the texture of Splendid Greens?

The texture of Splendid Greens is described as softer and more delicate than Supergreens. It provides a classic, crisp salad feel and is ideal for lighter bowls.

What kind of flavor do Supergreens have?

Cava's Supergreens have a rich, earthy flavor profile with notes of pepper and a pleasant bitterness from the chicory and kale. It is a more robust taste than the Splendid Greens.

Are Cava's Splendid Greens bitter?

Splendid Greens do contain ingredients like radicchio, chicory, and escarole, which contribute a subtle and refreshing bitterness. This balances the milder flavors of the romaine.

Which greens are best for a classic salad?

For a classic salad with a lighter vinaigrette and fresh toppings, Splendid Greens is the better choice. Its delicate, crisp texture and mild flavor profile provide a perfect base.