Is Cava Halal?

Introduction

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. CAVA has become a popular fast-casual restaurant chain across the United States, known for its healthy, Mediterranean-style bowls, wraps, and pitas. With its customizable menu featuring grilled meats, hummus, and flavorful toppings, it’s often compared to Chipotle—but with a Mediterranean twist. However, for Muslims seeking halal dining options, one major question arises: Is CAVA halal? In this article, we’ll explore the halal status of CAVA’s food, their meat sourcing practices, and what you need to know before ordering.

What Does Halal Mean in Restaurants?

For a restaurant to be considered halal, it must meet these basic criteria:

Meats must come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.
No alcohol (ethanol) or haram ingredients should be used in preparation.
There must be no cross-contamination with haram items.
Preferably, the restaurant or its suppliers are certified by a halal authority.

What Kind of Food Does CAVA Serve?

CAVA serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with the following options:

Proteins: Grilled chicken, grilled meatballs, braised lamb, harissa honey chicken, roasted white sweet potato falafel
Bases: Brown rice, saffron basmati rice, greens, pita, and more
Toppings: Hummus, tzatziki, harissa, pickled onions, feta cheese, and various dressings

Is the Meat at CAVA Halal?

🚫 Currently, CAVA is not a halal-certified restaurant.

Here’s what we know:

CAVA does not advertise or claim that their meat is halal.
Customer service representatives and CAVA’s official communication have confirmed that their meats are not sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
There are no halal signs or certifications at any CAVA locations (as of 2025).

This means that although their food might look fresh and clean, Muslim customers should assume the meat is not halal.

Are There Any Halal Options at CAVA?

✅ Yes, vegetarians and vegans have halal-friendly options. If you’re avoiding meat altogether, you can still enjoy a flavorful, halal-friendly meal at CAVA.

Some options include:

Pita with hummus, harissa, and veggies
Lentil tabbouleh bowl
Falafel (confirm ingredients in-store)
Various dips: hummus, red pepper hummus, tzatziki
Salads with tahini or vinaigrette dressings

🛑 Always check for hidden ingredients like wine vinegar or alcohol-based flavoring in dressings.

Are There Any CAVA Locations That Serve Halal Meat?

As of now, CAVA does not offer halal-certified meats at any of its U.S. locations.

However, some local franchises or international offshoots (if they ever expand globally) could potentially adapt to regional halal demand. It’s always a good idea to:

Ask in-store about meat sourcing
Email their customer service
Look for updates on their website

Cross-Contamination Risk

Even if you order a vegetarian bowl, there’s still a risk of cross-contamination if your food is prepared alongside non-halal meats.

To minimize this:

Request staff to change gloves
Ask for fresh utensils
Order during slower hours for better kitchen attention

Summary: Is CAVA Halal or Haram?

Aspect	Status
Halal-certified meat	❌ No
Vegetarian options	✅ Yes
Halal certification	❌ Not certified
Cross-contamination risk	⚠️ Possible

Final Verdict: Can Muslims Eat at CAVA?

If you’re seeking strictly halal meat, then CAVA is not a suitable choice.

However, if you’re comfortable eating vegetarian or vegan halal options, you can still enjoy several delicious meals at CAVA. As always, use your own discretion (taqwa) and consult with knowledgeable scholars if unsure.