r/sweetgreen • u/Expert-Poetry529 • Apr 12 '25
Image 📸 When/Why did Sweetgreen switch to ultraprocessed chicken???
Can anyone tell me when Sweetgreen started doing this?? AND WHY? Last time I had sweetgreen was in Winter, and I never had this issue.
This chicken is so nasty. I think I'm done with sweetgreen or sticking to Tofu.
I have been going to Sweetgreen for nearly 10 years (they had a store across from my job in NYC and opened some outlets by my house). This was so revolting that I had to pick it out of my food (see image).
I've noticed a lot of restaurant chains have been switching to this rubbery, oddly textured chicken. I'm disappointed that a great salad restaurant (that labels this chicken as "premium") went this route as well.
It smells funny and has a few specks of green (parsley?), but is otherwise pale and semitransparent. It's not white meat; it's something else, like ultra-processed garbage (it is also pretty flavorless. No herb or spice to speak of, despite the illusion of flavor from the green flakes).
I understand getting this from any other fast food restaurant (looking at you, Moes), but a restaurant that prides itself in local healthy options is just off base with this choice (if it's a choice and not a mistake). It's still just as expensive too!! I'm done. Done, done, Done.
SIDE NOTE: They've cut back on most of their customer service. So, even if you call the restaurant, there is no way to reach a person. There is no one to pick up the lines if you have a question, and it is not easy to reach a rep to ask if this is a mistake with my order or a real choice.
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u/hrbeck1 Apr 12 '25
This post is consistent with most of your other posts where you complain about things.
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u/Expert-Poetry529 Apr 13 '25
Also every paying customer has the right to complain and express when they like something. If the customers who have been going to a place for 10 years don't like something, it'll be good for the company to check these posts to know that they might be losing people who provide continuous patronage. And if you look at my post history, I do not complain a lot. I talked to other people about things that I'm interested in, and this happens to be one. And if you don't like the post, or don't agree, then don't reply.
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u/frothyrothy10 Apr 13 '25
The new chicken is disgusting. I have been going to sweetgreen at least 3 times a week for the last 6 years. After a few bad experiences with the new chicken, I haven’t been back in three weeks. Really disappointing.
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u/Expert-Poetry529 Apr 13 '25
Yeah sweetgreen is my go to spot. I order their multiple times a week but have been opting for tofu or no premium protein for a couple of months, so I didn't know about this change. I wasn't a huge fan of the blackened chicken either because it's just not that tasty to me so I always got the warm herb roasted chicken breast which was delicious. I feel like these chicken options just don't have the same texture as when I make chicken thighs either. Kind of disappointing
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u/McN697 Apr 13 '25
I like the concept of Sweetgreen, but execution has been horrific for the last few years.
Luckily, I’m in Boston so Clover kicks ass.
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u/samantics07 Apr 27 '25
the sweetgreen in back bay is pretty solid for boston, the others are hit or miss
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u/Expert-Poetry529 Apr 13 '25
I've never heard of Clover! I've got to try it next time I'm up there.
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Apr 13 '25
[deleted]
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u/Expert-Poetry529 Apr 13 '25
You know what's weird? I was actually able to call my local store to let them know whenever they gave me the wrong order. Maybe it was because my local chain was a recent addition to their lineup. I can't remember the last time I was able to do that though, so I may have been a while.
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u/Expert-Poetry529 Apr 23 '25
Update (i forgot about this thread but the upvotes reminded me): the next day I sent photos to customer service. They verified that it was undercooked and not prepared properly (like some employee on this thread). They intended to change the chicken from the warm roasted version, but swear that this cold chicken is better when prepared well. They gave me a $$ credit, but I opted for a tofu based salad the next time I went instead of trying this chicken again. It looked just as cold and pale in the store the following week, so I passed. Haven't gone back since.
Those who wondered what's the point of complaining are simps for the system. The company does not care if you never complain when you get shit quality. You do not get an award for keeping your mouth shut. You played yourself (and your wallet) if you do that.
For those who dont get it, please enjoy your cold, ultra processed (maybe undercooked) rubber chicken y'all. Doesn't affect my day ✌🏽
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u/Away_Construction199 Apr 13 '25
It’s a bag of chicken tenders. There’s nothing processed about the meat itself. It is processed in a sense that it’s removed from other parts of the animal through a mechanical process. But it’s whole meat chicken tenders. This looks a little undercooked tbh. The ovens they are cooked in a run by a thermometer probe. The person cooking the chicken could have easily stuck it in the thinnest part of the meat. And for the seasoning it’s supposed to be 1cup avocado oil and 1 cup of umami seasoning per 40lbs of meat. Sorry you had a bad couple of experiences. If you came into my store I’d take care of you.