Lunch habits are changing across Australia. The era of sad desk salads and mid-afternoon energy crashes is giving way to meals that work harder, keep people satisfied for longer and fit seamlessly into busy schedules.
Now, Soul Origin is leaning into the country’s protein obsession with a simple addition that could quickly become a regular part of the lunch routine for many Australians.
The popular chain has teamed up with Australian soccer star Ellie Carpenter in a long-term partnership, kicking things off with a new offer that allows customers to add an extra 80g of Chicken Schnitzel or Poached Chicken to any salad for just $4.
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Importantly, there is no loyalty program sign-up, app download or member-exclusive catch attached to the deal.
Anyone ordering a salad can take advantage of the extra protein boost.
The move arrives as more Australians actively seek out protein-rich meals to support wellness goals, busy lifestyles and fitness routines.
Customisation has also become increasingly important, with diners wanting the freedom to build meals around their own tastes and nutritional priorities rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all option.
Soul Origin’s answer is refreshingly straightforward: more protein, more choice and a relatively inexpensive way to make lunch work a little harder.
Customers can choose between two options. There is the brand’s signature Chicken Schnitzel, freshly crumbed and packed with flavour, or a serving of tender Poached Chicken for those after something lighter.
Both are served in generous 80g portions designed to transform a standard salad into something far more substantial.
For Carpenter, one of Australia’s biggest sporting stars, the partnership makes perfect sense.
The Matildas defender says fresh, filling food plays an important role in keeping her energised through demanding training schedules and competition.
Her pick from the menu is the Chicken Avocado Salad with an extra serve of Poached Chicken.
Carpenter says she was drawn to the brand’s focus on fresh food that supports active lifestyles without sacrificing flavour, adding that extra protein was an easy choice when it came to staying fuelled throughout the day.
Soul Origin Chief Marketing Officer Petra Orrenius says the launch was driven directly by customer demand.
With more customers requesting additional protein options and greater flexibility in how they customise their meals, the new add-on became an obvious next step for the business.
The partnership with Carpenter also gives the campaign a fitting ambassador, with the athlete representing the kind of active, on-the-go lifestyle many customers are looking to support through better food choices.
Soul Origin has built a loyal following around its chicken offerings, particularly its freshly crumbed schnitzels served alongside locally sourced ingredients and signature breads.
The new add-on allows customers to bring those same flavours to salads that can be tailored to suit individual preferences and appetites.
For anyone who has ever finished lunch only to find themselves rummaging through the office snack drawer an hour later, an extra serving of chicken for $4 could prove surprisingly appealing.
Protein has become one of the most talked-about ingredients on Australian menus; Soul Origin’s latest offering lands at exactly the right time to upgrade your salad.
