Vegetarian Burritos at Chipotle: What to Know
Chipotle does not list a specific menu item as a "vegetarian burrito". Customers can create their own by choosing plant-based ingredients. Knowing which ingredients are vegetarian is key to building a good meal.
Core Ingredients
Building a meat-free burrito is easy at Chipotle. The ingredients are mostly plant-based.
- Tortillas: The flour and corn tortillas are vegetarian.
- Rice: Both white and brown rice are vegan.
- Beans: Black and pinto beans are vegan.
- Salsas: All of Chipotle’s salsas are vegan.
- Fajita Veggies: This mix of vegetables is a good option.
- Guacamole: Made with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, and onions, it's a vegan topping. Guacamole is included for free with vegetarian entrées.
Protein Options
Chipotle has protein options for vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Sofritas: This is a soy-based vegan protein. It's made from shredded organic tofu with spices. Sofritas are a good choice for vegetarian burritos.
- Plant-Based Chorizo (Limited Availability): Chipotle sometimes offers plant-based chorizo. It is made with pea protein and spices. It is a good option for flavor.
Customize Your Burrito
Creating the right burrito means combining the right flavors and textures. Here are some options for vegetarians.
- The Classic Veggie Burrito: This is a simple option. Use a flour tortilla and add rice, black beans, fajita veggies, tomato salsa, and guacamole. Sour cream and cheese make it vegetarian but not vegan.
- The Sofritas Burrito: Combine brown rice, pinto beans, sofritas, chili-corn salsa, and lettuce. The tofu provides a center.
- Double Veggie: Order the “veggie” entrée and add extra fajita veggies, rice, and beans. Add your favorite salsas.
Vegetarian vs. Vegan
Knowing the difference between vegetarian and vegan ingredients is important. The key difference is dairy.
| Ingredient | Vegetarian | Vegan |
|---|---|---|
| Tortillas | Yes | Yes |
| Rice (White/Brown) | Yes | Yes |
| Beans (Black/Pinto) | Yes | Yes |
| Sofritas | Yes | Yes |
| Fajita Veggies | Yes | Yes |
| Salsas (all) | Yes | Yes |
| Guacamole | Yes | Yes |
| Cheese | Yes | No |
| Sour Cream | Yes | No |
| Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette | No | No |
| Queso | Yes | No |
Avoiding Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is a risk. Here are some steps to take.
- Ask for a change of gloves: Ask the server to change their gloves and use clean utensils.
- Ask for ingredients from fresh pans: Request ingredients from a fresh pan to reduce contact with meat.
Conclusion
Chipotle offers vegetarian burritos. You can create a satisfying meal. By choosing toppings and communicating with the staff, you can make a custom burrito. The menu is a good choice for vegetarians and vegans.
For more information, visit https://www.chipotle.com/allergens.