How Many Carbs Are In A Burrito From Chipotle?

According to nutrition tracking site Fitia, a standard Chipotle burrito contains approximately 116 grams of total carbohydrates. This total can vary dramatically depending on your choice of fillings, making customization key to managing your carb intake.

Quick Summary

This article explores the total carbohydrate content of a typical Chipotle burrito and provides a detailed breakdown of how each ingredient contributes to the final count. It also offers strategies for reducing carbs by making smart ingredient swaps, such as opting for a bowl or choosing specific low-carb toppings.

Key Points

• High carb count: A typical Chipotle burrito can contain over 100 grams of total carbohydrates, primarily from the large flour tortilla, rice, and beans.

• Tortilla is the biggest factor: The large flour tortilla is a major source of carbohydrates, contributing nearly 90 grams to the total count.

• Customize for low-carb: Opting for a burrito bowl instead of a burrito is the easiest way to significantly reduce the carb load.

• Smart swaps matter: Swapping rice for extra lettuce or fajita vegetables further decreases carb intake.

• Toppings selection is key: Choose low-carb toppings like guacamole, cheese, and sour cream, and be mindful of higher-carb salsas like the Roasted Chili-Corn.

• Protein is carb-friendly: Most meat proteins like chicken, steak, and carnitas contain zero carbohydrates.

• Flexibility for diet goals: With customization, Chipotle offers a variety of options suitable for different dietary needs, including low-carb and keto diets.

Decoding the Carb Count: A Detailed Look at Chipotle Burritos

The allure of a freshly rolled Chipotle burrito is undeniable. However, for those watching their carbohydrate intake, the question of exactly how many carbs are in a burrito from Chipotle is crucial. The total can be surprisingly high, driven primarily by the large flour tortilla and the generous scoop of rice. While a standard order can pack over 100 grams of carbs, understanding the contribution of each ingredient empowers you to build a burrito that better fits your dietary goals.

The Major Carb Culprits

When building a Chipotle burrito, the largest sources of carbohydrates are the tortilla, rice, and beans. A single flour tortilla alone can contain nearly a third of the total carbs in an average burrito order. Meanwhile, both white and brown rice are significant contributors, adding a substantial amount of carbs. While pinto and black beans offer valuable fiber and protein, they also add to the overall carb load. For low-carb eaters, understanding these primary sources is the first step toward building a better meal.

Customizing Your Burrito to Manage Carbs

One of the greatest strengths of Chipotle is its customizable menu. By being mindful of your ingredient choices, you can significantly reduce the carb content without sacrificing flavor. A burrito bowl is the most direct way to eliminate the biggest carb source, the flour tortilla. From there, you can further tailor your meal by adjusting your choices of rice, beans, and toppings.

Rice Alternatives: Skipping the rice altogether is an easy way to slash carbs. For those who still want a starchy base, consider half-portions or asking for extra lettuce to fill the void.

Meat & Protein: Protein sources like grilled chicken and steak have very few carbs and are great additions to a low-carb order. Even the plant-based Sofritas are relatively low in carbs.

Toppings: While most salsas are low-carb, the Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa contains a significant amount of sugar and carbs. Stick with fresh tomato salsa or tomatillo-based options. Pile on the guacamole, cheese, and sour cream, as these add flavor and healthy fats with minimal carbs.

Component-by-Component Carbohydrate Comparison

To put the carb content into perspective, here is a comparison of common burrito ingredients and their approximate carbohydrate contribution. It is important to note that serving sizes can vary, so this is an estimate to help guide your choices.

Ingredient (Approximate Serving)	Total Carbs (g)	Net Carbs (g)	Impact on Carb Count
Flour Tortilla (1)	90	~90	High
Cilantro-Lime White Rice (4 oz)	41	40	High
Cilantro-Lime Brown Rice (4 oz)	39	36	High
Black Beans (4 oz)	26	16	Moderate
Pinto Beans (4 oz)	27	17	Moderate
Steak (4 oz)	0	0	None
Chicken (4 oz)	0	0	None
Fajita Veggies	7	5	Low
Fresh Tomato Salsa (4 oz)	4	3	Low
Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa (4 oz)	16	14	Moderate
Guacamole (4 oz)	9	4	Low
Sour Cream (2 oz)	2	2	Low
Monterey Jack Cheese (1 oz)	1	1	Low

Building a Low-Carb Chipotle Meal

For those on a keto or low-carb diet, a burrito bowl is the most strategic choice. Start with a protein base of chicken, steak, or carnitas. Add plenty of lettuce and fajita vegetables. For flavor and healthy fats, load up on guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. Top it all off with a low-carb salsa like the Fresh Tomato or Tomatillo-Green Chili. This approach lets you enjoy the bold flavors of Chipotle without the excessive carbohydrates. You can review all official nutritional information on Chipotle's official website.

The Final Word on Chipotle and Carbs

Ultimately, the number of carbs in a Chipotle burrito is not a fixed number but a customizable range determined by your selections. A traditional burrito with rice and beans can contain well over 100 grams of total carbohydrates, driven mainly by the large tortilla and starchy fillers. For those monitoring their carb intake, the key is to prioritize protein and vegetables while scaling back or eliminating the rice, beans, and tortilla. Making simple swaps like choosing a burrito bowl and limiting high-carb salsas allows you to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that aligns with your dietary needs.

Conclusion

The total carbohydrate count in a Chipotle burrito is heavily dependent on the ingredients chosen. A typical burrito with rice and beans can easily exceed 100 grams of carbohydrates, with the flour tortilla being a primary contributor. For carb-conscious diners, opting for a burrito bowl, focusing on protein and vegetables, and choosing low-carb toppings like guacamole and cheese can drastically reduce the carb load. This flexibility makes Chipotle a viable fast-food option for those following various dietary plans, provided they make informed decisions at the counter.

References

1. Nutritionix. Calories in Chipotle Burrito. https://www.nutritionix.com/i/nutritionix/chipotle-burrito-1-burrito/55eee9a628c0f42854ac0f42
2. Chipotle. Nutrition Calculator. https://www.chipotle.com/nutrition-calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest source of carbs in a Chipotle burrito?

The biggest source of carbohydrates in a Chipotle burrito is the large flour tortilla, which alone can contain around 90 grams of carbs. Rice is another major contributor.

How can I make my Chipotle burrito low-carb?

To make your order low-carb, opt for a burrito bowl instead of a tortilla. Fill it with protein (like chicken or steak), lettuce, fajita veggies, cheese, sour cream, and a low-carb salsa, while skipping the rice and beans.

How many carbs are in Chipotle's rice?

Both white and brown cilantro-lime rice at Chipotle contribute significantly to the total carb count, with a standard serving containing approximately 40-41 grams of total carbohydrates.

Are beans at Chipotle high in carbs?

Yes, both black and pinto beans at Chipotle add to the total carb count. A typical serving of either contains around 26-27 grams of total carbs, though they also provide beneficial fiber.

Is guacamole a good low-carb topping at Chipotle?

Yes, guacamole is an excellent low-carb topping. It provides healthy fats and flavor with only a small number of net carbohydrates.

Which salsa should I choose for a low-carb burrito?

For a lower-carb option, choose the fresh tomato or tomatillo-green chili salsa. You should avoid the Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, as it contains a higher amount of carbs and sugar.

Can I eat at Chipotle on a keto diet?

Yes, you can eat at Chipotle on a keto diet by ordering a burrito bowl and avoiding the high-carb ingredients like the tortilla, rice, beans, and certain salsas. Focus on a base of protein, lettuce, fajita veggies, cheese, and guacamole.

How do the carbs in a burrito bowl compare to a burrito?

A burrito bowl has significantly fewer carbs than a burrito since it eliminates the largest source of carbs: the 90-gram flour tortilla.