Chipotle's Secret Kids' Menu Can Save You Cash and Calories
If you can't seem to walk out of Chipotle without spending $15 and licking the bottom of your burrito bowl - despite knowing that one entree can easily contain a day's worth of calories - you're not alone.
But a smarter approach to ordering can save you money and calories without sacrificing your extra guac or mustering up more self-control: A Business Insider tip notes that Chipotle's kids' menu is available to eaters of all ages and serves substantial but more reasonably sized portions for less than $5 (for some menu items in some markets).
Here's how it works: Order a Kids' Build Your Own, and choose between either two tacos (tortilla of your choice) or a small quesadilla. Each comes with one protein or guacamole, plus two additional toppings like rice and beans, or cheese and fajita veggies. It also comes with a drink and a side of chips or fruit. In New York City, the quesadilla starts at $4.60, and the taco option costs $5.75.
Just ordering two individual tacos off the regular menu would cost $5.98. Add chips and a drink and you're looking at a bill of $9.20. Going with the kids' menu taco combo, you'd save at least $2.07 - or even more if you typically order three tacos. As you can see, the kids' plate still contains plenty of food:
Granted, the complimentary kids' size side of chips is noticeably smaller than a typical chip bag, which costs $1.38, but the little guy is so freakin' cute that it's hard to care. That it contains 425 fewer calories than the big bags is just another bonus.
So long as you don't mind assembling your own wrap, you can also use the kids' menu to save cash on your burrito. Instead of ordering a regular burrito ($8.27), get the kids' Build Your Own with flour tortillas (you'll get two small ones for 170 calories, which is 130 fewer calories than a standard-sized wrap). Even if you add guac for an extra for $2.30, the kids' meal will be cheaper ($8.05) and hook you up with free chips and a drink.
Alternatively, if you want to spend even less and need a solid snack, you can order an off-the-menu kids' quesadilla ($1.61) without any extras. It's not just the better choice when it comes to price (a regular quesadilla costs $4.14) and calories (400 calories versus 185). The kids' quesadilla also has 500 fewer milligrams of sodium than a regular quesadilla, which has 880 - and that's a lot for one meal, considering the FDA recommends capping sodium intake at 2,300 milligrams per day.
In summary, here are six times you should order off the kids' menu:
1. When you're only ordering three toppings. The kids' items include three.
2. When you're in the mood for chips with a variety of dips. Order hard taco shells and guac as your main with salsa and black beans or sour cream on the side. Your meal comes with chips, and you can break and dip the shells too.
3. When you want a quesadilla that's slightly smaller than the size of your head. Get one or two mini ones.
4. When you could really go for a few chips with your meal. Instead of getting a full meal and a massive bag of chips (which contains four servings, FWIW), just get a kids' meal, which comes with a single-sized serving of chips.
5. When you want your Chipotle now but also want a snack for later. Get a kids' meal with a piece of fruit on the side.
6. When you want to spend less than $5 on lunch. Order a kids' quesadilla ($1.61) and eat it with guacamole ($2.30) and free hot sauce. At 415 calories, it serves up 10 grams of protein and enough fat to satisfy you for a while.
So there you have it: Less money, free chips, and more reasonably sized servings - all of which calls for a celebratory margarita.
