Chipotle Added Meat-Free Chorizo To Their Menu, So We Had To Try It
Update, January 4, 2022: It's a new year, which means you can't go far without hearing someone's resolution, goal, or aspiration for 2022. Mine, because I know you're dying to know, is to eat plant-based during the week. But when dining out, especially at fast-food spots, that can complicate things. Luckily, Chipotle has just officially added plant-based chorizo to their menu nationwide. This comes a few months after the chain tested out the vegan option at just two restaurants in Colorado and Indiana. I couldn't be more excited, so I got to ordering.
I opted for a bowl with white rice, fajita veggies, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Before you come at me for adding dairy, I'll be honest and admit that I totally forgot when ordering and mindlessly added those selections. But I can't say I'm upset. I have to allow myself an adjustment period, right?
Anyways, the bowl arrived, and it looked delicious. The whole thing was covered in cheese, but after a little digging, I found the chorizo. It looked, well, quite meaty. It comes in a ground form with a red tinge from all the spices, I imagine. It smelled spicy, too. I dug in, took a bite, and was surprised. It tasted exactly like chorizo, as in if you had told me this was meat, I would have believed you. It was so flavorful with kicks of chili and hints of garlic, tomato, and paprika. 10/10. Now I have another option from Chipotle on top of their Sofritas.
Original Post, August, 19, 2021: Plant-based eaters, rejoice! Chipotle is testing out a new product in a few locations just for you. In two restaurants in Denver, CO, and Indianapolis, IN, a plant-based chorizo will grace menus, so you have another meat-free option of protein.
The recipe was developed in-house and is made from a blend of ancho chili and chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, and extra virgin olive oil. All that is mixed together with a protein from peas—yes, peas. It’s certified vegan, has 20 grams of protein per serving, and is made with no grains, gluten, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
If you want to try it, you do have to make your way to the Denver or Indianapolis Chipotles testing out the product. But to sweeten the deal, the company is offering free delivery to anyone who orders the plant-based chorizo from the app or online between August 19 to August 29.
If Chipotle decides to add this meat-free option to the menu, it will be the second plant-based protein available. In 2014, the company added Sofritas, a blend of shredded tofu, chilies, poblanos, and tons of spices.
Testing out new menu items at a few locations is nothing new to Chipotle. In the past, the brand has tested quinoa at a New York location, a smoked brisket option in Cincinnati, OH and Sacramento, CA, and quesadillas in California.
We can only hope that the plant-based chorizo becomes a permanent protein option at the restaurant, because omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike can enjoy a good meat-free burrito.
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