If you're on a gluten-free diet, you're in for a treat. Chipotle, a popular Mexican grill, offers a ton of options that cater to your dietary needs. Their menu is filled with delicious, wholesome meals that will definitely satisfy your cravings.
Chipotle is committed to providing quality food while considering various dietary restrictions, and they've done a great job making sure their gluten-free customers are not left out.
If you’re interested to learn all there is to the Chipotle gluten free menu, keep reading this article. I’ll share all their current GF items and also answer your most frequently asked questions.
History of Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, commonly known as Chipotle, is a popular fast-food chain that has made a name for itself thanks to its unique approach to Mexican cuisine.
Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, a classically trained chef, Chipotle started as a small burrito shop in Denver, Colorado. The goal was simple: to serve food that was both fast and fresh without compromising on quality or nutrition.
Ells was inspired by the traditional taquerias he had visited in San Francisco, which led him to create a menu that offered a variety of customizable meals, including burritos, tacos, and bowls.
The concept was a hit, and Chipotle quickly gained a loyal following. Today, it has grown to over 3,400 locations worldwide, serving millions of customers each year.
Is Chipotle Gluten Free?
Absolutely! One of the reasons Chipotle has gained such a massive following among the health-conscious and food allergy communities is due to its commitment to providing gluten-free options.
The majority of their menu items are naturally gluten-free, which is a breath of fresh air for those of us who are used to having to scrutinize every ingredient and menu item.
Chipotle's gluten-free options are not limited to just salads or bowls, which is often the case in many other restaurants. You can enjoy their delicious meats, beans, rice, and even their famous guacamole without worrying about gluten.
However, it's important to note that the flour tortillas used for their burritos and soft tacos do contain gluten.
So, if you're craving a burrito, opt for a burrito bowl instead, which is simply a burrito without the tortilla. You'll get all the flavor, without the gluten. As always, it's important to inform the staff about your dietary needs, so they can take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Here’s Chipotle’s allergen statement straight from their website:
“If you avoid gluten, don't eat our flour tortillas. If you are highly sensitive to gluten and would like us to change our gloves, just let us know at the start of your order. You should be aware items containing corn, including corn tortillas (chips and crispy corn tortillas) and corn salsa, may have trace amounts of gluten from potentially co-mingling with gluten-containing grains in the field.”
Current Chipotle Gluten-Free Menu (2024)
Gluten-Free Meat Options
All of the meat at Chipotle is gluten-free, including beef, chicken, pork, and meat substitutes! Here’s the complete list of gluten-free meat options:
- Barbacoa beef
- Steak
- Carnitas
- Chicken
- Sofritas
Gluten-Free Toppings
Chipotle has a ton of gluten-free topping options too! All these fresh ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Here’s the full list:
- Black beans
- Brown rice
- White rice
- Fajita vegetables
- Fresh tomato salsa
- Guacamole
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Pinto beans
- Queso blanco
- Roasted chili-corn salsa
- Romaine lettuce
- Sour cream
- Tomatillo green-chili salsa
- Supergreens lettuce blend
- Tomatillo red-chili salsa
- Chipotle honey vinaigrette
Gluten-Free Sides
The sides at Chipotle are gluten-free too. Here’s the complete list:
- Black beans
- Brown rice
- Fajita veggies
- White rice
- Pinto beans
- Guacamole
- Queso blanco
- Tortilla chips
What's Not Gluten Free at Chipotle?
While Chipotle offers a wide range of gluten-free options, there are a few items on the menu that are not gluten-free. It's important to be aware of these, especially if you're sensitive to gluten or have been diagnosed with celiac disease.
Flour Tortillas: First on the list is the Flour Tortillas. Used in their burritos and soft tacos, these tortillas are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten.
Corn Tortillas: According to Chipotle’s official allergen statement, items containing corn, including corn tortillas (chips and crispy corn tortillas) and corn salsa, may have trace amounts of gluten from potentially co-mingling with gluten-containing grains in the field. So it’s best to avoid them as well if you’re highly sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chipotle have a gluten-free menu?
Are Chipotle's tortilla chips gluten-free?
Is the guacamole at Chipotle gluten-free?
Can I get a gluten-free burrito at Chipotle?
How does Chipotle prevent cross-contamination?
Can You Eat at Chipotle as a Celiac?
Is Chipotle Queso Gluten-Free?
Is Chipotle Rice Gluten-Free?
Tips For Placing a Gluten-Free Order at Chipotle
Enjoy the delicious flavors of Chipotle without the worry of gluten by following these simple tips:
- Communicate Your Needs: The first step to placing a gluten-free order at Chipotle is to communicate your dietary needs to the staff. They are trained to handle such requests and can guide you on the best options available.
- Understand the Menu: Knowing what is and isn't gluten-free on the Chipotle menu is key. As I've discussed in the previous sections, most of their offerings are gluten-free. However, it's important to remember that their soft flour tortillas do contain gluten.
- Opt for a Bowl or Salad: A safe bet when ordering gluten-free at Chipotle is to opt for a bowl or salad. You can load these up with your choice of gluten-free meats, toppings, and sides.
- Ask for Fresh Utensils: Cross-contamination is a real concern when it comes to gluten-free dining. To minimize this risk, ask the staff to use fresh utensils when preparing your meal.
- Double-Check Your Order: Before you dig in, double-check your order to ensure everything is as per your request. If you're not sure about a particular item, don't hesitate to ask.
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