Chipotle Adds Another Vegan “Meat” Option to Its Menu

After being tested in select markets, Plant-Based Chorizo is finally here for all to try.

January 04, 2022
Related To:

Photo by: Photo courtesy of Chipotle

Photo courtesy of Chipotle

Chipotle doesn’t expand their menu all that often, so when a change happens, it’s going to get noticed.

While recent changes have been rather meaty, from brisket to carne asada, the latest is sure to appeal to vegetarians and vegans. Chipotle has launched plant-based chorizo nationwide for a limited time at participating locations. The new vegan spin on chorizo is made with ingredients like chipotle peppers, tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil, which are all flavors commonly associated with spicy chorizo sausage. However, in this spin, it’s made with natural protein from peas. This certified vegan menu item has 16 grams of protein per each four-ounce serving.

“We are thrilled to introduce guests to our new, flavor-packed Plant-Based Chorizo during a season when healthier options are top of mind,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer, Chipotle, in a statement to media. “Plant-Based Chorizo is our best chorizo ever and proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a vegan or vegetarian protein.”

As we usher in the new year, many of us are trying to make more health and environmentally conscious eating choices. With this in mind, there’s also three new Lifestyle Bowls being launched in conjunction with the new plant-based chorizo. These bowls include the Whole30 Salad Bowl, which is made with supergreens lettuce blend, plant-based chorizo, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies and guacamole, as well as the Vegetarian Bowl, which is made with supergreens lettuce blend, pinto beans, plant-based chorizo, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies and cheese. Finally, there’s the Vegan Bowl, which is made with white rice, black beans, plant-based chorizo, corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, and shredded romaine lettuce.

The new plant-based chorizo was launched nationwide after a test-run in select regional locations and is the second plant-based protein option to be given a shot on the Chipotle menu, following the popular sofritas, which debuted in 2014. But this chain has never been shy about having fun with the vegan options on their menu. Last year, they even promoted a vegan burrito inspired by Miley Cyrus!

Related Content:

Next Up

At Last, KFC Is Bringing Plant-Based Fried Chicken to Its Menus Nationwide

The chain’s Beyond Fried Chicken is coming January 10.

I Tried the New Beyond Meat Vegan Chicken Tenders – And I Couldn’t Taste the Difference

The plant-based chicken is launching at restaurants nationwide.

Hidden Valley Releases Vegan Ranch

The dressing is dairy- and gluten-free.

The Plant-Based Food Trends We Expect to See in 2021

It's not about giving up meat completely.

The 6 Nutrients Vegetarian and Vegan Diets May Be Missing

If you follow a meatless diet, make sure you're getting enough of these six key nutrients.

Nutrients A Vegetarian Should Worry About

We’ll walk through the basic types of vegetarianism and fill you in on which nutrients those with a meat-free diet need to pay special attention to.

The Veggie Table: Foods That Sound Vegan, But Really Aren't

Foods that sound like they be meat and dairy free, like vegetable soup or non-dairy creamer often contain ingredients you're not expecting. Be sure to check labels and ask your server at restaurants what foods contain, especially for the foods on this list.

The Veggie Table: Favorite Vegan and Vegetarian Smartphone Apps

A round-up of the best smartphone apps for finding vegan and vegetarian recipes and restaurants.

Famous Vegans and Vegetarians

Mike Tyson, Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Clinton and Pam Anderson have all sworn off meat in their diets.