What varieties of cheese are used at Chipotle?

Since its modest beginnings in a refurbished ice cream shop in 1993, Chipotle has transformed into a fast-casual giant, famed for its Tex-Mex-inspired overstuffed burritos and hearty bowls. Among an array of meat choices, salsa options, and toppings like guacamole, Chipotle’s cheese continues to distinguish itself. The company commits to using 53 ingredients, with Monterey Jack cheese and white cheddar being two essential components.

For burritos, tacos, and bowls, Chipotle opts for shredded Monterey Jack. This semi-hard cheese boasts a creamy texture and subtle flavor, making it a perfect companion to bolder elements like salsa or seasoned meats. Thanks to its high moisture and fat content, Monterey Jack cheese melts effortlessly, whether as a topping or the star of a quesadilla (or the popular Chipotle secret menu quesarito). Originally crafted in California by Mexican Franciscan friars, it has since become an American classic in Tex-Mex cooking.

With a pleasing buttery flavor and creamy melted consistency, there’s no reason not to request extra Monterey Jack cheese with your next Chipotle meal. It’s complimentary through the app, although some patrons have noted additional charges when ordering more cheese in person.

While Chipotle lists white cheddar among its ingredients, it isn’t available as a shredded topping. Instead, this cheddar is solely used to make Chipotle’s queso dip along with the beloved Monterey Jack cheese. Initially criticized for its lumpy texture and unappealing flavor, three recipe revisions led to the popular queso offered today. The foundation of this dip is the two cheeses blended with milk, along with various peppers and spices, resulting in a gooey delight that many customers gladly pay extra for.

White cheddar is essentially what most Americans refer to as cheddar, simply lacking the coloring from annatto that gives traditional cheddar its orange appearance. Known for its tangy and nuanced flavor, white cheddar can stand up to Chipotle’s other robust components, like salsa or guacamole, without being overshadowed. The company employs an aged variant of white cheddar, which imparts a sharper flavor to the queso, perfectly balanced by the creamy Monterey Jack.

When you’re in the mood for queso during your next meal, think about ordering it on the side. Chipotle employees often prefer not to wrap soggy burritos, and queso can frequently be the cause. Ordering it separately helps prevent ending up with a damp tortilla that disintegrates.

Now that you’re familiar with the types of cheese Chipotle utilizes, where does it come from? Chipotle reveals that its Monterey Jack cheese is produced in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and in California by Petaluma Creamery. The company does not disclose the origins of its white cheddar or the source of the milk used, but all of its cheeses come from pasture-raised cows that are not treated with rBST (bovine growth hormones).

All small to medium-sized dairy farms providing Chipotle’s Monterey Jack cheese must comply with the company’s “Food with Integrity” standards. These guidelines prohibit the use of artificial hormones to boost milk production, with antibiotics limited to only treating ill cows. Furthermore, the herds must have continuous access to pastures, fresh water, and clean housing.

This smaller-scale cheese production aligns with Chipotle’s ongoing commitment to sourcing from family-owned farms. Each year, the company offers seed grants to 50 young farmers (under 40 years old), including dairy producers involved in its cheese sourcing.