Chipotle offers a variety of vegan choices, but you may be curious whether their beans are vegan. This question arises often as many Mexican restaurants prepare their beans with non-vegetarian substances, such as lard or chicken broth. Fortunately, those who refrain from animal products can enjoy Chipotle’s beans, which are completely vegan.
However, this wasn’t always true. In 2011, long-time Chipotle patron Seth Porges discovered that the chain’s pinto beans were cooked with bacon, a detail that was not disclosed on the menu. Given his religious aversion to pork, Porges was both shocked and appalled, subsequently expressing his concerns on social media. To mitigate a potential public relations crisis, the company quickly addressed the issue—initially posting signs in their restaurants to inform customers of the bacon content in the pinto beans. Within two years, Chipotle decided to eliminate pork from their beans completely. A spokesperson stated, “We are phasing in a new bacon-less pinto bean recipe […] we simply didn’t think the bacon added anything and, by removing it, we make the pinto beans vegetarian” (via Consumerist).
Currently, both pinto and black beans at Chipotle are free from pork. They are prepared using similar ingredients, creating a flavorful mix that includes bay leaf, black pepper, chipotle chili, cumin, garlic, lemon juice, lime juice, onion, oregano, rice bran oil, and salt.
Discover all the vegan choices you can order at Chipotle.
Chipotle’s black beans are crafted from five distinct varieties, including Condor and Black Magic beans, contributing to their subtly complex flavor profile. The beige pinto beans are equally scrumptious, possessing a smoky richness that complements a wide range of other ingredients available for your meal assembly. If you’re uncertain about which to select, you have the option to enjoy both black and pinto beans!
In addition to the beans, Chipotle features an array of other vegan options to help create your meal. You can choose lard-free tortillas (either crispy corn or soft flour), cilantro-lime rice (white or brown), guacamole, and fajita veggies (a mix of onions and green bell peppers). All salsas offered are also vegan, including fresh tomato salsa (a classic pico de gallo), tomatillo-green chili, tomatillo-red chili, and roasted chili-corn salsa.
One topping that may seem vegan but isn’t is the salad dressing. The chipotle-honey vinaigrette contains wildflower honey, which many vegans view as an animal product. This dressing is the only option; therefore, if you’re ordering a salad and want it to remain vegan, consider using salsa and/or guacamole for dressing. Alternatively, take advantage of this secret menu tip—fresh cilantro can be added to any dish at Chipotle at no extra cost.
Chipotle’s sofritas, made from beans, offer a plant-based protein alternative for those seeking a meat substitute.
Another bean-based option at Chipotle serves as its primary plant-based protein source. The sofritas are composed of tofu made from soybeans, sourced in partnership with Hodo Soy, which provides U.S. grown, non-GMO, organic soybeans. This mildly spicy filling is created by braising shredded tofu with tomatoes, peppers, various herbs, and spices. In 2022, Chipotle introduced a vegan chorizo made from pea protein, but this short-lived option was discontinued in 2023.
Nearly all the main offerings at Chipotle, aside from the quesadilla, can be customized to be vegan by opting for beans, sofritas, or fajita veggies. Choices include burritos, burrito bowls, salads, and tacos. When ordering these with beans or veggies, you can also add guacamole free of charge. However, if you choose sofritas (or meat), there will be an extra charge for guacamole. You might also want to utilize the Chipotle kids’ meal strategy which can save you money. The kids’ menu features two choices: a cheese quesadilla and build-your-own tacos, both of which can be easily made vegan like the standard menu offerings.
For a straightforward way to enjoy vegan options at Chipotle, check out the two plant-based lifestyle bowls. Both bowls include white rice, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, and guacamole. The Veggie Full Bowl features black beans, while the Plant Powered Bowl comes with lettuce and sofritas.