Introduction
If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, finding a safe and delicious place to eat can be a challenge. Fast-food restaurants, in particular, require extra caution. But fortunately, Chipotle is one of the better places to eat when you’re gluten-free. Chipotle’s strict ingredient guidelines and customizable menu options make it a favorite among the gluten-free community. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Chipotle’s gluten-free options, so you can enjoy a meal there with ease.
Navigating the Menu: How to Enjoy Chipotle When You’re Gluten-Intolerant
Eating gluten-free at fast food joints can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. The key is to plan ahead and know what to expect. Here are some general tips for eating out gluten-free:
– Research the restaurant beforehand: Check out the restaurant’s website and menu to see if they have any gluten-free options.
– Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the staff about the ingredients or preparation of dishes. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
– Avoid cross-contamination: Make sure your food is cooked and prepared separately from items that contain gluten. Ask the staff if they have any precautions in place to avoid cross-contact.
– Consider bringing your food: If you’re unsure of the restaurant’s gluten-free options or precautions, consider bringing a meal from home.
When it comes to Chipotle, the good news is that there are many gluten-free options to choose from. Here are some tips on how to navigate Chipotle’s menu as a gluten-intolerant:
– Order a salad bowl: Salad bowls are a better option than burritos or tacos. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and it’s easier to avoid gluten-containing ingredients like flour tortillas.
– Avoid the flour tortillas: Chipotle’s flour tortillas contain wheat flour, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re gluten-intolerant.
– Stick to the corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are safe and gluten-free. You can order tacos made with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
– Choose your protein wisely: Most of Chipotle’s proteins are gluten-free, with the exception of the barbacoa and the sofritas. If you’re unsure, ask the staff for more information.
Gluten-Free at Chipotle: Ingredients, Precautions, and Tips
Chipotle is committed to serving high-quality, real food made with fresh ingredients. All of their menu items are free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. When it comes to gluten, Chipotle takes extra precautions to ensure the safety of those with gluten intolerance, including:
– Using gluten-free ingredients: Chipotle’s corn tortillas, white rice, brown rice, black beans, pinto beans, and all the proteins (with the exception of the barbacoa and sofritas) are gluten-free. They also offer a gluten-free dressing option.
– Avoiding cross-contact: Chipotle uses separate utensils and prep areas for gluten-containing ingredients, and they change their gloves before handling gluten-free orders.
– Labeling their allergen information: Chipotle labels their allergen information online and in their restaurants, so you can check if a particular item contains gluten.
Here are some additional tips to ensure that your meal at Chipotle is gluten-free:
– Go easy on the salsas: Many of Chipotle’s salsas contain vinegar, which can be made from gluten-containing grains. Stick to the mild salsa or ask for a side of fresh tomatoes instead.
– Be cautious with the cheese: While Chipotle’s shredded cheese is gluten-free, the cheese blend contains modified food starch, which can be made from wheat. Ask the staff if they have plain shredded cheese available.
– Watch out for the queso: Chipotle’s queso contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free.
– Avoid the crispy corn shells: Chipotle’s crispy corn shells are fried in the same oil as flour tortillas, so they’re not safe for those with gluten intolerance.
From Burritos to Bowls: A Comprehensive Look at Gluten-Free Options at Chipotle
Chipotle’s menu offers a wide variety of gluten-free options. Here’s a list of all the items that are gluten-free:
– All the proteins (except the barbacoa and sofritas)
– White rice
– Brown rice
– Black beans
– Pinto beans
– Fajita veggies
– All the salsas (except the queso)
– Guacamole
– Cheese (plain shredded)
– Sour cream
– Lettuce
– Chips
While most of Chipotle’s menu is gluten-free, there are a few items that aren’t safe for those with gluten intolerance. Here’s a breakdown of each menu item that contains gluten:
– Flour tortillas: Made with wheat flour, these should be avoided if you’re gluten-intolerant.
– Barbacoa: Contains wheat protein, so it’s not gluten-free.
– Sofritas: Made with soy protein, but contains wheat and gluten.
– Queso: Contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free.
– Crispy corn shells: Fried in the same oil as flour tortillas, so they’re not safe for those with gluten intolerance.
Chipotle’s Gluten-Free Menu: What You Can and Can’t Eat
If you’re gluten-intolerant, you’ll be pleased to know that Chipotle has plenty of gluten-free options to choose from. Here are some of the different customization options to make your meal gluten-free:
– Salad bowl: Order a salad bowl instead of a burrito or tacos, and skip the flour tortilla.
– Corn tortillas: If you’re in the mood for tacos, order them with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
– Guacamole instead of cheese: If you’re unsure of the cheese blend’s gluten status, opt for guacamole instead.
– Ask for plain shredded cheese: If you want cheese, ask the staff for plain shredded cheese instead of the cheese blend.
– Choose your protein wisely: Stick to the proteins that are gluten-free, like chicken, steak, and carnitas.
– Avoid the queso: While it might be tempting, Chipotle’s queso contains gluten.
Gluten-Free and Guac: How to Customize Your Chipotle Order Without Compromising Your Health
Customizing your Chipotle order is easy once you know what to look for. Here are some recommendations for substitutions and specific orders that are gluten-free:
– Salad bowl with chicken, black beans, fajita veggies, salsa, guacamole, and lettuce.
– Steak tacos with corn tortillas, fajita veggies, salsa, guacamole, and lettuce.
– Carnitas salad bowl with brown rice, black beans, salsa, guacamole, and lettuce.
– Veggie bowl with black beans, fajita veggies, salsa, guacamole, and lettuce.
Conclusion
Having gluten intolerance doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or convenience when eating out. By following the tips and guidelines above, you can enjoy a delicious, gluten-free meal at Chipotle. With its commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients and strict food safety protocols, Chipotle remains a popular choice for those with gluten intolerance.