Chipotle Tests out a New Plant-Based Chorizo

Chipotle is testing plant-based chorizo in Denver and Indianapolis — its first new protein made from alternative ingredients in seven years.

The company developed its chorizo alternative internally, shunning Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which have recently struck deals with other fast food-chains for meat alternatives on their menus. Chipotle currently serves sofritas, a spicy tofu, and occasionally sells real chorizo.

In a press release, the fast food company stated:

Over the past year, Chipotle’s culinary team has worked relentlessly to develop a Plant-Based Chorizo recipe that aligns with the brand’s industry-leading Food with Integrity standards and delivers a craveable plant-based protein using only real ingredients. 

Chipotle’s breakthrough new Plant-Based Chorizo has the deep rich flavor of Chorizo and is made with ingredients grown on a farm, not in a lab. Ancho Chili and Chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil combine with natural protein sourced from freshly grown peas to deliver a product that guests will love, whether they’re committed to meatless lifestyles or just looking to add more plant-based options to their diet. Chipotle’s Plant-Based Chorizo is certified vegan, made with ingredients that you can pronounce and never frozen. This delicious plant-based option, packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives and is made without grains, gluten, or soy.”

“Plant-based lifestyles have continued to accelerate in popularity, and as a longtime leader in the category, we are exploring ways to give more variety to our fans,” said Chris Brandt, Chipotle’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We used real ingredients to create a plant-based protein with a deep, rich Chorizo flavor that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

As an incentive, Chipotle will offer a $0 delivery fee on all Plant-Based Chorizo orders via the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com from August 19 through August 29.

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