Vegan Guide to Chipotle: The Best Menu Options, Swaps, and More

From bowls to burritos, the vegan possibilities are endless at Chipotle.

By
Elyse Glickman
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Elyse Glickman
Writer
Elyse has nearly 20 years of experience in the field of food and drink writing and journalism. In addition to contributing to a variety of food, nutrition, and travel publications, she has developed and managed her own publication, Liquid Living, focused on home entertaining.
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Updated January 25, 2022
Vegan foods at Chipotle.

Treehugger / Photo Illustration by Catherine Song / Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill remains ahead of the plant-based curve by having an abundance of options for vegan customers. In fact, its vegan protein is so well-crafted that it comes across as anything but a compromise in terms of flavor and texture.

The fast-casual chain’s build-your-own ingredients bar allows customers to mix and match the menu items of their choosing. Vegans can get creative and order tacos, burritos, and bowls featuring rice, beans, Sofritas, veggies, salsas, guacamole, and more.

Here, we give you the rundown of all your plant-based options at Chipotle.

Feel-Good Food

​While personalizing the menu has always been Chipotle’s biggest selling point, the chain also gets points for putting its sustainability practices front and center. Chipotle has pledged its commitment to using organic produce from local farmers, converting 400 acres of conventional farmland to organic farmland with its grower-partners, fair treatment of its employees, and the Earth-friendly ways it deals with its waste.

Best Bet: Vegan Lifestyle Bowl

The Vegan Lifestyle Bowl is built with Sofritas (shredded and generously spiced tofu with poblano and chipotle peppers), brown rice, black beans, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, and shredded romaine lettuce. However, in keeping with its approach of customization, you can swap out and substitute ingredients.

Those who don't want Sofritas can instead add a mix of vegan black and pinto beans. If you prefer extra spice, ask for extra salsa or a mix of different salsas when ordering. Craving bolder flavor and more crunch? Swap out the romaine with the recently improved Supergreens lettuce blend or add in grilled fajita vegetables. The possibilities are endless.

Vegan Entrée Bases

Good news: Every base you can think of at Chipotle is vegan.

  • Burrito (Flour Tortilla)
  • Burrito Bowl
  • Tacos (Crispy Corn or Soft Flour Tortilla)
  • Salad

Vegan Sides, Fillings, & Toppings

From two types of rice to a range of proteins and veg, you've got a lot of delicious choices here. (And don't forget about the chips.)

  • Sofritas
  • Chorizo
  • Pinto Beans
  • Black Beans
  • Cilantro Lime White Rice
  • Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
  • Fajita Vegetables (sauteed bell peppers and onion)
  • Guacamole
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Supergreens Lettuce Blend
  • Tortilla Chips, flavored with lime and salt

Treehugger Tip

Although vegan nachos are not on the menu, it’s easy enough to create them (minus the cheese) with the build-your-own menu format. Order chips with guacamole, a side of beans, salsas, and any other plant-based toppers you fancy.

Vegan Salsas

Spice up your meal with one (or a few) of these fresh salsas. There's a heat level for everyone.

  • Fresh Tomato Salsa
  • Tomatillo Red Salsa
  • Green Chili Salsa
  • Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa

Vegan Beverages

Quench your thirst with any of the following vegan drinks.

  • Water
  • Sparkling water
  • Lemonade
  • Nantucket Nectars (all flavors)
  • IZZE fizzy drinks (all flavors)
  • Assorted fountain sodas
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Does Chipotle have a vegan menu?

    While there is technically not a designated vegan menu at Chipotle, the chain's customizable menu allows customers to order a variety of vegan menu items. Their Vegan Lifestyle Bowl is a great starting point.

  • Are all Chipotle beans vegan?

    Yes, both the Black Beans and Pinto Beans are vegan-friendly.

  • Does Chipotle have vegan meat?

    Chipotle's Sofritas, shredded and spiced tofu with poblano and chipotle peppers, serve as a vegan meat option. There are no other meat alternatives at this time.

  • Is the rice at Chipotle vegan?

    Chipotle offers two varieties of rice—Cilantro Lime White Rice and Cilantro Lime Brown Rice—and both are vegan.

  • Is the chorizo at Chipotle vegan?

    Yes. Chipotle's plant-based chorizo is even vegan certified.