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Chipotle is a fan favorite across the country thanks to its fresh ingredients and generous portions. With a plethora of menu options that cover off on grains, vegetables, dairy, meats, and plant-based proteins, it’s possible to build a lunch or dinner at this quick-service Mexican Grill that fits into just about any diet or lifestyle – be it gluten-free, vegan, or keto.
Since Chipotle offers a menu format that lends itself to creating your own meals, you can build tacos, burritos, and bowls that make for a high-protein meal by loading up on Chipotle’s various menu options, whether they’re animal or plant-based proteins.
Whether you’re after more protein or you’re simply interested in what your options are, we’ve gathered all of Chipotle’s protein choices in one place.
Every meat and protein option available at Chipotle
When it comes to animal-based protein available at Chipotle, the chain currently offers the following meat options on the menu: barbacoa, carnitas, chicken, steak, and carne asada (which is available for a limited time only). Chipotle’s barbacoa is braised and shredded beef while the carnitas are braised and shredded pork; the chicken and steak are both marinated in an adobo sauce and grilled.
As a national restaurant chain that’s committed to local and organic produce, it’s worth noting that Chipotle was actually the first chain in America to commit to using only responsibly-raised meat to create their dishes. This means that Chipotle is committed to a high standard of animal welfare. The meat that they source has no added hormones, and the restaurant also claims to never use freezers or “shortcuts” when it comes to their food.
Chipotle also offers several protein options outside of meat. The main plant-based protein on the menu is Chipotle’s sofritas, which is a tofu-based option. This dish is made by braising chopped tofu in a flavorful sauce of onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, chipotle chiles, and spices.
Lastly, while they’re not considered main protein options, Chipotle does have two types of beans available on the menu that can be added to any meal for additional protein: black beans and pinto beans. Most of Chipotle’s Lifestyle Bowls feature one or more of their proteins, and they even offer a High Protein Bowl which is made with double chicken, white rice, black beans, red chili salsa, cheese, and shredded romaine lettuce. You also have the option to double any protein you choose when you build your own order.
Below is the complete list of protein options that you can include in any Chipotle order, based on the current menu.
Meat Protein Options |
Barbacoa |
Carnitas |
Carne Asada* |
Chicken |
Steak |
Plant-Based Protein Options |
Sofritas |
Legume Protein Options |
Black Beans |
Pinto Beans |
How much protein is in each of Chipotle’s protein options?
If you’re focused on a high protein diet, you may be wondering just how much protein comes in each serving of Chipotle’s meat or plant-based protein options. Nutritionally speaking, below is each protein option listed along with how many grams of protein it contains in one serving when you add it to any order.
Protein Options | Grams of Protein Per Serving |
Barbacoa | 24 grams |
Chicken | 32 grams |
Carnitas | 23 grams |
Steak | 21 grams |
Sofritas | 8 grams |
Black Beans | 8 grams |
Pinto Beans | 8 grams |
What is the barbacoa at Chipotle made of?
Chipotle’s barbacoa is made of cow meat: it’s beef that’s slow-braised and then shredded.
Does Chipotle have a plant-based protein option?
Yes, Chipotle’s main plant-based protein offering on the menu is the sofritas. This is made of chopped tofu that’s braised in a spicy chipotle sauce, with the following ingredients: onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, chipotle chiles, and a blend of spices.
What’s the best Chipotle bowl to get on a high-protein diet?
If you’re focused on a diet that’s high in protein, Chipotle offers a High Protein Lifestyle Bowl on their menu. This burrito bowl is made with double the serving of chicken, along with white rice, black beans, red chili salsa, cheese, and shredded romaine lettuce.
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About Carly Weaver
Carly is a writer, editor, and lover of all things food. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications from Pepperdine University in 2011. With nearly ten years of experience in copywriting and editorial roles at creative marketing agencies, she now writes content for websites and online publications in the food, beverage, and travel industries. A New Jersey native turned Los Angeles local, her kitchen is chock-full of cookbooks and food puns.
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