What Cheese Does Chipotle Use? Keep With Prices (Updated 2025)
If you’ve ever savored a burrito or taco from Chipotle, you know that the right cheese can elevate the entire experience. But have you ever wondered what type of cheese they use? Understanding the ingredients in your favorite meals not only enhances your appreciation but can also help you recreate that delicious flavor at home.
Overview of Chipotle’s Cheese Offering
Chipotle uses two primary types of cheese in their menu items: shredded Monterey Jack cheese and queso. Each cheese enhances the flavor profile of various dishes, making them savory and satisfying.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is a standard topping for burritos, tacos, and salads. This mild cheese complements the bold flavors of Chipotle’s salsas and meats.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burrito with Cheese | $9.25 | 1,200 | Flour tortilla filled with rice, beans, meat, and cheese. |
| Tacos with Cheese | $3.50 | 500 | Three soft or crispy tortillas filled with your choice of meat, topped with cheese. |
| Salad with Cheese | $8.50 | 700 | Fresh greens topped with meat, beans, cheese, and choice of dressing. |
Queso
Queso, also known as queso blanco, serves as a dip or a topping for various menu items, providing a creamy texture and slight spice.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queso Blanco (side) | $3.25 | 300 | A creamy cheese dip with a hint of spice, perfect for pairing with tortilla chips. |
| Queso Tacos | $4.75 | 750 | Tacos filled with meat and drizzled with queso for extra creaminess. |
| Queso Burrito | $10.00 | 1,300 | A burrito generously filled with meat, rice, beans, and topped with queso. |
By incorporating these cheese options, Chipotle provides customers with diverse flavors and textures, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Types of Cheese Used at Chipotle
Chipotle offers two primary types of cheese that enhance the flavors of its menu items: queso blanco and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Each cheese adds unique textures and tastes, elevating your dining experience.
Queso Blanco
Queso blanco serves as a creamy dip or topping with a slightly spicy kick. It’s perfect for complementing various menu items and is known for its smooth, rich texture.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queso Blanco Side | $2.25 | 230 | A creamy cheese dip, ideal for chips or as a topping. |
| Queso Blanco Burrito | $9.50 | 950 | A burrito filled with your choice of protein, topped with queso blanco and other fixings. |
| Queso Blanco Taco | $3.50 | 530 | Soft or crunchy taco filled with protein, cheese, and queso blanco. |
Shredded Monterey Jack
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese acts as a standard topping for burritos, tacos, and salads, blending seamlessly with other bold flavors.
| Menu Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded Monterey Jack Burrito | $8.75 | 850 | A classic burrito filled with protein, rice, beans, and topped with shredded Monterey Jack. |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Taco | $3.00 | 500 | Soft or crunchy taco topped with your choice of protein and shredded cheese. |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Salad | $7.50 | 610 | A fresh salad topped with shredded Monterey Jack, lettuce, and your choice of dressing. |
These cheese options not only contribute to the rich flavors at Chipotle but also help you create satisfying meals customized to your preferences.
Taste and Quality of Chipotle’s Cheese
Chipotle’s cheese offerings play a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor of its dishes. The distinct textures and flavors of shredded Monterey Jack and queso blanco create a memorable dining experience.
Flavor Profile
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy texture with mild flavor, balancing the robust spices of burritos, tacos, and salads. Queso blanco delivers a rich, slightly spicy taste that enhances items like chips and tacos. Together, these cheeses elevate the flavor profiles of Chipotle’s menu.
| Menu Item | Cheese Type | Price ($) | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded Monterey Jack Burrito | Shredded Monterey Jack | 8.50 | 890 |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Taco | Shredded Monterey Jack | 3.80 | 230 |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Salad | Shredded Monterey Jack | 8.60 | 600 |
| Queso Blanco Side | Queso Blanco | 4.25 | 340 |
| Queso Blanco Burrito | Queso Blanco | 9.00 | 950 |
| Queso Blanco Taco | Queso Blanco | 4.00 | 290 |
Sourcing and Ingredients
Chipotle sources its cheese from high-quality suppliers, ensuring fresh and flavorful ingredients. The shredded Monterey Jack comes from rBST-free cows, promoting a more ethical and sustainable approach. Queso blanco features a blend of real cheeses, including Monterey Jack and cheddar, combined with peppers and spices for added flair.
| Ingredient | Sourcing Details |
|---|---|
| Shredded Monterey Jack | rBST-free, high-quality milk |
| Queso Blanco | Blend of real cheeses |
| Peppers and Spices | Fresh, non-GMO ingredients |
These sourcing practices contribute to the overall taste and quality, making Chipotle’s cheese a key component in creating delicious, customizable meal experiences.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional information of Chipotle’s cheese options can enhance your meal choices. Below are details on calories, fat content, and dietary considerations associated with Chipotle’s shredded Monterey Jack cheese and queso blanco.
Calories and Fat Content
Chipotle’s cheese adds flavor and creaminess to various menu items. Here’s a breakdown of calories and fat for selected items:
| Menu Item | Cheese Type | Price | Calories | Total Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded Monterey Jack Burrito | Shredded Monterey Jack | $8.50 | 1060 | 38 |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Taco | Shredded Monterey Jack | $3.45 | 440 | 18 |
| Shredded Monterey Jack Salad | Shredded Monterey Jack | $8.00 | 660 | 28 |
| Queso Blanco Side | Queso Blanco | $3.50 | 230 | 18 |
| Queso Blanco Burrito | Queso Blanco | $8.75 | 1080 | 45 |
| Queso Blanco Taco | Queso Blanco | $3.95 | 470 | 25 |
Allergens and Dietary Considerations
When selecting cheese at Chipotle, consider allergen information and dietary needs. Here is the allergen breakdown for both cheeses:
| Cheese Type | Allergens | Dietary Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Monterey Jack | Milk | Contains lactose; suitable for vegetarians |
| Queso Blanco | Milk, Peppers, and Spices | Contains lactose; not suitable for vegans |
Both cheese types contain milk-based allergens. If lactose intolerance or specific dietary considerations exist, alternatives within Chipotle’s menu can be explored. Be sure to customize your order based on these considerations for the best dining experience.
Conclusion
Understanding the cheese options at Chipotle can transform your dining experience. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of queso blanco or the mild flavor of shredded Monterey Jack you can elevate your burritos and tacos with these delicious toppings.
Being aware of the nutritional information and sourcing practices also allows you to make informed choices that align with your dietary preferences. Next time you visit Chipotle or recreate their flavors at home remember the role of cheese in enhancing those bold tastes. Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients to discover your perfect combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cheese does Chipotle offer?
Chipotle primarily offers two types of cheese: shredded Monterey Jack cheese and queso blanco. Shredded Monterey Jack is a classic topping for burritos, tacos, and salads, while queso blanco serves as a creamy dip or topping with a slight spice.
How does cheese enhance Chipotle’s meals?
Cheese enhances the flavor of Chipotle’s meals by adding creamy texture and complementing bold flavors. Shredded Monterey Jack balances robust spices, while queso blanco contributes a rich, slightly spicy taste, making each bite more enjoyable.
What menu items feature queso blanco?
Menu items featuring queso blanco include the Queso Blanco Side, Queso Blanco Burrito, and Queso Blanco Taco. This creamy dip adds a flavorful kick and enhances the overall dining experience.
Are Chipotle’s cheese options healthy?
Chipotle’s cheese options vary in calories and fat content. Shredded Monterey Jack is vegetarian-friendly and adds creaminess, while queso blanco has a richer, slightly spicy profile. It’s essential to check specific nutritional details when customizing your order.
Where does Chipotle source its cheese?
Chipotle’s shredded Monterey Jack comes from rBST-free cows, ensuring high quality. Queso blanco contains a blend of real cheeses, peppers, and spices, sourced to maintain excellent taste and quality standards.
Is queso blanco suitable for vegans?
No, queso blanco is not suitable for vegans as it contains milk, peppers, and spices. Vegetarians can enjoy it; however, those following a vegan diet should opt for other menu items without dairy.
