Chipotle Is Testing Plant-Based Chorizo. Here's What We Know So Far

Chipotle is getting on board with the popular trend of fast food restaurants adding more plant-based items to their menus. Burger King, Dunkin', and Taco Bell, just to name a few, have all increased their vegetarian offerings in recent years, and now the popular Mexican chain has just announced they will be joining the fun with the launch of their new plant-based chorizo. This new vegan protein will be released at a select number of participating test locations in Denver and Indianapolis, so customers in these locations can be the first to give this innovative new product a try (via PR Newswire).

The plant-based chorizo gets its protein from freshly grown peas, not soy or artificial ingredients. It features only fresh, real ingredients that meet Chipotle's highest standards. The new chorizo is made with ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, smoked paprika, and extra virgin olive oil, all combined with ancho chili and chipotle peppers to deliver a bold, smoky, authentic chorizo taste, without the meat. Not only is the new chorizo certified vegan, it is also completely gluten, grain, and soy free, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The new plant-based chorizo will be joining their other vegan protein, sofritas, which launched in 2014, making Chipotle an even more appealing destination for customers (via PR Newswire). To make the offer even more appetizing, Chipotle will also be offering a $0 delivery fee on all plant-based chorizo orders made through the Chipotle app or via chipotle.com from August 19 through August 29. 

While this product is only set to be available in select locations for a limited time, many new Chipotle items that perform well in test markets eventually became regular menu items at restaurants nationwide. "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," Chris Brandt, Chipotle chief marketing officer, said of the new release. "We used real ingredients to create a plant-based protein with a deep, rich Chorizo flavor that can be enjoyed by everyone."