What To Order At Chipotle If You Don't Eat Meat

Compared to other restaurant chains, Chipotle has long been ahead of the pack when it comes to meatless options. In fact, back in 2008 (which was somehow almost 15 years ago), Vegetarian Journal labeled the Tex-Mex eatery as one of the few truly vegetarian-friendly places to go out for a meal. In addition to the non-meat options, the restaurant's design has arguably been a big factor. Chipotle's cafeteria-style setup enables patrons to customize their order however they like, so ordering a meat-free meal has always been as simple as well, omitting the meat from the bowl or burrito.

In the years since 2008, the company has made an even greater effort to expand its options for meat-free eaters. Even the pinto beans became certifiably meat-free in 2013, according to Consumerist. According to a 2021 World of Vegan video, 44 of the 53 ingredients Chipotle uses are not only vegetarian but certified vegan, including its tortillas, rice, chips, salsas, vegetables, and guacamole. In fact, at the counter, the only non-vegan menu items aside from the meat options are the queso blanco, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and chipotle-honey salad dressing, all four of which are vegetarian, per Chipotle's website. 

With that many choices, you could probably come up with a ton of meatless meal combinations. We won't attempt to list them all, but what we can tell you are some of the best things you can and should order at Chipotle if you don't eat meat.

While some people will be plenty satisfied with just fajita veggies in their order, those who are craving more protein may want to consider trying Chipotle's signature animal-free protein, sofritas. First introduced in 2014, the meatless creation remains a staple for vegetarian fans nationwide. According to CNN, the chain sold 7.5 million pounds of it in 2018 alone. 

Consisting of crumbled organic tofu braised in roasted poblanos, chipotles, and other Mexican spices (per Nation's Restaurant News), sofritas offer a spicy, chili-like flavor that's as rich as real meat, according to Reddit. Some reviewers describe it as having a kick (per Business Insider), so it may be preferable for those who don't mind a bit of heat. Additionally, at 150 calories and 8 grams of protein per serving, this meat free alternative is solid option for those who crave a flavorful vegetarian dish that will fill them up just a bit more than the standard mix of fajita grilled peppers and onions. Order sofritas the same way you would with any meat: inside a burrito, or on top of a burrito bowl, salad, or tacos. 

However, there is one catch: Although sofritas are vegetarian, it technically counts as protein, which means you'll have to pay extra for guac. Disappointing, yes, but we probably don't need to convince you that the chain's guacamole is well worth the extra fee.

At most fast-food restaurants, the snack selection for vegetarians is limited to salty snacks such as french fries. And as delicious as fried foods are, as Healthline points out, eating them frequently may increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other complications.

But at Chipotle, vegetarians have plenty of options for a slightly better-for-you light bite. For one, all four of the chain's salsas are made with fresh ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onions, tomatillos, and peppers. But as many Chipotle fans will tell you, the guacamole is where it's at. As we learned from TikTok, each location makes the creamy concoction fresh daily using a flavorful combination of hand smashed Haas avocado, lime juice, jalapeños, cilantro, onion, and salt. No peas, no sour cream, no preservatives to be found. Just fresh, buttery green deliciousness. In fact, because of its immense popularity, the company started offering it in a large size a few years ago.

And because avocado is the main ingredient, you'll get some health benefits with each order. Per Healthline, avocados are an excellent source of fiber, along with other nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

Given that the burrito bowl has become kind of synonymous with Chipotle brand, it can be easy to overlook other hidden gems on the menu. For instance, did you know the chain sells quesadillas? It's okay if you didn't. Chipotle only started selling them in 2021 as an app-exclusive offering, and they've been a hit ever since. Per CNN, quesadillas now make up 10% of the chain's orders.

While most vegetarians are probably already familiar with quesadillas as a reliable, basic meatless meal, it's worth noting that Chipotle's hand-crafted quesadillas are probably nothing like the ones you make at home. As noted by one reviewer in The Takeout, the quesadilla consists of one of the chain's gigantic, preservative-free tortillas twice folded over melted, Monterey Jack cheese, which makes for an extra "sturdy" meal that won't leak any toppings out of the sides.

And though you can certainly call it a day there and eat this as is, you also get the option to fill it with a medley of grilled peppers and onions or sofritas at no extra charge, which gives an otherwise basic meal a boost of flavor. Your order also comes with your choice of three complimentary sides arranged in their own section on the tray.