Chipotle now testing plant-based chorizo as vegan lifestyle continues to get popular

Chipotle is said to be testing its newest creation which is the plant-based chorizo. It was reported that the American chain of fast-casual restaurants specializing in burritos and tacos have developed a “meatless” version of the much-loved food ingredient, and it is now being tested for official release.

According to CNBC, Chipotle Mexican Grill said on Thursday, Aug. 19, that it is carrying out the testing of the new chorizo in its outlets located in Denver and Indianapolis. It was said that the plant-based chorizo would be the fast-food chain’s first new vegan protein alternative since it released the tofu-based sofritas in 2014.

Chipotle’s vegan chorizo was made in a similar manner as Beyond Meat’s products, one of the leading meat alternative makers in the United States. This means that the company’s version is also made from pea protein as its base and seasoned with garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, ancho chili, chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, and extra virgin olive oil.

It was shared that Chipotle’s plant-based version of chorizo only has 20 grams of protein per serving. It was also made without soy, gluten, or grains, so it is a good “meatless” alternative.

Although it is mainly a restaurant business, Chipotle started offering vegan meat alternatives to its customers in 2016. It released the chorizo at that time but had to pull it out.

It was relaunched again in 2018 for a limited time, and apparently, it was not successful again. With its latest attempt, the company is hoping it will go well this time.

"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," Chipotle’s chief marketing officer, Chris Brandt, said in a press release. "We used real ingredients to create a plant-based protein with a deep, rich Chorizo flavor that can be enjoyed by everyone."

Meanwhile, while other major fast-food chains have been sourcing their supply for plant-based meat alternatives, from either Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat, Chipotle is developing its own products for customers who prefer to be vegan. It was said that the company developed its new chorizo with the help of its own food developing team.