Chipotle

Yet another fast food company has decided to join the plant-based meat movement. That's right! Chipotle has officially added plant-based chorizo to its menu nationwide, although some are wondering when the meat-based chorizo will come back...

Chipotle’s 2022 Release

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Since plant-based meat sales have dropped over the past year, some vegans and vegetarians worried that we might see a pullback this year. However, that seems not to be the case! Just one week into the new year and we already have our first big plant-based meat announcement: Chipotle Mexican Grill will take a new, plant-based chorizo nationwide.

"We are thrilled to introduce guests to our new, flavor-packed Plant-Based Chorizo during a season when healthier options are top of mind," said Chipotle's chief marketing officer, Chris Brandt. For those who don't know, January is "Veganuary" for many, where they try and remain vegan for the whole month. "Plant-Based Chorizo is our best chorizo ever and proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a vegan or vegetarian protein."

In his statement, the "best chorizo ever" bit is a slight reference to a time when Chipotle previously had chorizo on the menu - just not plant-based. The chain had the traditional Latin meat - made from chicken and pork - on their menu back in 2016. However, they needed to pull it less than a year later, due to terrible sales.

So, how did they improve the plant-based chorizo? Read on to find out...

Plant-Based Chorizo Is In The Game

Chipotle

The new, plant-based version of Chipotle's chorizo comes from "real, fresh ingredients grown on a farm, not in a lab." The delicious new chorizo will include "chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, and extra virgin olive oil [combined] with natural protein from freshly grown peas," according to the official press release. The result? A "certified vegan, packed with 16 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, and is made without artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, grains, gluten, or soy."

"Creating a delicious plant-based protein that sizzles on the grill with the robust flavor and texture profile chorizo-lovers expect was a real challenge," Chipotle's vice president of culinary, Nevielle Panthaky, explained. "Our culinary team has worked relentlessly for years to develop this breakthrough Plant-Based Chorizo recipe that is uniquely Chipotle and aligns with the brand's industry-leading Food with Integrity standards."

And Chipotle has some big plans for the new plant-based protein. The fast-food brand will also released a line of "Lifestyle Bowls powered by Plant-Based Chorizo." These bowls will include the Vegetarian Bowl, a cheese-free Vegan Bowl, and the Whole30 Salad Bowl. Sound good? Well, grab your smartphone! The bowls are "available exclusively on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com." But that's not all! The chain will also offer $0 delivery on "all Plant-Based Chorizo orders placed on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com from January 3 through January 9."

So get ordering!

Sources: Food And Wine, MSN