Chipotle is a fast-food chain known for its limited but flexible menu of Mexican dishes. Chipotle encourages customers to personalize their orders, which provides the opportunity to improve nutritional value. But not all of Chipotle's offerings are nutritious, and making unhealthy choices can affect overall health.
Dietary Recommendations
The United States Department of Agriculture says an average healthy adult should consume 1,800 to 2,000 calories, 300 g of carbohydrates, 75 g of protein, 60 g of fat and less than 2,400 mg of sodium a day. Diets should be rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins, and should limit fat, sugar and sodium. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains, in particular, are high in fiber, which prevents heart disease and supports a healthy weight. Excess consumption of fat, sugar and sodium can lead to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
Burritos and Tacos
Chipotle's burritos and tacos are high in calories and fat. Calories and fat are essential components of a healthy diet, but excess amounts can lead to weight gain, obesity and chronic diseases. On average, burritos and tacos at Chipotle contain 900 to 1,000 calories, 50 g of fat and 2,300 mg of sodium.
Diners can decrease fat and calories by sharing items and choosing wisely. For instance, the crispy taco shells at Chipotle have 30 fewer calories and 190 mg less sodium than the soft flour taco tortillas. Ordering a fajita burrito instead of a regular burrito saves 100 calories and 9 g of fat because the beans are replaced with grilled vegetables.
Bowls
Chipotle's bowls are burritos without the tortilla. Bowls are a good option for those watching their carbohydrate intake or trying to cut calories, because tortillas have 290 calories, 9 g of fat and 670 mg of sodium. The average bowl at Chipotle contains 700 calories, 40 g of fat and 1,600 mg of sodium.
Salads
Chipotle's salads are similar to their bowls, with the addition of lettuce and chipotle-honey vinaigrette. Lettuce is full of nutrients, very low in calories and naturally fat-free. Diners should be aware that the chipotle-honey vinaigrette is high in calories and fat. Salads at Chipotle can have as many as 720 calories, 43 g of fat and 1,900 mg of sodium. Ordering a salad without the vinaigrette will reduce calories by 260, fat by 25 g and sodium by 700 mg.
Condiments and Extras
Condiments are one of the main sources of calories and fat at Chipotle. Cheese has 100 calories and 9 g of fat, and sour cream has 120 calories and 10 g of fat. Diners can reduce calories and fat by requesting no cheese or sour cream, or asking that their order be made with half the amount of either. The healthiest condiments at Chipotle are the fat-free salsas, which contain 15 to 80 calories.
Chipotle's chips contain 570 calories and 27 g of fat. They should only be enjoyed on occasion, and a single order should be shared to prevent overeating. Guacamole can be ordered with chips and contains 150 calories and 13 g of fat. Guacamole should be consumed in moderation, because although the fat in avocado is heart-healthy, it is still high in calories and can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess.
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