Are Chipotle chips gluten-free? The answer isn’t as simple as you’d think.
Is Chipotle’s Menu Gluten-Free?
According to Chipotle’s menu and allergen chart, the flour tortillas are the only item on the menu that’s not gluten-free. That’s great, right? Well, kind of. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll read the following statement: “You should be aware items containing corn, including corn tortillas (chips and crispy corn tortillas) and corn salsa, may have trace amounts of gluten from potentially co-mingling with gluten-containing grains in the field.”
So, are Chipotle chips gluten-free?
Chipotle serves tortilla chips made with corn tortillas. They fry their chips in dedicated fryers using sunflower oil.
Usually, the main concern with tortilla chips is cross-contamination from the fryer. You wouldn’t want your chips fried in the same oil used to crisp up a chimichanga. While that’s not a concern at the fryer…it brings us back to the whole “co-mingling in the field” issue. Also, I can’t be the only one giggling whenever I read that phrase “Co-mingling in the field” right? It sounds like code for something…well, naughty.
Should celiacs avoid corn tortillas, corn salsa and tortilla chips at Chipotle?
After reading the previous two paragraphs, you might feel a little kerfuffled*. *If you’re new to gluten-free life, welcome to the club. This happens all the time. So, if they list the tortilla chips as gluten-free, but the corn used to make the tortilla chips grows alongside wheat, do you need to worry about cross-contamination? The answer here is tricky, so we’re going to stick with “maybe”.
Even among folks with celiac disease, there are drastically different levels of reactivity. One person might be perfectly fine eating the tortilla chips, while their more sensitive friend might not have the same luck. You know your own body. If you’re super sensitive, you might want to avoid their chips, corn tortillas and corn salsa. Luckily, Chipotle has plenty of other delicious gluten-free options.
How to order a gluten-free meal at Chipotle
Despite the whole “tortilla chips may or may not have gluten” drama, Chipotle is well-regarded in the gluten-free community. Simply inform your server that you have a gluten allergy. Employees at Chipotle usually have training in gluten allergy protocol and happily change their gloves and switch to new utensils before preparing your meal. Since burritos are off the table, it’s not necessary to wipe down the counter. Your item will be prepared in a bowl.
What is gluten allergy protocol?
Gluten allergy protocol is how each restaurant protects customers who are avoiding gluten. If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, it’s important to choose restaurants whose employees are well-trained in gluten-allergy protocol. It should include:
- Changing gloves, utensils and covering counters
- Notating a gluten allergy on your order - make sure the server repeats it back to you!
- Packaging gluten-free items separately from the rest of the order that may contain gluten.
What to order at Chipotle if you’re gluten-free
If you’re avoiding gluten, you’ll want to choose a burrito bowl or a salad. All of their meats, marinades, sauces, salsa and toppings are gluten-free, so feel free to pile your burrito bowl sky high. Just avoid that pesky corn salsa, okay?
G-Free Foodie Guide to Fast Food Restaurants
Eating out can be scary when you’re avoiding gluten - but it doesn’t have to be. We’re sharing the scoop on what (and how!) to order at your favorite fast-food restaurants.
Make it at home: Chipotle-Inspired Recipes
Short Rib Burrito Bowl
If you love Chipotle Burrito Bowls, you’ve got to try my Short Rib Burrito Bowl! Bonus: The flavorful shredded meat is made in a slow cooker, making this the perfect weeknight meal.
Steak Tacos
Bummed you couldn’t order the steak tacos at Chipotle? Don’t be! You’ll love my steak taco recipe. Craving carnitas instead? Our friends at Salt and Wind share their quick and easy recipe.
Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad
I adore my friend Katie’s Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad. It’s practically a copycat of the Chipotle version, so it’s perfect for nights when you’re craving takeout but too lazy to go out (or don’t want to pay those steep delivery fees…sheesh!).
Lemon Margarita
My Lemon Margarita isn’t exactly on the Chipotle menu, but what’s Mexican food without a marg? I also love this Honey Grapefruit margarita from my friend, Hola Jalapeno. And yes, tequila is totally gluten-free.
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