chipotle gluten free menu

Discover Chipotle’s Gluten Free Menu: Items, Calories, Prices

chipotle gluten free menu tells you what to order when you need safe, simple picks at the counter. In short: most items can be made gluten-friendly by skipping flour tortillas and choosing bowls, salads, or corn chips.

This guide covers menu categories, the safest default picks, and how to customize without losing flavor. You’ll get clear examples of bowls, tacos (with corn tortillas), chips, and kid options plus notes on calories and what affects prices.

Important: the restaurant is not a certified gluten-free kitchen. Many ingredients are gluten-free by recipe, but cross-contact risk varies by location. Use the brand’s allergen page and nutrition calculator to confirm ingredients for your exact build.

Scroll forward for ready-to-say builds you can copy and order. The pages ahead also show how to verify nutrition and price in real time so you can plan fast and eat with confidence.

What “Gluten-Free” Means at Chipotle in the United States

When a restaurant labels items as gluten-friendly, you should know what that actually means. This helps you pick safely and still enjoy bold flavors.

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. In a fast-casual Mexican line, wheat shows up most often as flour tortillas and some thickeners.

Rye and barley matter less in typical builds, but they are part of the same risk family. For people with celiac disease, even tiny amounts can trigger immune damage to the small intestine.

“Gluten-friendly” means many recipes are naturally gluten-free, but the kitchen is not a certified gluten-free facility. High-volume service, shared prep surfaces, and utensils can cause cross-contact.

Practical takeaways

  • Ask for bowls or corn tortillas to avoid wheat-based items.
  • Tell staff if you have celiac disease or a sensitivity so they can take extra care.
  • Follow the step-by-step ordering tips later in this article to reduce uncertainty.
Risk Factor Typical Source Recommended Action
High Flour tortillas, quesadillas Avoid; request bowls or corn tortillas
Moderate Shared utensils, counters Ask for fresh gloves and clean utensils
Low Plain rice, beans, produce Safe when prepared separately; confirm with staff

Chipotle’s Official Gluten Allergen Statement and What It Means for Your Order

The brand’s official allergen note spells out exactly which items to avoid and how staff can help reduce cross-contact.

Official guidance: “If you avoid gluten, don’t eat our flour tortillas. If you are highly sensitive to gluten and would like us to change our gloves, just let us know at the start of your order. 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.”

  • Interpretation: the company promises ingredient-level safety for many items but warns of cross-contact risk in service and fields.
  • Main do-not-order: avoid flour tortillas—this single step removes most high-risk items like burritos and quesadillas.
  • “Tortilla on the side” caution: ask the server to confirm whether the side is corn or flour, since both can be offered quickly and mixed up during rush periods.
  • Corn disclaimer explained: corn-based items are usually made without wheat, but fields can co-mingle grains, so trace exposure is possible.
  • Who should be extra careful: people with celiac disease or severe sensitivity may want added protections like glove changes and separate utensils.
Action Why it matters When to ask
Skip flour tortilla items Removes highest direct wheat source Always
Confirm side tortilla type Avoid accidental flour use At order start
Request glove/utensil change Reduces cross-contact at service If highly sensitive

Bottom line: choose bowls, salads, or corn tacos when possible and tell staff early. The next section shows exact wording to use in line to cut cross-contact risk.

How to Order to Reduce Cross-Contamination Risk

Start your line interaction with clear instructions so staff can limit cross-contamination from the moment you order.

Say whether you have an intolerance or celiac disease. A simple script works best:

  • “I have a gluten intolerance/celiac disease—can you please have one person make my meal and use fresh gloves?”

Ask for one dedicated builder and fresh gloves

Request that a single staff member prepare your order start to finish. This reduces handoffs and the risk of crumbs.

Ask them to change gloves before they start and again if they handle a flour item.

Request clean utensils and new tubs when possible

Utensils touching flour tortillas can carry residue. Ask for clean utensils or new scoops from untouched tubs.

Be polite and specific—staff will often try to help, but no restaurant can promise zero risk.

Step Why it helps When to ask
State intolerance or celiac Sets priority and care level At start of order
One employee builds meal Fewer contact points, lower risk Before line moves
Change gloves & clean utensils Removes residue and crumb carryover Before assembly

Quick checklist: bowl/salad/corn tacos, no flour tortilla, change gloves, clean scoops.

chipotle gluten free menu: What You Can Order by Menu Category

Use a simple ordering ladder to stay safe and enjoy full flavor. Start with options that remove flour and you’ll keep nearly every filling and sauce available.

A beautifully arranged presentation of Chipotle’s gluten-free menu items, featuring vibrant, fresh ingredients. In the foreground, showcase a colorful bowl filled with a mix of brown rice, black beans, grilled chicken, fresh pico de gallo, and guacamole, garnished with cilantro. In the middle, include a selection of gluten-free tacos with crispy corn tortillas, overflowing with freshly chopped onions, lettuce, and a variety of homemade salsas. The background should feature a warming wood-tone restaurant interior, subtly lit with natural light filtering through large windows, creating an inviting atmosphere. Use a soft focus effect to emphasize the dishes while keeping the restaurant vibe intact. The image should exude a sense of freshness and health, appealing to those looking for gluten-free dining options.

Best default choice: burrito bowls

Burrito bowls are the easiest route. You get all proteins, rice, beans, salsas, and toppings without a flour wrap. Build one with your preferred protein and add guacamole for extra richness.

Salads on romaine lettuce

Romaine-based salads make a lighter meal. Add rice or beans when you want more calories or fiber. Ask for a dedicated builder and fresh gloves to lower cross-contact risk.

Tacos with corn tortillas

Request corn tortillas—both soft corn and crispy corn tortillas are offered. Specify soft or crispy corn so staff know whether to warm or crisp them.

Chips and dip

Tortilla chips pair well with guacamole, queso blanco, and all salsas. Treat chips as a side or an add-on to a bowl for texture.

Kid’s Build Your Own with corn tortillas

The Kid’s Build Your Own pathway works well with corn tortillas for picky eaters. Keep sides simple: rice, beans, or a small scoop of guacamole.

Lifestyle Bowls

Pre-designed lifestyle bowls (keto, paleo, Whole30, vegan/vegetarian) are convenient. They usually match common dietary profiles while avoiding flour tortillas.

  • Skip list: flour tortilla tacos, burritos, and quesadillas—these carry the highest risk.
  • Note: corn salsa and other corn-based items may include a trace-gluten disclaimer; choose based on your sensitivity.
Category Best Choice Why
Bowls Burrito bowl All fillings, no flour
Tacos Corn tortillas (soft or crispy corn) Traditionally wheat-free when corn
Sides Tortilla chips + guacamole or salsa Easy gluten-friendly add-on

Gluten-Free Proteins at Chipotle (Meat and Plant-Based)

Whether you want grilled, slow-cooked, or plant-based, the protein selection is the place to start.

Core proteins that are gluten-free by recipe include chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas, and sofritas. Each brings a distinct texture and flavor profile to your bowl or tacos.

  • Chicken: freshly grilled, tender, and mildly spiced—works well in bowls and corn tortillas.
  • Steak: seared with a robust, charred note for a hearty meat choice.
  • Barbacoa: rich and shredded, with slow-cooked depth.
  • Carnitas: savory and crisp-tipped, great for textural contrast.
  • Sofritas: spicy, tofu-based plant option that substitutes well for meat.

These proteins are gluten-safe by ingredients, which is why this chain is workable for people avoiding gluten. Beans also make a solid protein boost for plant-forward diners.

Practical caveat: shared grills and serving utensils can introduce cross-contamination during busy service. If you are highly sensitive, ask staff to use a fresh utensil and, when possible, have one person build your meal to limit cross-contact.

Item Flavor/Texture Ordering Tip
Chicken Freshly grilled, juicy Request fresh utensil if sensitive
Steak Seared, meaty Good in bowls or corn tacos
Barbacoa Slow-cooked, rich Ask for separate scoop during peak times
Carnitas Crisp edges, savory Pairs well with guacamole or salsa
Sofritas Spicy, tofu-based Best for vegan/plant-forward option

Gluten-Free Toppings, Salsas, and Add-Ons to Customize Safely

Smart toppings turn a bowl into a reliable, satisfying meal without extra risk. Start with clean foundations, then layer texture and flavor. Keep requests simple so staff can follow them during busy service.

A vibrant assortment of fresh, colorful salsas displayed in small glass bowls, each with a unique texture and color. In the foreground, a bowl of chunky tomato salsa with cilantro and diced onions, next to a smooth, creamy guacamole sprinkled with lime. In the middle, a fresh corn salsa bursting with yellow kernels and diced peppers, contrasted by a fiery red salsa made with roasted tomatoes and green chilies. The background features a rustic wooden table and a blurred view of fresh cilantro and lime halves scattered artistically. Soft, natural lighting enhances the freshness of the ingredients, casting gentle shadows that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The image captures a sense of celebration and flavor, emphasizing the vibrant colors and textures of the salsas.

Rice and beans as a base

White rice and brown rice add bulk and comfort. They pair well with black beans or pinto beans for protein and fiber.

Vegetables and greens

Fajita vegetables bring warm, caramelized flavor. Romaine lettuce or the supergreens blend adds crunch and volume for lighter builds.

Salsa choices by heat and texture

Pick from fresh tomato salsa for brightness, tomatillo green‑chili for tang, tomatillo red‑chili for heat, or roasted chili‑corn salsa for sweet crunch. Note that corn salsa may carry a trace‑risk from field co‑mingling.

Dairy and creamy finishes

Cheese, sour cream, queso blanco, and guacamole create rich, creamy notes. These items are gluten‑safe by ingredients, but ask for clean utensils to avoid cross‑contact.

Chipotle‑Honey Vinaigrette fit

The vinaigrette adds a tangy finish for salad builds. Request it on the side and confirm a fresh ladle if you are highly sensitive.

Quick cross‑contact tip: even clearly safe ingredients can be compromised if shared spoons touch flour items nearby. Ask staff for fresh gloves and clean scoops when ordering.

Item Why it works Order tip Allergens
Rice & Beans Fills out bowls and adds comfort Choose white rice or brown rice plus black beans or pinto beans None (verify local prep)
Veggies & Greens Adds crunch, volume, and veggies Romaine lettuce or supergreens; add fajita veggies warm None
Salsas Flavor lift; choose heat level Fresh tomato, tomatillo green, tomatillo red, roasted chili‑corn salsa Possible trace corn/co‑mingling
Dairy & Extras Creamy finish and richness Cheese, sour cream, queso blanco, guacamole; ask for clean utensils Dairy

Safe Gluten-Free Meal Builds (Copy-and-Order Ideas)

Simple copy-and-order builds keep your meal predictable and reduce handling at the counter. Use these quick scripts to speed orders and prompt glove changes or fresh utensils.

Classic burrito bowl build

Pick a protein, add white or brown rice and black beans, then fajita veggies. Top with fresh tomato salsa and guacamole.

What to say: “I have a gluten sensitivity—can one person build my bowl and use fresh gloves and clean utensils?”

Lower-carb salad build (optional rice/beans)

Start with romaine or supergreens, add your protein and fajita veggies. Choose a salsa for flavor and add rice or beans only if you want more energy.

What to say: “Please use a new ladle and gloves for my salad, and keep rice off unless I ask.”

Corn tortilla taco trio + chips side

Request soft corn tortillas for three tacos. Use one protein across all tacos, add salsa and lettuce, and keep toppings consistent to reduce handling.

Add a side of chips to complete the meal, but note corn items carry a trace‑grain disclaimer for highly sensitive diners.

Item Price Calories Options Allergens
Classic burrito bowl Varies by location 600–1,000 Vegan/Vegetarian/Keto options Dairy (if added)
Lower-carb salad Varies by location 350–700 Optional rice/beans Dairy (if added)
Corn-tortilla taco trio + chips side Varies by location 500–900 Corn tortillas, chips side Possible corn trace

Calories and Nutrition: Real Examples Using Chipotle’s Nutrition Tools

Use the chain’s nutrition calculator to match calories and macros to the exact bowl, tacos, or snack you plan to order. The tool updates totals as you add proteins, salsas, and extras, so it’s the fastest way to plan a meal that fits your goals.

Carnitas bowl — real example

Order: carnitas with white rice, black beans, fajita veggies, cheese, and corn salsa.

Item Calories Fat Protein Carbs Sodium
Carnitas bowl (example) 760 27g 45g 84g 1,680mg

Why it matters: stacked builds boost sodium quickly. Track salts if you eat these items often.

Chicken salad — real example

Order: grilled chicken, corn salsa, Chipotle‑Honey Vinaigrette on romaine.

Item Calories Fat Protein Carbs Sodium
Chicken salad (example) 495 25g 37g 37g 1,505mg

This is a lighter, protein-forward bowl option that still delivers satiety.

Barbacoa corn-tortilla tacos — real example

Order: barbacoa tacos with guacamole, queso, red salsa, cheese, and lettuce.

Item Calories Fat Protein Carbs Sodium
Barbacoa tacos (3) + toppings 865 55g 40g 49g 1,840mg

Note: corn tortillas can keep carbs moderate, but add-ons raise fat and calories fast.

Chips and queso blanco — real example

Order: tortilla chips with queso blanco as a snack or side.

Item Calories Fat Protein Carbs Sodium
Chips + queso blanco 780 43g 17g 80g 880mg

This pairing can become a full meal—plan accordingly when tracking daily calories.

Kid’s Build Your Own — real example

Order: kid’s corn tortillas, chicken, pinto beans, fresh tomato salsa.

Item Calories Fat Protein Carbs Sodium
Kid’s BYO 335 10g 23g 35g 620mg

Useful benchmark for smaller appetites and family planning.

Lifestyle bowls — Whole30 vs. Vegan

Item Calories Fat Protein Carbs Sodium
Whole30 Salad Bowl (carnitas) 500 34g 27g 20g 1,535mg
Vegan Bowl (sofritas + beans) 420 24g 12g 42g 1,295mg

Quick tips:

  • Use the nutrition calculator to confirm calories for your exact build—extras like queso blanco or guacamole change totals fast.
  • These tools show macros and sodium, but they do not measure cross-contact risk; if you have celiac disease, pair nutrition planning with safe ordering steps from earlier sections.

Prices: What to Expect and How to Get the Most Accurate Cost

Local pricing changes a lot, so expect different totals depending on where you order. Prices vary by city, state, and even neighborhood. This affects the listed price and the final cost once you add extras.

Why prices vary across the U.S.

Regional rent, labor, and supply costs drive differences. A bowl in one city can cost noticeably more in another. Seasonal changes and promotions also change prices over time.

Best way to confirm current pricing

The fastest method is to build your exact order on the brand app or website and view the checkout total. In-store menus and the app show live pricing for your location and give item-level detail.

Cost drivers to watch

  • Meat choice: steak or double protein raises the total quickly.
  • Guacamole and queso blanco: each is a premium add-on that adds to the bill.
  • Chips and sides: a shareable side can be convenient but adds cost.

Smart budgeting tips: pick one premium add-on (guacamole or queso) instead of both. Consider splitting chips as a side to share. Remember: ordering bowls or salads doesn’t inherently cost more—your total depends on meat and extras. Check prices each time you order to stay accurate.

Conclusion

Wrap up your ordering plan with a few clear rules that make safe choices repeatable at the counter.

Top rule: skip flour tortillas and anything built on them. That single step removes the highest direct risk for people avoiding gluten on the chipotle gluten menu.

Remember corn is often the best substitute, but some corn items carry a trace‑grain disclaimer. Cross‑contamination can happen in a shared kitchen, so let your comfort level guide decisions.

Quick checklist: tell staff you have a sensitivity, ask to change gloves, request clean utensils or new tubs, and confirm ingredients when in doubt. Use the brand’s allergen and nutrition tools to verify builds.

Practical pick: burrito bowls and salads are the easiest, most consistent gluten‑friendly choices for most diners. You’ve got this—order with the checklist and eat with more confidence.

FAQ

What does “gluten-free” mean at Chipotle in the United States?

At Chipotle, “gluten-free” refers to menu items that do not contain wheat, rye, or barley as ingredients. Many core choices — bowls, salads, proteins, beans, rice, salsas, guacamole, and most toppings — are made without those grains. However, the kitchens are not certified gluten-free, so cross-contact can occur.

Which ingredients are primary gluten sources to watch for?

The main sources are wheat-based products such as flour tortillas, battered items, and any ingredient containing wheat, rye, or barley. Always avoid flour tortillas, quesadillas, and items made with wheat-based dough if you need to steer clear of these grains.

Why is Chipotle described as “gluten-friendly” but not a certified gluten-free kitchen?

Chipotle offers many items without wheat, rye, or barley and provides staff training to reduce cross-contact. Still, the restaurant prepares multiple items in the same area, uses shared utensils and grills, and stores ingredients together, so it cannot guarantee a zero cross-contact environment or a formal gluten-free certification.

What is Chipotle’s official allergen statement and how does it affect my order?

Chipotle states that while they list allergens for menu items, their operations involve shared equipment and surfaces. This means the risk of trace contamination exists even for items that do not contain gluten ingredients. Customers with celiac disease or severe intolerance should take extra precautions when ordering.

Which major menu item should people with wheat allergies or celiac avoid?

Avoid flour tortillas — that includes burritos, many tacos made with flour, and quesadillas. Those items contain wheat and are the highest-risk choices for direct gluten exposure.

Is there any gluten risk with corn-based items like corn tortillas or chips?

Corn itself does not contain wheat proteins, but trace gluten can occur from co-mingling during growing, processing, or in the restaurant. Corn tortillas and chips are generally a good choice, but ask staff about preparation and request precautions to reduce cross-contact.

How should I tell staff about my dietary needs when I start the line?

Clearly state whether you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Ask for the safest preparation method: fresh gloves, a single employee assembling your meal, and clean utensils or new ingredient tubs when possible. Be specific about avoiding flour tortillas and any wheat-containing items.

What should I request to reduce cross-contamination risk?

Ask for staff to change gloves, use a single employee to make your bowl or tacos, and grab utensils from a clean set. Request that fillings be scooped from new or unused tubs when available. These steps lower, but do not eliminate, the risk of trace exposure.

Which menu categories are safest to order without flour tortillas?

Burrito bowls, salads on romaine, corn-tortilla tacos (soft or crispy), chips with guacamole or salsas, kids’ build-your-own with corn tortillas, and Lifestyle Bowls are the most suitable options when avoiding flour tortillas.

Can I order tacos with corn tortillas and consider them safe?

Yes — soft and crispy corn tortillas are a common gluten-avoiding choice. Confirm they are handled separately from flour tortillas and request precautions to prevent mixing utensils or surfaces.

Are the proteins like chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas, and sofritas suitable for people avoiding wheat?

Those proteins are made without wheat ingredients on their standard recipes, so they are generally suitable. Still, ask about shared grills, ladles, and serving utensils to understand potential cross-contact risks.

What toppings, salsas, and add-ons are safe to customize a meal?

Safe options typically include white and brown rice, black and pinto beans, fajita veggies, romaine or supergreens, fresh tomato salsa, both tomatillo salsas, roasted chili-corn salsa, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and queso blanco. Confirm any dressing like chipotle-honey vinaigrette for ingredients and handling.

Are beans and rice safe from gluten contamination?

Rice and beans are made without wheat, rye, or barley. The main concern is cross-contact from shared scoops or containers. Request clean utensils or freshly opened tubs if you have high sensitivity.

Which items should I skip entirely to avoid wheat exposure?

Skip flour tortilla burritos, flour tacos, quesadillas, and any menu item clearly using wheat-based dough or batter. Also avoid menu items that mix flour-based components with other ingredients unless separate preparation is guaranteed.

Can I get a kid’s meal that avoids wheat?

Yes. The Kids Build Your Own option can be ordered with corn tortillas or as a bowl. Tell staff about the allergy and request the same cross-contact precautions used for adult orders.

How can I build a safe, lower-carb or Whole30-style bowl?

Start with romaine or supergreens, add a protein like chicken or carnitas, choose fajita veggies, skip rice or choose a small portion, add guacamole, salsa, and avoid queso or chips. Ask for clean utensils and dedicated assembly to reduce cross-contact.

Where can I find accurate nutrition and calorie information for example builds?

Use Chipotle’s nutrition calculator on their official website or app to view calories, macros, and sodium for specific builds like a carnitas bowl, chicken salad, or corn-tortilla tacos. These tools let you adjust choices to see real nutrition numbers.

Why do prices vary and how do I confirm the current cost?

Prices vary by U.S. location due to regional operating costs. The most accurate way to confirm cost is the Chipotle app, the restaurant’s in-store menu, or the online checkout before ordering. Protein choice and extras like guacamole or queso raise the total.

If I have celiac disease, is it safe to eat at Chipotle?

Many with celiac can enjoy items with precautions, but because the restaurant is not gluten-free certified and uses shared equipment, there is a real risk of trace contamination. People with severe sensitivity should consider this risk and may prefer dedicated gluten-free kitchens.

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