Yes, you can get sides with a Chipotle kids meal. Chipotle offers a few different sides that can be added on to any kids meal order for an additional charge. The most popular sides to get with a Chipotle kids meal are chips and guacamole, queso blanco, fresh tomato salsa, romaine lettuce, and black beans or pinto beans. Getting sides with a kids meal is a great way to make it a more filling and complete meal for kids.
Chipotle Kids Meal Options
Chipotle offers a few different entree options for kids meals, all of which come with a drink and side of chips by default. The entree choices include:
- Chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa or sofritas tacos
- Chicken or steak quesadillas
- Cheese quesadillas
- Bean burritos
Kids can choose either corn or flour tortillas with their tacos or quesadillas. The portion sizes for kids meals are smaller than the regular entree sizes. But sides can help to make it a more substantial meal.
Adding Sides to Chipotle Kids Meals
Any of the regular Chipotle sides can be added onto a kids meal order for an additional charge. The most popular sides to get with kids meals are:
Chips and Guacamole
Chips come included in the kids meal, but guacamole makes a great extra side. The creamy, fresh guacamole has vitamin C, fiber and healthy fats. It’s a tasty way to get kids to eat some veggies.
Queso Blanco
Chipotle’s queso blanco is a smooth, creamy cheese dip that kids love. It can be used for dipping chips or tacos. The queso blanco contains milk and cheese, giving it a protein boost.
Fresh Tomato Salsa
The mild tomato salsa adds freshness, vegetables and flavor without much spiciness. It’s a quick and easy way to get kids to eat some extra veggies with their meal.
Romaine Lettuce
A side of shredded romaine lettuce can add some crunch and nutrients. Kids can make simple side salads with vinaigrette or use the lettuce to top their tacos and burritos.
Black Beans or Pinto Beans
The fiber-rich beans offered at Chipotle provide a healthy vegetarian side option. Kids who want more protein can get a side of mild black beans or pinto beans.
Nutrition Information for Chipotle Kids Meal Sides
Here is some nutrition information on the most popular sides to add to Chipotle kids meals:
| Side Item | Serving Size | Calories | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chips | 1 oz (about 12 chips) | 150 | Whole grains |
| Guacamole | 2 oz | 90 | Healthy fats, vitamin C, fiber |
| Queso Blanco | 2 oz | 140 | Calcium, protein |
| Salsa | 2 oz | 10 | Vitamin C, lycopene |
| Lettuce | 2 oz | 10 | Vitamin K, vitamin C |
| Beans | 2 oz | 100 | Fiber, plant protein |
Chips
The whole grain chips offer some fiber and carbohydrates. Just watch portions, as the calorie count can add up quickly.
Guacamole
The avocados in guacamole provide healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin C. There’s also fiber from the other vegetable ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Queso Blanco
Chipotle’s queso blanco is a cheesy, creamy dip that gives a protein and calcium boost. But it’s also fairly high in saturated fat and sodium, so small portions are best.
Salsa
The tomato salsa offers nutrition from fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s low calorie, with vitamin C and lycopene.
Lettuce
The shredded romaine lettuce provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber without adding many calories.
Beans
Black or pinto beans add a hefty dose of fiber and plant-based protein. They also provide key nutrients like iron, magnesium and potassium.
Price of Adding Sides to Chipotle Kids Meals
Adding sides to a Chipotle kids meal costs extra:
- Chips – $1.95 for a side portion
- Guacamole – $2.45 for a 2 oz side
- Queso Blanco – $1.95 for a 2 oz side
- Salsa or Lettuce – $0.50 for a 2 oz side
- Beans – $1.25 for a 2 oz side
So sides range from an additional $0.50 to $2.45 each depending on what you get. For bigger appetites, the extra cost can be worth it!
Ordering Sides with Chipotle Kids Meals
There are a few different ways to order sides with Chipotle kids meals:
In-Person
When ordering in person at the Chipotle counter, simply request any sides you would like in addition to the kids meal. The team member can add them to your order.
Online Ordering
When ordering online for takeout or delivery, sides can be added to kids meals as extra menu items. Just select the sides you want under the “Extras” section when customizing your order.
Chipotle App
The Chipotle app has the same functionality as online ordering. Open the app, select a kids meal entree, then click into sides or extras to add items like chips, guacamole, beans, etc.
Making the Most of Chipotle Kids Meal Sides
Here are some tips for getting the most out of adding sides to Chipotle kids meals:
- Pick 1-2 sides maximum to keep portions in check and prevent excess calories.
- Get salsa or lettuce to add some veggies.
- Add guacamole for healthy fats kids need for brain development.
- Beans provide plant-based protein and fiber.
- Queso blanco gives a calcium boost but watch saturated fat.
- Go for sides with more nutritional value vs just extra chips.
- Split large sides or sides with higher calories.
- Use sides to help kids try new foods and flavors.
Kid-Friendly Ways to Eat Meal Sides
There are lots of fun ways for kids to enjoy meal sides:
Chips
- Dip in queso blanco or guacamole
- Sprinkle shredded lettuce and tomato on top
- Break up on top of taco or burrito
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese
Queso Blanco
- Dip chips, carrots, broccoli, etc.
- Spread on quesadilla before folding
- Drizzle over taco or burrito bowl
- Use as taco or burrito filling
Guacamole
- Dip with chips, veggie sticks, etc.
- Spread on tacos, quesadillas, burritos
- Top a burrito bowl
- Make guac sandwiches with chips or bread
Salsa
- Dip chips or chicken tenders
- Mix with shredded lettuce for a side salad
- Top tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas
Lettuce
- Use for lettuce wrap tacos or quesadillas
- Make quick side salads with vinaigrette
- Add crunch to any bowl or burrito
Beans
- Fill a taco or burrito
- Top a burrito bowl
- Make bean & cheese quesadillas
- Add on the side of any entree
Popular Kids Meal Side Combos
Some tasty side combo ideas for Chipotle kids meals include:
- Chips with queso blanco for dipping
- Chips with fresh tomato salsa
- Side of guacamole with veggie sticks for dipping
- Lettuce and guacamole for DIY salad
- Black beans and brown rice
- Pinto beans and salsa
- Queso blanco with chips and guacamole
Mix and match favorites to customize the meal!
Benefits of Adding Sides to Kids Meals
There are a few benefits to getting sides with Chipotle kids meals:
Makes a More Complete Meal
Sides help turn a kids meal into a more balanced, filling and satisfying meal with veggies, fiber, protein etc.
Exposes Kids to New Foods
Kids get to try new flavors and foods they may not regularly eat, like salsa, guacamole, beans, etc.
Offers Nutritional Value
Pairing healthier sides adds important nutrients kids need for growth and development.
Provides Variety
Different sides each time keeps kids’ meals exciting with new tastes and textures.
Gives Control Over Portions
You can control portions and nutrition by choosing healthier sides over extra chips.
Conclusion
Adding sides to Chipotle kids meals is a great way make them more tasty, filling and balanced. Side options like salsa, lettuce, beans and guacamole introduce new flavors and nutrition. Just watch portions of high-calorie sides like queso blanco and chips. With so many sides to mix and match, kids will have fun picking their own meal combos. Sides turn a standard kids meal into a varied feast!