Yes, Chipotle uses corn tortillas for their burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads. Corn tortillas are a traditional staple in Mexican cuisine and Chipotle aims to provide an authentic experience with their menu items.
Why Does Chipotle Use Corn Tortillas?
There are a few key reasons why Chipotle chooses to use corn over flour tortillas:
- Corn tortillas have a richer, more complex flavor that pairs well with Chipotle’s fillings.
- They are lighter and thinner than flour, allowing you to taste the full flavors of the ingredients inside.
- Corn tortillas are gluten-free, making Chipotle’s menu more accessible.
- They are traditionally used in authentic Mexican cooking and align with Chipotle’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The corn tortillas used at Chipotle are made from just four simple ingredients: corn, water, lime, and salt. Lime is added to help loosen the hulls from the corn kernels and impart a subtle flavor. By keeping the ingredients simple, the natural sweetness of the corn can shine through.
How Are Chipotle’s Corn Tortillas Made?
Chipotle’s tortillas are produced by machine, but they are crafted to imitate the flavor and texture of fresh, handmade tortillas. Here is an overview of how they make them:
- Corn kernels are cooked and soaked in limewater, an ancient Aztec technique known as nixtamalization. This enhances nutrition and flavor.
- The corn is ground into masa dough using traditional stone mills.
- The masa is mixed with water and a pinch of salt.
- The dough is pressed into thin tortillas using an automated press.
- The tortillas are pre-cooked on a conveyor oven.
- They are packaged and shipped to restaurants, ready for final heating and serving.
By starting with organic whole-grain corn and replicating traditional methods, Chipotle is able to produce soft, pliable tortillas with an authentic, masa-like flavor.
Nutritional Profile of Chipotle’s Corn Tortillas
One of the benefits of using corn over flour tortillas is their lighter nutritional profile. Here is the nutrition information for a standard Chipotle corn tortilla:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, corn tortillas are low in fat and calories compared to flour tortillas. They also provide fiber, which can help support digestive health.
The Superior Flavor of Corn
Ultimately, Chipotle chooses corn tortillas because of their irresistible flavor. Corn lends a sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meats, salsa, beans, and other fillings. The tortilla itself has a light, grainy texture and aroma of fresh corn that you just can’t achieve with flour.
Many fans agree that going with corn instead of flour makes for a better burrito-eating experience. The lighter texture allows you to experience all the layers of ingredients in every bite. And without the thicker, bready flour tortilla, you can actually taste the fillings themselves.
Availability of Flour Tortillas
While corn is their standard tortilla, Chipotle does offer flour tortillas as an alternative for customers who prefer them. However, they are only available upon request. Flour tortillas are not regularly stocked or displayed at most locations.
Some reasons why they are not offered by default:
- Chipotle believes corn best represents their food philosophy and flavor profile.
- Corn tortillas align with their mission of sustainability and natural ingredients.
- Limiting flour reduces allergy risks for customers.
- Stocking only one type of tortilla increases efficiency in their stores.
So while flour tortillas can be requested for burritos, bowls, tacos, etc., the standard will always be corn at Chipotle. It delivers the taste and experience they aim for.
Gluten-Free Tortilla Option
For customers avoiding gluten, Chipotle has introduced certified gluten-free tortillas made with all organic ingredients. This provides more options for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
The gluten-free tortillas are warmed on foil to prevent cross-contamination. They have a distinct appearance and texture, being slightly thicker and lighter in color than the traditional corn tortillas.
Chipotle’s training and protocols ensure gluten-free orders are prepared safely. However, the potential for cross-contact still exists in their kitchens. So those with gluten disorders should advise staff of any serious allergy.
Conclusion
Chipotle’s choice to serve corn tortillas instead of flourcomes down to tradition, taste, and quality. Corn aligns with their mission to serve authentic Mexican flavors using responsibly sourced ingredients. And the sweet, grainy corn flavor pairs perfectly with their bold, fresh fillings.
While they do offer flour as an alternative, corn tortillas will remain the foundational wrapper at Chipotle. Their unique texture and ability to showcase fillings is an essential part of the Chipotle burrito-eating experience.