13 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Ordering Food From Chipotle
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Chipotle is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, known for its fresh and customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos. However, ordering from Chipotle can be a tricky business, especially if you are new to the restaurant.
Yes, you can order menu online or through the Chipotle app. This can save you time and help you avoid long lines.
Asking for a burrito instead of a bowl
Many consumers have chosen to ordering a bowl instead of a burrito in recent years, recognizing that a bowl is frequently a healthier alternative.
After all, removing the tortilla cuts about 320 calories from your lunch. The nutritional value of your bowl or burrito is ultimately determined by what you put inside, but in general, the bowl will be less calorie-dense.
The bowl is also fantastic since you can mix it up anyway you like and get a spoon full of all your favorite ingredients. Meanwhile, a mouthful of your burrito may consist of more rice than anything else.
Finally, and arguably most importantly, bowls usually have more food overall. Ex-manager Devin Caldarone told Thrillist, “Generally, bowls get more food fillings like rice and beans, but not meats.
Not Asking For Tortillas On The Side
Many consumers have chosen to ordering a bowl instead of a burrito in recent years, recognizing that a bowl is frequently a healthier alternative.
After all, removing the tortilla cuts about 320 calories from your lunch. The nutritional value of your bowl or burrito is ultimately determined by what you put inside, but in general, the bowl will be less calorie-dense.
The bowl is also fantastic since you can mix it up anyway you like and get a spoon full of all your favorite ingredients. Meanwhile, a mouthful of your burrito may consist of more rice than anything else.
Finally, and arguably most importantly, bowls usually have more food overall. Ex-manager Devin Caldarone told Thrillist, “Generally, bowls get more food fillings like rice and beans, but not meats.” And extra rice, beans, and salsas are included, so load up.”
Not Ordering Half And Half
If you insist on ordering a burrito, ordering only one version of the ingredients could be a costly error. Hear us out: at Chipotle, you normally select one type of rice, one type of bean, and one type of meat.
We’re here to tell you that there is a better way. The ultimate tip for getting the most out of your bowl or burrito is to request half and half.
That translates to half brown rice, half white rice, half chicken, half beef, and half black, half pinto beans. Of course, it would be courteous to try this more sophisticated order outside of peak hours.
Employees do not have the time or want to measure out exactly half a portion, therefore they may wing it and the portion will be little larger. That isn’t simply pure conjecture, either.
Dylan Grosz of Apartment List figured out six new methods to make your Chipotle burrito bigger in 2015.
According to his estimates, requesting both brown and white rice yields 93% more rice, requesting both beans yields 92% more, and requesting two different varieties of meat yields 54% more.
Asking For Guacamole If You’re Having Your Chipotle To-go
We’re all aware that guacamole is an extra charge, as Chipotle personnel will never let us forget. The higher price is attributed in part to rising demand, as avocado consumption increased from 4 pounds per person per year to 7.25 pounds between 2010 and 2016.
As a result, the cost of importing is likewise higher. Finally, Chef Nevielle Panthaky, Chipotle’s Vice President of Culinary, informed Reader’s Digest that “on average, we have 2-3 employees dedicated to guac making during morning prep.” Labor costs are thus a consideration.
However, if you are paying extra for guacamole, you may have ordered incorrectly. Chipotle disclosed the formula for its guacamole a few years ago, which was validated by staff.This implies you can make it yourself (spoiler alert: it’s incredibly simple to put together).
Granted, this only works if you order Chipotle to go. If you’re eating in, ordering a vegetable burrito, bowl, or tacos can get you some complimentary guacamole.
While it is not guaranteed, employees may be gracious enough to you free guacamole because you did not order meat. They don’t have to, so if you’re looking for free guac with your veggie burrito, be kind!
We’re all aware that guacamole is an extra charge, as Chipotle personnel will never let us forget. The higher price is attributed in part to rising demand, as avocado consumption increased from 4 pounds per person per year to 7.25 pounds between 2010 and 2016.
As a result, the cost of importing is likewise higher. Finally, Chef Nevielle Panthaky, Chipotle’s Vice President of Culinary, informed Reader’s Digest that “on average, we have 2-3 employees dedicated to guac making during morning prep.” Labor costs are thus a consideration.
Not Getting White Rice
We understand if you’re attempting to conserve calories by asking for brown rice instead of white rice. If that’s the case, you’re missing out big time.
First and foremost, Chipotle’s white rice is famed for its excellent flavor. It provides a wonderful kick to your other with basmati rice, bay leaves, cilantro, and lime and lemon juice.
One component, cilantro, may pose a concern. There appear to be two categories of people who enjoy cilantro and those who dislike it. There doesn’t appear to be a middle ground. So, what should you do if you can’t stand cilantro?
According to a former Chipotle employee, you may get the white rice sans cilantro. It may take some extra time, so don’t do this during the lunch rush, but they can accomplish it and you won’t miss out on the chain’s wonderful white rice.
Not Getting The Chips
Have you ever had Chipotle chips? That is a massive ordering error! They’re crisp, light, and golden, with just the right amount of lime taste and saltiness.
If you really want to make them at home, Chipotle’s social media team shared on TikTok how they’re made so you can.
If you’ve never ordered the tortilla chips, it could be because they weren’t available and are usually located behind your cashier.
If you look past the staffer telling you how much your meal will cost, you’ll most likely find a line of brown bags labeled “chips.” Take our word for it: they’re essential.
You can have them before, during, or after your meal, with guacamole or pico de gallo on the side. You can also devour the contents of your bowl with your chips like spoons.
Because a bowl or burrito at Chipotle can be extremely filling, you might think a bag of chips is excessive. Chips, on the other hand, can always be stored for later.
You might be hungry again in a few hours and thank yourself for getting those chips. You may always order a kid-sized bag if saving for later isn’t your thing. You’ll get a little less and it’ll be less expensive.
However, knowing this is useful not only if you have children, but also if you aren’t particularly hungry or don’t want to spend a fortune yet again.
The “build-your-own” taco plate costs $4.75 and includes one protein, two fillings, two hard shells or soft tortillas, a small bag of chips or fruit, and a drink.
Of course, the amounts are smaller, and extra fillings beyond the two allowed pay $0.90 each (as opposed to the usually free extras for adult meals).
However, the kids menu does not end there. A cheese quesadilla with two fillings, chips, and a drink costs $3.75, and a meat quesadilla with two fillings costs $4.25.
If you can’t finish your bowl or burrito, this might be the best alternative for you. And, sure, we confirmed that it is suitable for customers of all ages.
Not Asking For Extra Of Everything
If you find yourself halting at employee-regulated portions when placing your order at Chipotle, it’s time to make a change. That’s because you can get more of practically anything for free, including rice, beans, salsa, vegetables, and cheese.
Additional pieces of meat, on the other hand, are not free (use the half-and-half method to get more). Meanwhile, guacamole is already an added expense.
According to a former staffer who posted on Reddit, “everything extra except meat and guac is free as long as it fills the bowl/burrito.” Of course, the Redditor advised paying attention to the crowd.
“If there’s a long line and you keep asking for more, the employees will despise you, but it won’t cost you anything more than the regular price.”
“If you’re a Chipotle regular, you’ll want to avoid overdoing it, but asking for extra here and there will help make that $12 order worthwhile.”
Not Asking For a Double-Wrapped Burrito
Tortillas are always complimentary at Chipotle. So why not make the most of it with a double-wrapped burrito? This might be requested in one of two ways:
According to a Reddit user, they should be stacked directly on top of one other or overlapped. According to Apartment List, double-wrapping can increase the size of the final burrito by up to 25%.
usually when you’ve requested too many ingredients and your burrito is about to split open. However, if you notice that they aren’t doing it themselves, you can request it for free.
This ordering advice has limitations since you must pace yourself with the extras. If you overdo it, even with the two tortilla technique, the burrito may still be unrollable.
According to former Chipotle manager Devin Caldarone, a truly monster order can result in a “soup burrito that’s practically un-rollable.”
Not Knowing About Secret Menu Items
It’s now common knowledge that almost every fast food restaurant has a secret menu. In reality, they are no longer so secret and are frequently pretty easy to find.
Chipotle is no exception. The most renowned secret menu item is perhaps the Quesarito, which is simply a burrito wrapped within a quesadilla, as the name suggests.
According to this Reddit thread, many consumers despise it when they order this. However, many confess they don’t mind if you order during a less crowded hour.
Other secret menu items include cheese, beef, and vegetarian quesadillas, as well as nachos. If they have the ingredients, it’s not busy, and you’re courteous, you should be able to receive practically whatever you ask for. Tips are also appreciated.
Former manager Devin Caldarone told Thrillist that he would occasionally prepare a Chipotle pizza.
“I’d stack two tortillas on foil, then top with medium salsa mix and a dollop of sour cream as a sauce.” On top of that, I’d add cheese, then chop up some steak, throw it all on the grill, then cover it with something to convection cook it.”
Thinking it’s Healthier Than Your Average Fast Food
Yes, Chipotle is potentially healthier than other fast food restaurants, but it all depends on what you order. According to The New York Times, the average Chipotle order contains approximately 1,070 calories.
Chipotle promotes itself as a restaurant with fresh, natural ingredients, which isn’t entirely untrue. For example, Chipotle became the first national restaurant to employ no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in 2017.
But there are a few signs that Chipotle is not the best food out there. In 2015, a case brought into question its claims that it didn’t use GMOs, which were great for business.
The New York Times says that most Chipotle orders have between 2,000 and 2,400 milligrams of salt, which is almost an entire day’s worth for the average adult, and 75% of the recommended daily amount of saturated fat.
Not Asking For a Sample
Most restaurant chains that make meals to order also offer samples, like ice cream shops where you can try almost any flavor before making your final order.
When you order at Chipotle, you can try almost any item before adding it to your dish because all of the ingredients are right in front of you. Insider learned this from a former employee of Chipotle.
You might not want to misuse this privilege, as it seems a tad tedious for already overworked Chipotle personnel. After all, there’s a fine line between trying a few ingredients and abusing the system.
Crossing it will undoubtedly annoy the average Chipotle employee. However, if done properly, such as ordering during lulls and with plenty of pleases and thank yous, this is a great opportunity to explore new ingredients before adding them to your regular Chipotle order.
This method works particularly well with mild, medium, and hot sauces. If you’re sensitive to spices, trying a sauce before adding it to your order will help ensure you don’t get something you can’t handle.
Not Ordering a Margarita
You’re telling us you’ve been going to Chipotle all this time and you haven’t been ordering an occasional margarita? Maybe you didn’t know about it, but now you do.
Chipotle , many locations offer both margaritas and beer, but you must consume alcoholic beverages on the premises only (via Insider).
If you’re eating in and over 21, you can order a tasty margarita. During the COVID-19 outbreak, many Chipotle locations removed the margarita from the menu because all orders were to-go.
Most locations have not put it back on the menu since. Some never even sold margaritas to start with, per a Chipotle employee on Reddit. If you are one of the lucky ones, however, your local Chipotle might still sell margaritas for you to enjoy.
FAQs
The biggest mistake people make is not knowing how to order their food properly. This can result in overloading their bowl or burrito, not getting enough protein, or not including all of the toppings they want.
The best way to avoid these ordering mistakes is to have a plan before you get to the front of the line. Decide whether you want a bowl or burrito, which protein you want, and which toppings you want to add. It’s also helpful to ask the employee for their recommendations.
Yes, you can ask for more rice or beans at no additional charge. However, if you ask for extra protein or guacamole, you will have to pay more.
It really depends on your personal preference. Bowls are generally easier to eat and can hold more toppings, while burritos are more portable and easier to eat on-the-go. However, burritos can be messier and more difficult to eat without a fork and knife.
It’s really up to you! White rice is a little bit softer and has a milder flavor, while brown rice is chewier and has a slightly nutty flavor. Both are good options.
Yes, you can order a side of tortilla chips with your meal. You can also ask for extra chips if you want.