Are Chipotle Chips Gluten-Free?
If you’re navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, dining out can sometimes feel tricky. At Chipotle, many menu items are naturally gluten-free, including their tortilla chips. But before you indulge, it’s important to understand the details.
What Are Chipotle Chips Made Of?
Chipotle’s tortilla chips are made from corn masa flour and water, then fried in sunflower oil. This simple ingredient list indicates a gluten-free product. The chips are also fried in separate fryers, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing items like flour tortillas or chimichangas.
Are Chipotle Chips Truly Gluten-Free?
While the chips themselves are made from corn and cooked separately, Chipotle’s allergen information includes a caution. Corn products, including tortilla chips, may have trace amounts of gluten due to co-mingling with gluten-containing grains during farming. This means that although the chips are gluten-free by ingredients, there is a minor risk of trace gluten exposure. For most people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, this is usually not an issue. However, individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should exercise caution.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Chipotle
To reduce the risk of gluten exposure, consider these tips:
- Always inform the staff about your gluten sensitivity.
- Request that staff change gloves before preparing your meal.
- Choose burrito bowls or salads instead of burritos or quesadillas.
- Select corn tortillas if ordering tacos.
- Be cautious with corn-based items such as corn salsa and crispy corn tortillas due to potential trace gluten.
Gluten-Free Menu Options at Chipotle
Category: Bowls – All options like carnitas, barbacoa, or sofritas are gluten-free if served without flour tortillas. Salads – All salads are safe with corn tortillas or without tortillas. Tacos – Only corn tortillas are safe. Sides – Tortilla chips, guacamole, queso blanco, and most salsas are gluten-free, though corn salsa may contain trace gluten. Beverages – All standard beverages are safe. Kid’s Meals – Corn tortillas with safe fillings are gluten-free.
Recap
Chipotle’s tortilla chips are made from corn and fried separately, which makes them gluten-free by ingredients. However, minor trace gluten may be present due to farming practices, so individuals with severe gluten intolerance should be cautious. For most people, Chipotle offers a variety of gluten-free options including bowls, salads, and tacos with corn tortillas.