What kinds of cheese are used at Chipotle?
Since its inception in a repurposed ice cream shop in 1993, Chipotle has transformed into a fast-casual powerhouse, renowned for its Tex-Mex-style burritos and abundant bowls. Amidst a selection of meats, salsas, and add-ons like guacamole, the cheese offered by Chipotle manages to stand out. The brand limits itself to 53 ingredients, and two of the standout components are Monterey Jack cheese and white cheddar.
For burritos, tacos, and bowls, Chipotle utilizes shredded Monterey Jack. This semi-hard cheese boasts a rich texture and mild flavor that complements bolder components like salsa or seasoned meats. Due to its high moisture and fat levels, Monterey Jack cheese melts wonderfully, whether as a topping or as the hero in a quesadilla (or the secret menu quesarito). A staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, it was first crafted in California by Mexican Franciscan friars and quickly became an American staple.
With its buttery flavor and creamy melt, it makes perfect sense to indulge in extra Monterey Jack cheese with your next Chipotle order. There’s no additional charge for extras via the app, although some patrons have mentioned being charged for extra cheese when ordering in person.
What type of cheese does Chipotle use in their queso?
Although Chipotle lists white cheddar among its ingredients, it is not offered as a shredded topping. Instead, it is specifically used in the creation of Chipotle’s queso dip, together with the widely loved Monterey Jack cheese. Initially criticized for its lumpy texture and unpleasant flavor, several recipe revisions led to the much-loved queso customers enjoy today. This dip is built on a foundation of both cheeses, blended with milk and assorted peppers and spices, resulting in a creamy dip that patrons willingly pay extra for.
White cheddar is essentially what most Americans recognize as cheddar, but crafted without annatto, the coloring agent responsible for the familiar orange color. Known for its sharp and complex flavor, this variety competes well with the other robust ingredients at Chipotle, such as salsa and guacamole, without being overshadowed. Chipotle employs an aged version of white cheddar, lending the queso a sharper taste that harmonizes well with the creamy Monterey Jack.
For your next meal, if you’re in the mood for queso, think about ordering it on the side. Chipotle team members prefer not to wrap wet burritos, often due to excessive queso, so ordering it separately can help avoid the soggy tortilla issue.
Where does Chipotle source their cheese from?
Having explored the types of cheese Chipotle offers, you may wonder where it all originates. According to the chain, its Monterey Jack cheese is produced in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and also in California by Petaluma Creamery. While the company does not disclose the origin of its white cheddar or the source of its milk, it asserts that all cheese comes from pasture-raised cows that are not treated with rBST (bovine growth hormones).
All dairy farms producing Monterey Jack for Chipotle must comply with the company’s “Food with Integrity” standards. These guidelines prohibit the use of synthetic hormones to boost milk production and restrict antibiotics to treating only sick animals. Additionally, the herds must have continuous access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
This smaller-scale cheese production reflects Chipotle’s commitment to sourcing from family-owned farms. The brand offers annual seed grants to 50 young farmers (under the age of 40), including dairy farmers involved in its cheese supply chain.
