Chipotle is one of those restaurants that put a lot of effort into curating meals that are safe for people with gluten sensitivity. Most of the items on the Chipotle menu are gluten-free and this includes the chips.
At Chipotle, you can always let a waiter know that you’re gluten intolerant while you make your order.
If you’re gluten intolerant, it’s okay to cross-examine the ingredients in your favorite snack before you take a bite. So, before you decide to become a regular at Chipotle, read this.
What are Chipotle chips?
Chipotle chips are tortilla chips made by Chipotle, an American chain of restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine.
These chips are seasoned with salt and lime which gives the unique sharp flavor that makes you love it with guac, queso, or salsa. Chipotle tortilla chips are made with corn and the delicious, smoky chipotle seasoning.
Are Chipotle chips gluten-free?
Yes, Chipotle chips are gluten-free.
Chipotle makes its tortilla chips from corn. However, the company has a disclaimer that the chips may have trace amounts of gluten because they are exposed to cross-contamination when handled alongside gluten-containing grains.
For this reason, Chipotle welcomes your concerns about your gluten intolerance, the way your meal is prepared, and how it is served.
For instance, you can ask for a waiter with clean hands or ask that they change their gloves before preparing your meal.
Are Chipotle chips gluten-free and dairy-free?
Chipotle chips are gluten-free and dairy-free.
Although Chipotle uses cheese and sour cream (which are dairy products) to make most of their sides, their chips are an exception.
Therefore, if you have a dairy allergy alongside gluten intolerance, Chipotle chips are safe for you to eat.
Are Chipotle chips gluten-free and vegan?
Chipotle chips are gluten-free and vegan.
They do not contain any dairy products, which suggests animal origin. They are therefore certified vegan-friendly.
Are Chipotle chips healthy?
Although your palate will find Chipotle chips appetizing, they aren’t the best choice if you’re very concerned about your health.
Chipotle chips contain high amounts of calories and unsaturated fats. Per serving, Chipotle chips contain 540 calories, the total carbohydrate stands at 73 grams, 25 grams of fat, and 390 grams of sodium.
Additionally, these high levels of calories, fat, and sodium are a result of the making process. The deep-frying and repeated tossing in lime and kosher salt increase the amount of sodium and calories which are consequently harmful to the health.
Are there side effects of eating Chipotle chips?
Overconsumption of Chipotle chips can cause nausea, water retention, dehydration, bloating, increased blood pressure, and excessive weight gain.
Moreover, it can predispose you to heart disease and hypertension.
Homemade gluten-free Chipotle chips recipe
If you’re very concerned about what goes into your gluten-intolerant system, you can make your Chipotle chips at home with this recipe. This recipe makes 20-25 servings.
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas of 5 ½ inches in diameter
- 1 teaspoon of kosher or margarita salt
- 1/8 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup of sunflower oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Arrange the corn tortillas into a neat and uniform stack
- Then, use a sharp knife to cut them into triangles
- Pour the oil into a clean saucepan such that it is ½ inch deep. Allow the oil to heat at medium-high heat. When it’s hot enough, turn it down to medium-low heat
- Then, begin to fry the tortillas in batches of 10 or 15, depending on how deep or wide the pan is
- When the tortillas have fried well take them out and drain the oil on clean paper towels
- Thereafter, while still hot, sprinkle salt and lime juice over the tortillas
- Also, you can choose to toss the chips in a bowl with the salt and lime juice (like Chipotle does)
- Use the salt and lime juice as you want
- Serve your homemade Chipotle chips with any dip of your choice
FAQs
Does Chipotle serve flour or corn tortillas?
Chipotle serves both tortillas, what you order depends on your preferences and diet. Stay off the flour tortillas if you’re on a gluten-free diet.
Do Chipotle tortilla chips contain wheat?
No, they do not.
However, Chipotle’s flour tortillas may be cross-contaminated with gluten. Stick to corn tortillas if you’re gluten-sensitive.
Does Chipotle offer vegan options?
Yes, it does.
Chipotle’s menu is vegan-friendly. Aside from salad and burritos, Chipotle offers a vegan bowl containing chorizo, tomato salsa, black beans, cilantro-lime brown rice, corn salsa, and shredded lettuce.
What salt is used on Chipotle chips?
Chipotle uses kosher salt on its chips. But for a homemade recipe, you may use margarita salt.
Conclusion
If you’re gluten intolerant, Chipotle is one of the places to get gluten-free meals. However, some of the items are made with flour and may be cross-contaminated with gluten. But it’s not a cause for alarm if you speak up.
Avoid flour tortillas. Let the waiter attending to you know about your intolerance. If you settle all these on your order, you can have Chipotle tortilla corn chips without fear of gluten.
Thanks for reading.
On a gluten-free diet? Visit Cheffist to find out which restaurants can cater to your dietary needs.
