Chipotle offers a variety of healthy menu options you can choose from. One of the easiest healthy choices to make is to choose cilantro-lime brown rice instead of white rice.
But what kind of brown rice does Chipotle use, and is it healthier than white rice? Here’s what you need to know about the rice at Chipotle.
Table of Contents
What Type of Brown Rice Does Chipotle Use?
Chipotle does not state the exact type or brand of brown rice they use at their restaurants. In fact, the exact brand might vary depending on the location and supplier. However, the brown rice cooking process will be the same at nearly every Chipotle location.
How Chipotle Cooks Brown Rice
Chipotle cooks their cilantro-lime brown rice the same way at nearly every location. Chipotle states they start from scratch each morning and simmer the whole-grain brown rice with bay leaves for an extra savory flavor. After the rice is finished cooking, they season it with lemon and lime and toss in Cilantro.
Here’s a full list of the ingredients in Chipotle’s cilantro-lime brown rice:
- Brown rice
- Bay leaf
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Salt
- Water
- Rice bran oil
You can find a full list of Chipotle’s ingredients by visiting their official ingredient page. You can find nutrition information and how they cook some of their dishes using this page.
Nutrition Facts
Chipotle’s cilantro-lime brown rice is a fairly healthy option. Brown rice is typically a healthier option than white rice, and the ingredients they use don’t include any additives or fillers. Here are the nutrition facts per serving for Chipotle’s cilantro-lime brown rice:
- 210 Calories
- 6g of Fat
- 5g of Protein
- 36g of Carbohydrates
Is Chipotle’s Brown Rice Long Grain?
Chipotle doesn’t specify on their official website whether their brown rice is short, medium, or long-grain. However, Chipotle does state that their white rice in long-grain. It’s likely that the brown rice at Chipotle is either medium or long-grain, but you might need to ask to be sure.
How Chipotle Cooks White Rice
Chipotle cooks their cilantro-lime white rice almost exactly the same as their brown rice. Chipotle states they start from scratch each morning and simmer the white rice with bay leaves for an extra savory flavor. After the rice is finished cooking, they season it with lemon and lime and toss in Cilantro. Chipotle also states they use long-grain white rice instead of short or medium grain.
Here’s a full list of the ingredients in Chipotle’s cilantro-lime brown rice:
- White rice
- Bay leaf
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Salt
- Water
- Rice bran oil
As you can see, Chipotle uses the same exact ingredients in their cilantro-lime white rice as their brown rice. Visit the official ingredient page for the full list of ingredients at Chipotle.
Nutrition Facts
Chipotle’s cilantro-lime white rice is a fairly healthy option. Chipotle doesn’t include any additives or fillers in their white rice. Here are the nutrition facts for the cilantro-lime white rice at Chipotle:
- 210 Calories
- 4g of Fat
- 4g of Protein
- 40g of Carbohydrates
Is Chipotle’s Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?
With similar calories and nutrients, you might be wondering if Chipotle’s brown rice is a healthier option than their white rice. Generally speaking, the cilantro-lime brown rice at Chipotle is the healthier choice. The brown rice contains 160 fewer milligrams of sodium and has an extra gram of dietary fiber.
Why is Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?
Generally speaking, brown rice is typically a healthier choice than white rice. Brown rice is whole-grain, meaning it contains more nutrition overall than white rice. Whole-grain foods are recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet and may reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Key Differences
The key difference between white rice and brown rice is the overall nutrition profile. Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice, which has been known to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Brown rice also contains the mineral manganese, which is essential for energy production and antioxidants. Brown rice also contains selenium which helps in antioxidant protection, immune function, and more.
On the other hand, enriched white rice contains a good amount of folate. Folate is essential for pregnant women and can help your body make DNA or other genetic material.
Can I Ask for Rice Without Cilantro?
Yes, you can ask for either brown or white rice without Cilantro at Chipotle. However, the employees might have to prepare it fresh, which can take some time. You might want to consider ordering or calling ahead if you plan on asking for rice without Cilantro.
Can I Ask for Extra Cilantro?
Yes, you can also ask for brown or white rice with extra Cilantro at Chipotle. The Chipotle employees will most likely give you fresh-cut Cilantro on the side if you ask for it. Keep in mind that you might have to pay extra depending on the location.
Does Chipotle Use Special Brown Rice?
Chipotle does not state the exact type or brand of brown rice they use at their restaurants. In fact, the exact brand might vary depending on the location and supplier. Chipotle cooks their brown and white rice using bay leaves, lime juice, lemon juice, and Cilantro as the primary ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, visit the official Chipotle website.