What cheeses are used by Chipotle?

Since its inception in a repurposed ice cream shop in 1993, Chipotle has evolved into a fast-casual giant, renowned for its Tex-Mex-inspired overstuffed burritos and hearty bowls. Among the plethora of meat choices, salsa options, and extras like guacamole, Chipotle’s cheese remains a distinctive feature. The brand restricts itself to just 53 ingredients, with two of the most important being Monterey Jack cheese and white cheddar.

For burritos, tacos, and bowls, Chipotle opts for shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This semi-hard cheese features a rich texture and mild flavor that complements the bolder elements like salsa or seasoned proteins. Thanks to its high moisture and fat content, Monterey Jack melts beautifully, making it ideal for toppings or as the main ingredient in a quesadilla (or the Chipotle secret menu quesarito). Originating in California from Mexican Franciscan friars, it has become a beloved staple of Tex-Mex cuisine in America.

With its buttery flavor and creamy melt, adding extra Monterey Jack cheese to your next Chipotle order is a smart choice. It’s included at no additional charge through the app, though some customers have reported fees for extra cheese when ordering in person.

While Chipotle mentions white cheddar among its ingredients, it’s not available as a shredded topping. Instead, it’s used exclusively in the creation of Chipotle’s queso dip alongside the fan-favorite Monterey Jack cheese. Initially criticized for its lumpy texture and unappealing taste, three rounds of reformulations led to the beloved queso customers enjoy today. The base of this recipe features the two cheeses, combined with milk, peppers, and spices, to achieve the gooey dip that many customers willingly pay extra for.

White cheddar is what most Americans recognize as cheddar but without the addition of annatto, which delivers that characteristic orange color. This cheese variation is renowned for its tangy, complex flavor, allowing it to stand up to Chipotle’s other robust ingredients, such as salsa or guacamole, without being overpowered. The company incorporates an aged white cheddar, imparting a sharper flavor that is well-balanced by the buttery taste of Monterey Jack.

If you’re in the mood for queso during your next meal, consider ordering it on the side. Chipotle staff prefer to avoid wrapping wet burritos, and queso is often the culprit, so having it on the side reduces the chances of ending up with a soggy tortilla.

Now that you’re aware of the types of cheese Chipotle uses, where does it all come from? According to the fast-casual chain, its Monterey Jack cheese is made in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and also in California by Petaluma Creamery. While Chipotle does not disclose the origins of its white cheddar or the source of the milk, it emphasizes that all its cheeses come from pasture-raised cows that are not treated with rBST (bovine growth hormones).

Each small to midsize dairy farm that produces its Monterey Jack cheese must comply with Chipotle’s “Food with Integrity” standards. These guidelines prohibit the use of artificial hormones to enhance milk production and restrict antibiotics to only treat sick animals. The herds are also required to have ongoing access to pastures, fresh water, and suitable shelter.

This commitment to smaller-scale cheese production highlights Chipotle’s focus on sourcing from family farms. The company provides annual seed grants to 50 young farmers (under the age of 40), including dairy farmers who contribute to its cheese supply.