Unhealthiest Chipotle Items: A Deep Dive into Nutritional Concerns

When considering the unhealthiest items you can order from Chipotle, it's essential to look at factors such as calorie count, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This article will explore some of the less healthy options to help you make more informed choices.

The Unhealthiest Chipotle Options

Chipotle offers a vast array of customizable options, but certain combinations can lead to meals that are both unhealthy and high in calories. Here are some of the less healthy choices:

Burrito with Extra Ingredients

:n - A burrito with all the extras, such as double meat, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, can easily exceed 1500 calories and contain high levels of saturated fat and sodium. This is one of the most calorically dense and nutrient-poor options available from Chipotle.

Quesadilla

:n - A quesadilla with cheese and additional toppings can be high in calories and fat, especially if you pair it with sides like sour cream or guacamole. The added ingredients can significantly increase the overall calorie content.

Chips and Guacamole

:n - While guacamole is nutritious, the chips are calorie-dense. A serving of chips with guacamole can add around 600-800 calories, making this a substantial calorie culprit.

Carnitas Burrito

:n - A carnitas burrito with all the toppings can be very high in calories, with some estimates around 1300 calories or more. The fats and sugars from the toppings contribute to the overall high calorie count.

Sofritas Burrito with All Toppings

:n - Similar to the carnitas option, a sofritas burrito with extra toppings can also reach high calorie levels. The added ingredients can significantly boost the calorie content and reduce nutritional value.

Salad with Dressing

:n - While salads may seem healthy, adding high-calorie dressings and toppings can make them quite unhealthy. For example, a salad with lots of cheese, sour cream, and a heavy dressing can be calorie-rich. Even a seemingly healthy choice can quickly become unhealthy if you’re not mindful of the ingredients you add.

Soda or Sweetened Beverages

:n - Ordering a sugary beverage can significantly increase the meal’s calorie count without providing any nutritional benefits. Avoiding such drinks is a good way to keep your overall calorie intake in check.

Tips for Healthier Choices

By being more mindful of your choices, you can enjoy Chipotle while keeping your meals healthier. Here are some tips:

Opt for a burrito bowl instead of a burrito to save on calories from the tortilla. Choose leaner proteins like chicken or sofritas and load up on vegetables. Limit high-calorie toppings like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Avoid chips or save them for a special occasion.

A Skeptical View of Chipotle's Chicken

Chipotle has faced some reputation issues regarding the safety and cooking of their chicken. Personal experience, as well as anecdotal conversations with friends and colleagues, suggests that they have been known to undercook their chicken at times, leading to concerns about salmonella poisoning. As someone who has worked in a chicken processing plant, I can vouch for the fact that safety protocols are stringent. Still, every chicken carcass is assumed to have salmonella, which is why protective gear is necessary.

Chipotle offers a second chance on these issues. However, after negative experiences with two different Atlanta stores, I haven't been there in probably five years. For those concerned about food safety, it's essential to be vigilant and choose establishments with a proven track record of food safety.