Since its modest beginnings in a revamped ice cream shop in 1993, Chipotle has transformed into a fast-casual giant, renowned for its Tex-Mex-inspired, generously filled burritos and hearty bowls. Amid the various meat choices, salsa varieties, and extras like guacamole, Chipotle’s cheese remains distinctly noteworthy. The brand keeps its menu to 53 ingredients, among which are Monterey Jack cheese and white cheddar.
For its burritos, tacos, and bowls, Chipotle opts for shredded Monterey Jack. This semi-hard cheese boasts a rich texture and mild flavor, perfectly complementing bolder ingredients like salsa or seasoned proteins. Thanks to its high moisture and fat content, Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, serving as a topping or the centerpiece in quesadillas (or the Chipotle secret menu quesarito). Originating in California through the efforts of Mexican Franciscan friars, it has become a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and an American favorite.
With its buttery flavor and creamy melted texture, adding extra Monterey Jack cheese to your next Chipotle order is a no-brainer. While there’s no extra charge through the app, some customers have reported being charged for additional cheese when ordering in person.
What type of cheese does Chipotle use in their queso?
Although Chipotle includes white cheddar in its ingredient list, it is not available as a shredded topping. Instead, it is specifically used in Chipotle’s queso dip along with the popular Monterey Jack cheese. Initially known for its less-than-appealing qualities (like a lumpy texture and unappetizing flavor), Chipotle’s queso has undergone three makeovers and recipe revisions to achieve the beloved dip it serves today. The base includes these two cheeses combined with milk, plus an assortment of peppers and spices, to produce the gooey dip that many customers eagerly pay extra for.
White cheddar is essentially the cheddar most Americans recognize, minus the addition of annatto that gives it the classic orange color. This cheese variety is celebrated for its tangy yet complex flavor, able to hold its own against Chipotle’s other bold ingredients, such as salsa or guacamole, without being overwhelmed. The company utilizes an aged version of white cheddar, which imparts a sharper taste to the queso that is beautifully balanced by the creamy Monterey Jack.
When cravings for queso strike during your next meal, consider requesting it on the side. Chipotle staff often dislike wrapping wet burritos, and queso can frequently lead to this problem. By ordering it separately, you’re less likely to encounter a soggy tortilla that disintegrates.
Where does Chipotle get its cheese from?
Now that you’re aware of the types of cheese Chipotle uses, where do they source it from? According to the fast-casual chain, its Monterey Jack cheese comes from Wisconsin, produced by Meister Cheese, and also in California by Petaluma Creamery. While Chipotle does not disclose the exact source of its white cheddar or its milk suppliers, it insists that all its cheeses come from pasture-reared cows raised without rBST (bovine growth hormones).
The small to midsize dairy farms that supply Chipotle with Monterey Jack cheese must comply with the company’s “Food with Integrity” standards. These regulations prohibit the use of artificial hormones to boost milk production, reserving antibiotics solely for the treatment of sick cows. The herds also need constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
This smaller scale of cheese production aligns with Chipotle’s commitment to sourcing from family farms. The company provides annual seed grants to 50 young farmers (under the age of 40), including dairy farmers involved in its cheese supply chain.