Andy Montoya
Chipotle uses two types of cheese in its dishes: Monterey Jack and white cheddar. The former is a semi-hard cheese with a rich texture and mild flavour, which is used in shredded form in burritos, tacos, and bowls. It is produced in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and in California by Petaluma Creamery. The latter is used in the chain's queso dip, which also contains Monterey Jack, milk, peppers, and spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Monterey Jack, White Cheddar |
| Texture | Rich, Buttery |
| Taste | Mild, Tangy, Complex |
| Meltability | Melts easily |
| Source | Wisconsin, California |
| Production | Small to Midsize Dairy Farms |
| Standards | "Food with Integrity" |
| Restrictions | No artificial hormones, Limited use of antibiotics |
| Animal Welfare | Constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter |
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What You'll Learn
Chipotle uses Monterey Jack cheese
Monterey Jack is one of the 53 ingredients that Chipotle uses in its dishes, and it is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. It was first produced in California by Mexican Franciscan friars and has since become an American favourite. Chipotle's Monterey Jack cheese is sourced from small to midsize family farms that adhere to the company's "Food with Integrity" standards. These standards include the restriction of artificial hormones and antibiotics, as well as requirements for pasture access, fresh water, and clean shelter for the cows.
The creamy, buttery texture and mild flavour of Monterey Jack make it a versatile cheese that complements Chipotle's other ingredients without overwhelming them. It is a key component in the chain's famous queso dip, where it is paired with milk, peppers, and spices to create a gooey, beloved dip that customers happily pay extra for.
While Chipotle also uses white cheddar in its queso dip, Monterey Jack is the cheese that is shredded and used as a topping. This shredded cheese is a favourite among customers, who appreciate its melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavour. Although Chipotle does not sell its cheese separately, customers can purchase blocks of Monterey Jack cheese from grocery stores to recreate the taste at home.
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White cheddar is also used
Chipotle uses two types of cheese in its dishes: Monterey Jack and white cheddar. While the former is used in shredded form in burritos, tacos, and bowls, white cheddar is also used. White cheddar is what most Americans know as cheddar without the addition of annatto, which gives it the classic orange hue. This variety of cheese is famous for its tangy and complex flavour, which can stand out even with Chipotle's other bold ingredients like salsa or guacamole. Chipotle uses an aged version of white cheddar, which lends a sharper taste to its queso dip. The queso dip is made with white cheddar and Monterey Jack, along with milk and a variety of peppers and spices.
White cheddar is produced from the milk of pasture-reared cows raised without rBST (bovine growth hormones). Chipotle does not specify where its white cheddar is made, but the company does state that all its cheeses come from small to midsize family-owned farms that adhere to its "Food with Integrity" standards. These standards include no use of artificial hormones to increase milk output and restrictions on the use of antibiotics. The herds supplying the milk for cheese production are required to have constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
While Chipotle uses white cheddar in its queso dip, it is not available as a shredded option among the other toppings. This may be because shredded white cheddar is more commonly found in grocery stores, and the chain may choose to use a block of cheese for its dip to ensure quality and freshness. Additionally, shredded cheese often contains starches to prevent reconstitution, which can affect the taste and texture.
The use of white cheddar in the queso dip allows Chipotle to offer a unique and flavourful option to its customers. The sharp and tangy taste of the aged white cheddar pairs well with the creamy and mild flavour of the Monterey Jack, creating a balanced and beloved queso dip that customers happily pay extra for. The combination of these two cheeses in the dip provides a gooey and indulgent texture that complements the bold flavours of Chipotle's other menu items.
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The cheese is sourced from pasture-reared cows
Chipotle is committed to ensuring that its cheese is sourced from pasture-reared cows. The company prioritises the welfare of the cows that produce its dairy and has strict guidelines in place for its dairy farms. These farms must adhere to Chipotle's "Food with Integrity" standards, which include restrictions on the use of artificial hormones and antibiotics. The "Food with Integrity" standards also require farms to allow their herds to graze freely and ensure they have constant access to fresh water and clean shelter.
Chipotle's dedication to sourcing its cheese from pasture-reared cows is part of its commitment to using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. The company believes that the quality of its ingredients directly impacts the taste and nutritional value of its food. By prioritising the welfare of the cows that produce its dairy, Chipotle ensures that its cheese is of the highest standard.
The cheese itself is carefully crafted to meet Chipotle's high standards. The company uses two types of cheese: Monterey Jack and white cheddar. The Monterey Jack cheese, known for its rich texture and mild flavour, is sourced from small to midsize dairy farms that meet the "Food with Integrity" standards. This semi-hard cheese melts easily, making it perfect for burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
Chipotle's white cheddar cheese is also carefully selected. This variety of cheddar is famous for its tangy and complex flavour, which can stand up to the bold ingredients in Chipotle's dishes. The company uses an aged version of white cheddar, which gives its queso a sharper taste. While the exact source of the white cheddar is not disclosed, Chipotle assures customers that it, too, comes from pasture-reared cows and adheres to the same strict standards as its Monterey Jack.
By sourcing its cheese from pasture-reared cows, Chipotle not only prioritises the welfare of the animals but also ensures the high quality and ethical standards of its ingredients. This commitment to using the finest ingredients enhances the taste and overall experience of dining at Chipotle. The company's dedication to "Food with Integrity" standards sets an example for the industry and offers customers a delicious and responsible dining choice.
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Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese
Monterey Jack is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and is often used in burritos, tacos, and bowls. Its high moisture and fat content make it an excellent melting cheese, which is perfect for toppings or as the main ingredient in a quesadilla. When shredded, it can be added to a variety of dishes, enhancing their flavour and texture.
The cheese gets its name from California's Monterey County, where it was first produced by Mexican Franciscan friars in the 1800s. It has since become a favourite in the United States, especially when paired with bold ingredients like salsa or seasoned proteins. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many different dishes.
Monterey Jack is often favoured for its melting properties, which are due to its higher moisture content compared to other cheeses. This makes it ideal for dishes that require a creamy, melted cheese, such as queso dip or a quesarito from Chipotle's secret menu. The cheese's mild flavour also complements the other ingredients in these dishes without overwhelming them.
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Queso dip is made with white cheddar and Monterey Jack
Chipotle's queso dip is a beloved staple of the Tex-Mex-inspired chain, and its cheesy goodness is thanks to a combination of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The former is what most Americans know as cheddar, without the addition of annatto, which gives cheddar its distinctive orange hue. White cheddar is famous for its tangy and complex flavour, which can hold its own against other bold ingredients in a Chipotle dish, such as salsa or guacamole. Chipotle uses an aged version of this cheese, giving the queso dip a sharper taste. This is balanced out by the Monterey Jack, which is known for its buttery flavour and creamy texture. This semi-hard cheese has a rich, mild taste and melts easily, making it perfect for burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas.
The two cheeses are paired with milk and a variety of peppers and spices to create the gooey queso dip that customers happily pay extra for. While Chipotle lists white cheddar as one of its ingredients, it is not available as a shredded option like the Monterey Jack. The company does not disclose where its white cheddar is produced or where its milk is sourced, but it does state that all its cheeses come from pasture-reared cows raised without bovine growth hormones. The smaller-scale production of its Monterey Jack is part of Chipotle's emphasis on sourcing from family farms.
The Monterey Jack cheese used by Chipotle is made in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and in California by Petaluma Creamery. The cheese has a rich history, first produced in California by Mexican Franciscan friars before becoming an American favourite. Its high moisture and fat content make it an ideal melting cheese, a key component of its popularity.
Customers can add queso dip to their orders through the Chipotle app without incurring an additional cost. However, some customers have reported being charged a fee when requesting extra cheese while ordering in person. For those who want to recreate the Chipotle experience at home, it is worth noting that the cheese used in the dip is not the same as pre-shredded grocery cheese, which often has starch added to prevent reconstitution. Instead, buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself will get you closer to the real Chipotle experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Chipotle uses Monterey Jack cheese, sourced from Meister Cheese in Wisconsin.
It is a semi-firm cow's milk cheese from the eponymous region of Monterey, California. It has a buttery, mild flavour and melts easily due to its high moisture content.
Chipotle also uses White Cheddar, which is blended with Monterey Jack for its Queso Blanco.
Chipotle does not specify where its White Cheddar is created or where the milk is sourced. However, the company states that all its cheeses come from pasture-reared cows raised without rBST (bovine growth hormones).
