Frederic Melton
Chipotle uses a variety of cheeses in its dishes, including Monterey Jack and white cheddar. The shredded white cheese that Chipotle uses is commonly known as Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that melts well. Chipotle's Monterey Jack cheese is used in quesadillas, quesaritos, and queso dip, and it can be added to any menu item upon request. The cheese is sourced from small to mid-size family farms in Wisconsin and California, adhering to Chipotle's Food with Integrity standards, which include the ethical treatment of animals and environmental sustainability. White cheddar is another cheese used by Chipotle, specifically in their queso dip, paired with Monterey Jack, milk, and peppers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Monterey Jack, White Cheddar |
| Texture | Semi-hard, Rich, Creamy |
| Taste | Buttery |
| Colour | White |
| Form | Shredded |
| Source | Meister Cheese in Wisconsin, Petaluma Creamery in California, Glanbia Nutritionals in Twin Falls, Idaho |
| Milk Source | Pasture-reared cows raised without rBST (bovine growth hormones) |
| Dairy Farms | Small to mid-size family farms |
| Dairy Standards | Adherence to Chipotle's "Food with Integrity" standards |
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What You'll Learn
- Chipotle's cheese is made from pasture-reared cows without rBST hormones
- Monterey Jack is used for shredded cheese and quesadillas
- White cheddar is used for queso dip
- Queso Blanco is made with Monterey Jack and supplied by family farms
- Chipotle charges extra for additional cheese in person but not via the app
Chipotle's cheese is made from pasture-reared cows without rBST hormones
Chipotle's cheese is sourced from pasture-reared cows that are raised without rBST (bovine growth) hormones. The company's "'Food with Integrity' standards dictate that all dairy farms supplying the chain's Monterey Jack cheese must adhere to strict guidelines. These include restricting the use of antibiotics to only treating sick cows and banning artificial hormones to increase milk output. The herds supplying the milk for Chipotle's cheese must have constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
The chain's commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability is further demonstrated by its support for small and mid-size family farms. Chipotle sources its dairy from these farms, located in Wisconsin and supplied by Meister Cheese, as well as from California, where it is produced by Petaluma Creamery. The company also provides seed grants to young farmers to help them start or expand their businesses. This aligns with Chipotle's emphasis on sourcing from family farms and supporting local farmers who share their values of responsible ingredient sourcing.
Chipotle's cheese options include shredded Monterey Jack, which is a semi-hard cheese with a rich texture and mild flavor, and white cheddar, which is not offered as a shredded option. The Monterey Jack cheese is a staple in Chipotle's offerings, used in quesadillas, quesaritos, and as a topping for burritos, tacos, and bowls. It melts easily due to its high moisture and fat content, making it a popular choice among customers.
The white cheddar, on the other hand, is used in Chipotle's queso dip, paired with Monterey Jack cheese, milk, and a variety of peppers and spices. The combination creates a creamy and gooey dip that has become a beloved item on the menu after several makeovers and recipe edits. Customers can add this queso dip to their burrito bowls or order it as a dippable side, although it comes with an extra surcharge.
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Monterey Jack is used for shredded cheese and quesadillas
Chipotle's shredded cheese is Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a rich texture and a mild flavour, which pairs well with the bolder ingredients used in Tex-Mex cuisine, such as salsa or seasoned proteins. The high moisture and fat content of this cheese variety makes it ideal for melting, whether as a topping or the star ingredient in a quesadilla.
Monterey Jack is a staple in Tex-Mex cooking, first produced in California by Mexican Franciscan friars. Chipotle sources its Monterey Jack from Meister Cheese in Wisconsin and Petaluma Creamery in California. The cheese is made from pasture-reared cows raised without rBST (bovine growth hormones) and with constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
Chipotle's use of Monterey Jack extends beyond shredded cheese. It is a key ingredient in their queso dip, paired with milk, peppers, and spices to create a gooey sauce. The cheese is also used in their Queso Blanco, which is made from dairy supplied by small and mid-size family farms in Wisconsin.
While some customers opt to add extra Monterey Jack to their orders, others have reported being charged a fee when requesting additional cheese, especially when ordering in person. This unwritten rule suggests that turning a burrito into a quesadilla with excessive cheese may result in an extra charge.
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White cheddar is used for queso dip
Chipotle uses a variety of cheeses in their dishes, including Monterey Jack and white cheddar. While the shredded white cheese that the restaurant chain uses is commonly known to be Monterey Jack, white cheddar is specifically used in their queso dip.
The queso dip at Chipotle is made with a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, paired with milk, and a variety of peppers and spices. The result is a gooey, creamy dip that has become a beloved menu item. The white cheddar adds a sharp, buttery taste and a creamy texture to the dip, complementing the mild flavor and rich texture of the Monterey Jack.
Chipotle's queso dip, or "Queso Blanco," has undergone several recipe changes since its initial launch. The first version received backlash for its lumpy texture and off-putting taste. However, after three rounds of makeovers and recipe editing, the current version has won over customers with its creamier and more appealing consistency.
The white cheddar used in the queso dip is sourced from small to midsize dairy farms, adhering to Chipotle's "'Food with Integrity' standards." These farms are committed to raising cows without the use of artificial hormones or antibiotics, except for treating sick cows. The herds are provided with constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter, ensuring the cheese is produced with responsibly sourced and wholesome ingredients.
While the exact brand of white cheddar used in the queso dip is not publicly disclosed, Chipotle's commitment to sourcing from family farms and their specific standards for dairy farms provides insight into the quality and characteristics of the cheese they select for this popular menu item.
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Queso Blanco is made with Monterey Jack and supplied by family farms
Chipotle's Queso Blanco is made with Monterey Jack cheese, sourced from small and mid-size family farms in Wisconsin. The dairy farms adhere to Chipotle's "'Food with Integrity' standards, which include strict requirements for the treatment and welfare of the cows. These standards also extend to the environmental impact of farming practices.
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a rich texture and a mild flavour, making it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with bolder ingredients like salsa or seasoned proteins. Its high moisture and fat content allow it to melt easily, making it ideal for quesadillas, queso dip, or as a topping on various menu items.
Chipotle's commitment to sourcing from family farms extends beyond just the cheese they use. They actively invest in small family farms by providing seed grants to help young farmers start or expand their businesses. This support is part of their broader initiative to promote responsible sourcing and to cultivate a better future for farmers and the environment.
The company's emphasis on supporting local farmers and prioritising animal welfare and environmental sustainability has been well-received by customers. The launch of Queso Blanco in 2020 was met with positive feedback, and it quickly became a popular menu item nationwide. Chipotle's dedication to its values, coupled with its delicious offerings, has helped solidify its reputation as a beloved fast-casual chain.
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Chipotle charges extra for additional cheese in person but not via the app
Chipotle uses shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that melts well when exposed to heat. It is used in their quesadillas and queso dip, and can be added to any menu item. While the cheese is included in the price of the meal, asking for a large amount may result in an additional charge. This charge varies across different Chipotle locations, with some customers reporting that they were charged $1 for extra cheese.
Some customers have observed that Chipotle charges extra for additional cheese in-person but not via the app. This discrepancy may be due to the difficulty in measuring the amount of cheese added to each order. In-person, employees may charge for extra cheese if the requested amount exceeds their standard portion size, while on the app, the extra cheese option may only provide a slightly larger amount, typically one ounce more, which is still within the standard portion.
The decision to charge for extra cheese may be influenced by food waste management and the cost of cheese as an ingredient. Some customers have expressed concern that this practice could negatively impact their experience and may lead to lost customers. However, others have noted that portion sizes can vary between different Chipotle locations, and it is not uncommon for customers to receive larger portions of cheese without being charged extra.
While Chipotle has not made any official statements regarding extra cheese charges, it is important to note that employees are required to follow certain guidelines to ensure consistent portions and control food costs. Ultimately, the decision to charge for extra cheese may depend on the specific location and the discretion of the employees.
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Frequently asked questions
Chipotle uses Monterey Jack cheese and white cheddar. The Monterey Jack cheese is shredded and used in quesadillas and queso dip, while the white cheddar is used in the Queso dip alongside the Monterey Jack cheese.
The white shredded cheese used by Chipotle is Monterey Jack cheese. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk that melts well when exposed to heat.
While Chipotle's cheese cannot be bought directly from them, you might be able to find it in grocery stores. A Reddit user has mentioned that they found a ~150USD wheel of sharp white cheddar in a Kroger store in Virginia.
