Patrick Oconnell
Chipotle uses two types of cheese: Monterey Jack and white cheddar. The Monterey Jack cheese is used in shredded form and is included in the price of a meal. It is made in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and in California by Petaluma Creamery, using milk from pasture-reared cows. Chipotle's queso dip, which was introduced in 2020, is made with both Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses, along with milk, peppers, and spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Monterey Jack, White Cheddar |
| Texture | Buttery, Creamy, Melted, Rich, Semi-hard |
| Taste | Mild, Buttery |
| Colour | White |
| Manufacturing | Made from cow's milk |
| Producers | Meister Cheese, Petaluma Creamery |
| Production Location | Wisconsin, California |
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What You'll Learn
Monterey Jack cheese is used in shredded form
Chipotle uses shredded Monterey Jack cheese in its burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas. This semi-hard cheese, made from cow's milk, has a rich texture and a mild flavour, making it a perfect pairing with bolder ingredients like salsa or seasoned proteins. Its high moisture and fat content make it an excellent melting cheese, whether as a topping or as the star ingredient in a quesadilla.
Monterey Jack is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, having first been produced in California by Mexican Franciscan friars. Chipotle's Monterey Jack cheese is sourced from small to midsize family farms in Wisconsin and California, adhering to the chain's "Food with Integrity" standards. These farms must follow strict guidelines, including no use of artificial hormones to increase milk output and restricted use of antibiotics only for treating sick cows. The herds are also required to have constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
The shredded cheese is included in the price of your meal, but asking for excessive amounts may result in an extra charge. Chipotle fans rave about the Monterey Jack cheese, and it is one of the key ingredients that stand out among the 53 ingredients used by the brand.
In addition to shredded Monterey Jack, Chipotle also uses white cheddar cheese, but this is not offered as a shredded option. Instead, it is used in the queso dip alongside Monterey Jack, creating a creamy and beloved sauce.
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White cheddar is used in queso dip
Chipotle uses a variety of cheeses in its dishes, including Monterey Jack and white cheddar. While shredded Monterey Jack is used as a topping for burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas, white cheddar is specifically used in the chain's queso dip.
White cheddar is a key ingredient in Chipotle's queso dip, which also includes Monterey Jack cheese, milk, and various peppers and spices. The combination of these ingredients creates a gooey, creamy, and well-loved dip that customers happily pay extra for.
Chipotle's queso dip, also known as Queso Blanco, has undergone several recipe changes since its initial launch. The original version received backlash for its lumpy texture and off-putting taste, leading to three rounds of makeovers and recipe editing. The current version, Queso 2.0, was introduced in 2020 and features a blend of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, serrano, poblano, and chipotle peppers, resulting in a much creamier sauce.
The white cheddar used in Chipotle's queso dip is sourced from small to midsize dairy farms that adhere to the company's "Food with Integrity" standards. These farms practice pasture-rearing and do not use artificial hormones to increase milk production. Antibiotics are only used to treat sick cows, and the herds have constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
While white cheddar is specifically used in the queso dip, Monterey Jack is the primary cheese used in shredded form across various Chipotle menu items. It is a semi-hard cheese with a rich texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile topping that pairs well with bolder ingredients.
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Cheese is sourced from small to midsize family farms
Chipotle's cheese offerings include Monterey Jack and white cheddar. The former is used in shredded form for burritos, tacos, and bowls, while the latter is used to create the chain's queso dip, alongside Monterey Jack. The Monterey Jack cheese is produced in Wisconsin by Meister Cheese and in California by Petaluma Creamery. Notably, Chipotle sources its cheese from small to midsize family farms, prioritizing pasture-reared cows raised without bovine growth hormones (rBST).
The small to midsize dairy farms that supply Chipotle's Monterey Jack cheese adhere to the company's "'Food with Integrity'" standards. These standards include restrictions on the use of artificial hormones to increase milk production. Antibiotics are only permitted for treating sick cows, and herds must have constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter. By prioritizing smaller-scale cheese production, Chipotle emphasizes its commitment to sourcing from family farms.
Chipotle's choice to source cheese from small to midsize family farms aligns with its "Food with Integrity" philosophy. This approach ensures the humane treatment of cows and the production of high-quality cheese. The farms that supply Chipotle's cheese are committed to sustainable and ethical practices, contributing to the overall integrity of the brand's cheese offerings. This commitment to quality and animal welfare sets Chipotle apart in the fast-casual industry.
The decision to partner with small to midsize family farms also has economic implications. By supporting these smaller-scale producers, Chipotle contributes to the local economy and fosters sustainable agricultural practices. This business model helps maintain a stable supply chain and promotes the growth of family-owned businesses. It also allows Chipotle to maintain consistency in the quality and taste of its cheese, as these farms adhere to strict standards and traditional cheese-making processes.
In summary, Chipotle's choice to source cheese from small to midsize family farms demonstrates its commitment to quality, animal welfare, and sustainable practices. By adhering to the company's "Food with Integrity" standards, these farms ensure the production of high-quality cheese from humanely treated cows. Additionally, this partnership supports local economies and contributes to the overall brand integrity that Chipotle has cultivated.
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Queso will always incur an extra surcharge
Chipotle's cheese offerings include Monterey Jack and white cheddar. The former is a semi-hard cheese with a rich texture and mild flavour, which pairs well with bolder ingredients like salsa or seasoned proteins. It is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine and is used in Chipotle's burritos, tacos, bowls, and quesadillas. The cheese is sourced from small to mid-size family farms in Wisconsin and California, adhering to the brand's
White cheddar, on the other hand, is not offered as a shredded option but is used in Chipotle's queso dip, alongside Monterey Jack. Queso, whether added to a burrito bowl or ordered as a side with chips, will always incur an extra surcharge. While the exact amount may vary depending on location, customers can expect to pay an additional charge for this premium topping.
The history of Chipotle's queso dip is worth noting. When it was first introduced, it received backlash due to its lumpy texture and off-putting taste. However, after three rounds of makeovers and recipe editing, the beloved queso that Chipotle serves today was created. The new recipe, which includes Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and various peppers and spices, resulted in a much creamier sauce that has remained on the menu.
It is important to mention that while queso always comes with an extra charge, shredded cheese is included in the price of the meal up to a certain point. According to reports from customers and employees, adding a pinch or two of extra shredded cheese is usually accommodated without additional charges. However, turning a burrito into a glorified quesadilla with excessive amounts of cheese may result in an extra fee.
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Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese
Chipotle uses shredded Monterey Jack cheese in its dishes. This cheese is sourced from small to mid-size family farms in Wisconsin and California, adhering to the brand's "`Food with Integrity'" standards. These farms must follow certain restrictions, such as not using artificial hormones to increase milk production and only using antibiotics to treat sick cows. The herds are also required to have constant access to pastures, fresh water, and clean shelter.
Monterey Jack cheese is a key ingredient in Chipotle's queso dip, paired with white cheddar, milk, and various peppers and spices. The queso sauce was introduced in 2020 after several makeovers, and its creamy texture and flavour have made it a beloved item on the menu. Chipotle fans often request extra Monterey Jack cheese on their orders, though some customers have reported being charged a fee when requesting additional cheese while ordering in person.
Monterey Jack cheese has a fascinating history. It was first produced in California by Mexican Franciscan friars and quickly became a favourite in the United States. Today, it is a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and is widely used in dishes like burritos, tacos, and nachos. Its versatility, mild flavour, and melting properties make it a popular choice for many cheese enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Chipotle uses Monterey Jack cheese and white cheddar.
Chipotle sources its Monterey Jack cheese from Meister Cheese in Wisconsin. The cheese is made from pasture-reared cows raised without rBST (bovine growth hormones).
Monterey Jack is a semi-firm cow's milk cheese with a buttery, mild flavour. White cheddar, on the other hand, has a tangier and more complex flavour.
