Chipotle is a popular fast-casual Mexican grill restaurant chain that offers customizable burritos, tacos, bowls and salads. One of their most popular menu items is the veggie burrito, which can be packed with healthy ingredients like beans, rice, salsa, lettuce and guacamole. But how many calories are actually in a Chipotle veggie burrito?
Calories in a Veggie Burrito
The number of calories in a Chipotle veggie burrito can vary considerably depending on the ingredients and serving size. Here’s a breakdown of the typical calorie counts:
Tortilla
– Flour tortilla (standard): 300 calories
– Whole wheat tortilla (by request): 240 calories
– Corn tortilla (by request): 200 calories
The standard flour tortilla accounts for a significant portion of calories. Opting for a whole wheat or corn tortilla can reduce the calories by 60-100.
Rice
– White rice: 210 calories (side portion)
– Brown rice: 200 calories (side portion)
Brown rice is a slightly better option than white rice in terms of calories. Getting just a side portion, rather than the full burrito portion, also cuts calories.
Beans
– Pinto beans: 120 calories (side portion)
– Black beans: 130 calories (side portion)
– Vegetarian black beans: 140 calories (side portion)
Beans provide protein and fiber. Getting just a side portion helps limit calorie intake.
Salsa
– Tomatillo red chili salsa: 20 calories (2 oz)
– Tomatillo green chili salsa: 15 calories (2 oz)
– Fresh tomato salsa: 10 calories (2 oz)
Salsas add lots of flavor for minimal calories, so load up on these.
Veggies
– Lettuce: 10 calories (2 oz)
– Fajita veggies: 25 calories (side portion)
– Guacamole: 230 calories (4 oz side)
Pile on the lettuce and fajita veggies like onions and bell peppers. But go easy on high-calorie guacamole.
Cheese
– Feta cheese: 110 calories (1 oz)
– Cheddar cheese: 110 calories (1 oz)
Cheese can quickly add calories, so use a light sprinkling.
What’s the Lowest Calorie Veggie Burrito Option?
If you want to create the lowest calorie veggie burrito at Chipotle, here are the best options:
– Corn tortilla: 200 calories
– Pinto beans: 120 calories (side portion)
– Brown rice: 200 calories (side portion)
– Fresh tomato salsa: 10 calories (2 oz)
– Lettuce: 10 calories (2 oz)
– Fajita veggies: 25 calories (side portion)
Low Calorie Veggie Burrito Totals
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Corn tortilla | 200 |
| Pinto beans (side) | 120 |
| Brown rice (side) | 200 |
| Fresh tomato salsa | 10 |
| Lettuce | 10 |
| Fajita veggies (side) | 25 |
| Total | 565 |
As this table shows, with the lowest calorie ingredients you can make a veggie burrito with just 565 calories. That’s less than half the amount that a standard veggie burrito would contain.
Highest Calorie Veggie Burrito Options
On the flip side, here are some ways you could create a very high-calorie veggie burrito if you want to pack it with more energy:
– Flour tortilla: 300 calories
– Full portion brown rice: 460 calories
– Full portion black beans: 260 calories
– Cheese: 110 calories (1 oz)
– Guacamole: 230 calories (4 oz side)
– Corn salsa: 120 calories (2 oz)
High Calorie Veggie Burrito Totals
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Flour tortilla | 300 |
| Brown rice (full) | 460 |
| Black beans (full) | 260 |
| Cheese | 110 |
| Guacamole | 230 |
| Corn salsa | 120 |
| Total | 1480 |
This veggie burrito with all the high-calorie options totals 1480 calories – nearly triple the amount of the lowest calorie version!
Average Veggie Burrito Calories
Most veggie burritos from Chipotle will fall somewhere in the middle – more than the bare minimum 565 calories but less than the loaded 1480 calorie version.
Reasonable Veggie Burrito Choices
Here are some reasonable options for a veggie burrito with average calories:
– Flour tortilla: 300 calories
– Half portion brown rice: 230 calories
– Half portion black beans: 130 calories
– Fresh tomato salsa: 10 calories (2 oz)
– Lettuce: 10 calories (2 oz)
– Cheese: 110 calories (1 oz)
Average Veggie Burrito Totals
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Flour tortilla | 300 |
| Brown rice (half) | 230 |
| Black beans (half) | 130 |
| Fresh tomato salsa | 10 |
| Lettuce | 10 |
| Cheese | 110 |
| Total | 790 |
With these reasonable options, you can make a veggie burrito with around 790 calories. This is a nice balance to get plenty of nutrition without excess calories.
Serving Size Matters
When determining the calories in a Chipotle veggie burrito, the serving size is also key. Here are the calories for different serving sizes:
– Veggie burrito (standard): 790 calories
– Veggie burrito bowl: 500-700 calories
– 1/2 veggie burrito: 395 calories
– 1/3 veggie burrito: 265 calories
Getting a burrito bowl instead of a full burrito wraps it in lettuce instead of a tortilla, automatically removing the 300 calorie tortilla. Halving the burrito or getting a third also slashes calories.
Tips for Creating a Healthy Veggie Burrito
Here are some tips for ordering a veggie burrito from Chipotle that is nutritious without excess calories:
Choose lower carb tortilla options
Opt for a corn or whole wheat tortilla over the high-calorie white flour. Or skip the tortilla entirely in a burrito bowl.
Load up on veggies
Pile on the lettuce, salsa, and fajita veggies like onions and peppers which add lots of nutrients and fiber with minimal calories.
Pick beans over rice
Beans give you more protein and fiber than rice. If ordering both, opt for a half portion of each.
Go easy on the guac
While healthy, guacamole packs calories so get it on the side and use a little bit.
Skip the cheese and sour cream
Cheese and sour cream add a lot of saturated fat and calories. Leave them off for a healthier burrito.
Ask for extra salsa
Salsa adds vibrant flavor without calories, so ask for extra salsa to accent your veggie burrito.
Drink water instead of soda
Pair your burrito with water instead of a sugary fountain soda to avoid extra calories and sugar.
Conclusion
A veggie burrito from Chipotle can range from around 500-1500 calories depending on your choices. Choosing lower calorie wraps, getting more veggies, and limiting rice, cheese, and sour cream results in a more nutritious burrito with around 500-800 calories. Customizing your burrito and paying attention to serving sizes allows you to enjoy this fast food option as part of a healthy diet.
