Chipotle Plant-Based Chorizo takes the food conversation in a new direction

Plant-based food is not a food trend, it has become a food staple. Restaurants and their menus no longer hide that plant-based food as an alternative. It is front and center, and sometimes even more popular than other menu choices. With the new Chipotle Plant-Based Chorizo, the brand’s concept of Food With Integrity adds another dimension to the conversation. But, will other restaurants follow this lead?

Given the plethora of restaurant options, it can be hard to stand out in a crowd. More importantly, fostering brand loyalty is even more important. While convenience and location often play a factor in a guest’s choice, the reality is that one brand often ranks higher than another.

From favorite menu items to satisfying that craving, some restaurants just resonate. For some people, Chipotle has been that choice. Whether it is that secret menu hack, the guacamole or even that extra tortilla, there are plenty of reasons why this particular brand resonates with guests.

As plant-based food options become prevalent on menus, restaurants have options. For Chipotle, it took a different direction in its newest menu addition. The brand’s Plant-Based Chorizo features “ingredients grown on a farm, not in a lab.” Although that concept might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongues, it is a different choice from other restaurants, and people should take a moment to appreciate it.

According to Chipotle, the new Plant-Based Chorizo is described as follows:” Ancho Chili and Chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil combine with natural protein sourced from freshly grown peas.” To put more simply, this vegan, never frozen, plant-based food is full of ingredients that you know (and can pronounce.)

For Chipotle, this choice of menu addition stays true to their philosophy of Food with Integrity. From farm fresh ingredients to bold flavors, it pushes the plant-based food conversation in a different direction. As Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer, said “We used real ingredients to create a plant-based protein with a deep, rich Chorizo flavor that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

While this new menu item is being tested in a limited release, the reality is that it could change the approach for other restaurants. Instead of sourcing their plant based food items from big brands, why couldn’t a large quick service restaurant brand create their own. That idea could set the flavor apart from others in the market.

Although Chipotle has a Plant-Based Chorizo, another restaurant chain has a spicy black bean burger. When a brand can set itself apart on flavor, it can create customer loyalty. If the only place that offers that craveable flavor is a restaurant, it could drive guests to place order after order.

What do you think of the Chipotle Plant-Based Chorizo? Do you want to get a taste?