NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. — Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is piloting a new plant-based option for carb-cutting consumers.
The restaurant chain’s new Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is made with grilled cauliflower seasoned with chopped cilantro, lime juice and salt. Containing four net carbs per serving, the offering is grain-free, keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian and Whole30 compliant.
"To date, one out of three new menu item requests from Chipotle customers is for cauliflower rice," said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer. "We've answered the call from fans and created a better-for-you option that puts a delicious twist on our classic white rice recipe by using the same fresh cilantro and lime ingredients and culinary techniques."
Chipotle will begin testing the rice alternative July 15 at 55 restaurants in Denver and throughout Wisconsin as part of the company’s “stage-gate process,” which involves testing, analyzing, gathering feedback and iterating before deciding on a national launch. In the past year, three Chipotle menu items — Carne Asada, Supergreens Salad Mix and Queso Blanco —completed the stage-gate process and were rolled out on a national scale.
Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice will cost an additional $2 and will be available in-restaurant and in digital orders at participating locations.