The Highest-Fat Item On Chipotle's Menu Isn't What You Think
When it comes to dining out, Chipotle is often considered to be one of the healthier fast-casual dining establishments. Why? Because you have the ability to customize anything, ranging from burritos and tacos to bowls and salads. "Their menu is filled with a variety of meats, veggies, and greens, which is something you usually don't find at other fast-food chains," registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman told Glamour. "So you can order a well-rounded meal packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats." Chipotle also uses no colors, preservatives, or additives in its ingredients, which naturally ups its healthy factor.
But with all that freedom what comes to mind when you think of the highest-fat item on Chipotle's menu? Keep the guesses coming because it may not be what you think it is.
You might guess that it would be the item that has the most high-fat toppings. A giant burrito packed with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, brown rice, black beans, and steak is sure to turn heads; this burrito has 71 grams of fat according to Chipotle's nutrition calculator. And, if you double wrap it and keep all the trimmings, this ups the fat total by 9 grams.
But, while this hefty burrito contains all the ingredients with the highest fat content, there's still one menu item that surpasses it. Any guesses on what that might be?
Watch out for the Chipotle guacamole
The highest-fat item on Chipotle's menu is often a tasty crowd-pleaser — the large chips and large guacamole. Sorry to rain on anyone's guac parade, but this item clocks in at 82 grams of fat (per Chipotle). It's also high in calories. According to the Chipotle menu, it contains 1,270 calories. One reason is that avocados, while extremely beneficial to health, are high in calories themselves. One entire avocado can contain roughly 200 to 300 calories, according to Cleveland Clinic.
That's not to say they should be avoided, as avocados can be a healthy addition to a diet. "Avocados are really high in fiber," functional medicine dietitian Ariana Cucuzza told Cleveland Clinic, "which is important for feeling full between meals and for keeping our digestive tract moving and lowering our cholesterol." Avocados also contain high amounts of healthy monounsaturated fats which promote satiety and support brain function.
That being said, if you want to cut the fat content in half consider ordering the regular-sized chips and guacamole, which sits at 47 grams of fat, according to Chipotle. If you're not feeling chips (because they're also high in fat), that's okay, too. However, if you want a healthier and lower-fat order altogether, EatingWell suggests choosing a bowl or salad, then topping it with beans, brown rice, and your favorite protein and veggies. Then consider adding a dollop of guac for a boost of flavor and fiber and enjoy!