Plant-based registered dietitians love this spot for its customizable menu.
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Key Points
- Chipotle is a top pick among dietitians for satisfying vegetarian fast-food meals.
- Beans, tofu, veggies and whole grains make it easy to build a balanced meal.
- Cava, Sweetgreen and Taco Bell also offer plenty of vegetarian-friendly options.
Whether you’re short on time, on the road or just don’t feel like cooking, fast food can be the perfect solution. For vegetarians, that task may seem more difficult, though, given that most fast-food chains predominantly offer meat-forward menu items.
Fortunately, many restaurants are embracing plant-based options, making it easier to match convenience with your eating preferences. But which one is the best? We spoke with five registered dietitians who follow a vegetarian diet to share their favorite chain. Their unanimous answer? Chipotle.
Why Vegetarians Love Chipotle
When it comes to factors like customization, taste and variety, plant-based dietitians can’t get enough of Chipotle’s offerings. Here are their top reasons why Chipotle is their go-to.
It Offers More Than One Plant-Based Protein
The biggest hurdle plant-based eaters face when ordering at any restaurant, especially fast-food or casual establishments, is not having a variety of plant-based proteins to choose from. Fortunately, Chipotle offers beans and tofu.
Chipotle offers two types of beans: pinto and black beans. “Beans are one of the most underrated superfoods on the planet,” says Cynthia Sass, M.P.H., RDN, CSSD. “They provide plant protein bundled with fiber, antioxidants and key nutrients, like potassium, magnesium and iron.” Both pinto and black beans offer around 8 grams of fiber and protein each.
Plant-based registered dietitian Ashley Lombardi, M.S., RDNalso loves Chipotle’s sofritas. “Sofritas are made of seasoned, crumbled tofu that’s been seasoned with tomato, cumin and oregano for a smoky, spiced flavor with a slightly sweet flavor,” she says. Her go-to is a sofritas burrito with brown rice, black beans, fajita vegetables, tomato salsa, corn salsa and lettuce. “This option maximizes my protein and fiber goals for the meal.”
You Can Actually Build a Balanced Meal
Experts say that Chipotle is unmatched when it comes to offering complete meal options, which is key for satiety.
“Chipotle makes it effortless to eat out as someone following a plant-based diet, whereas [at] many other places there’s only a limited menu,” says Dahlia Marin, RDN, LD, CGN. “There are plenty of ways to build a balanced meal that nourishes me with a variety of plant-based carbs, proteins, fiber and fat.”
Sass notes that it’s usually difficult to source meaningful servings of fresh vegetables and whole grains when you’re eating out at quick-service establishments. “At Chipotle I can combine black or pinto beans with leafy greens—a combo of romaine, baby kale and spinach—salsa, fajita veggies and guacamole, which all fall into the produce category, as well as brown rice, which is a whole grain.”
Add guacamole and you get an extra dose of healthy fats and fiber at no extra charge, she notes.
The Customization Is Hard to Beat
When you make food at home, you get to customize your meal just as you’d like. Chipotle offers a similar experience, which gives it a leg up compared to other fast-food spots.
“Chipotle makes it so simple to build your own personalized DIY entrees—even going halfsies or, my personal favorite, requesting ‘extra’ on items like beans for a plant protein boost,” says Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN.
Emma Shelton, RDN, LDNespecially appreciates the option to order a wide variety of mains, from burrito bowls and salads to tacos, quesadillas and burritos. “I really appreciate that Chipotle is an easy, affordable option that everyone can eat together, but can be customized to each person’s diet preferences.”
It Doesn’t Feel Like You’re “Settling”
One of the most common complaints among vegetarians is that their meal options at fast-food establishments often feel like an afterthought. At Chipotle, it’s quite the opposite—there’s no shortage of flavor-filled veggie-friendly toppings.
“I love that you can kick up flavors or ‘heat’ in a plant-based way, and without upping the price, with fajita veggies and various salsa options,” Newgent says. “My current go-to is a veggie burrito bowl made with brown rice, black beans, cheese, fajita veggies, guacamole, roasted chili-corn salsa, romaine lettuce and a side of tomatillo-green chili salsa.”
One thing that all the experts agree upon is that Chipotle also offers very generous portions, meaning more often than not you can make two meals out of one order.
Another perk for vegetarians, vegans and other plant-forward eaters? Chipotle doesn’t upcharge for veggie-only meals. “A negative of being vegetarian is that we are often penalized for our alternative options; for example, requesting plant-based milk with your coffee often costs at least 50 cents more,” Shelton says.
Other Great Vegetarian Fast-Food Options
Not a Chipotle fan? Or, don’t have one nearby when hunger strikes? No problem. Our experts say many other chains offer substantial vegetarian options. Here are some of our experts’ top recommendations.
Cava
Lombardi calls Cava the “Mediterranean Chipotle,” as it offers falafel and lentil-based protein options.
“[It’s] such a fun, casual spot that offers an abundance of vegetables, grains, hummus, falafel and fresh toppings!” shares Marin.
Sass, who follows a vegan diet, loves to build her own bowl here consisting of a base of power greens and black lentils, topped with hummus, roasted eggplant dip, roasted vegetables, fiery broccoli, tomato, onion, Persian cucumber, Kalamata olives and lemon tahini dressing.
Sweetgreen
“Like Chipotle, you can customize your bowl or salad at Sweetgreen,” says Marin. They offer several plant-based options, including leafy greens, legumes, nuts and whole grains, along with delicious olive oil-based dressings, including a 100% pesto-based one that Sass loves.
“They also release seasonal options, which makes trying new combinations fun,” Marin adds.
Taco Bell
If you’re in a pinch for time, Taco Bell can offer plenty of vegetarian options, especially given the fact that most menu items that contain meat can be substituted with black beans, Shelton says. She adds that their black beans are cooked without animal fat, making them vegetarian-friendly.
They also have multiple vegetarian options on their menu under the “Veggie Cravings” section.
Shake Shack
When you don’t eat meat but crave a burger, Shake Shack offers a tasty plant-forward substitute.
“If you just need a good veggie burger, the Veggie Shack or the more indulgent Shroom Burger at Shake Shack are both delicious picks,” Newgent says. “You can opt to skip the cheese, crispy onions and ShackSauce for the Veggie Shack, and you can make either choice a lettuce wrap.”
Honorable Mentions
Other great options registered dietitians recommend for a nutrient-packed, plant-based meal include MOD Pizza, Blaze Pizza, Panera, Subway and Playa Bowls.
Our Expert Take
Finding healthy vegetarian options at fast-food restaurants can be tricky. But five registered dietitians who eat plant-based diets all said Chipotle is their top pick for constructing a complete meal. When ordering a veggie-based meal anywhere, customization can help you get the nutrients you need. “Look for a meal that has protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats and plenty of vegetables,” Marin says. “This will help keep you and your gut happy.”
Also, instead of getting wrapped up in what the meal doesn’t have, try to flip the narrative. “Focus on what you can add to help make the dish a balanced meal, versus what you need to take away,” Lombardi says.