Are Chipotle Beans Vegan and Cruelty-Free? The Savory Truth

June 2, 2023

Trying to work out if Chipotle Beans are vegan friendly can be challenging.

Fast food often contains many ingredients, some of which may be of animal origin.

To make sure that you are only eating food that aligns with your vegan lifestyle and diet, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Chipotle Beans.

Here’s what I found out.

Are Chipotle Beans Vegan?

Yes! Chipotle Beans are one of the vegan options on their menu.

Beans are a type of legume, which means they’re in the same food family as peas. They’re an excellent source of plant-based protein and are also high in fiber and vitamins. Chipotle Beans are cooked with water, salt, oil, and other vegan spices.

There are only two types of beans at Chipotle, pinto and black beans. These beans are not cooked with any animal products or by-products, nor are they fried. Instead, the beans are slow-cooked with water and spices.

Are Chipotle Beans Cruelty-Free?

In addition to being vegan, Chipotle Beans are cruelty-free.

These beans do not contain any ingredients that are tested on animals, such as artificial flavors or colors.

Animal testing is an outdated and unnecessary practice that often leads to the suffering and death of innocent animals.

There is simply no reason for big brands to still conduct animal testing, especially when there are other ways to ensure the safety of products.

What Are Chipotle Beans Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Chipotle Beans:

Black Beans/Pinto Beans

  • Black beans
  • Pinto beans
  • Bay leaf
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic
  • Chipotle chili
  • Cumin
  • Lime juice
  • Salt
  • Oregano
  • Onion
  • Lemon juice
  • Rice bran oil
  • Water

Let’s break down each ingredient of Chipotle Beans:

Black beans

Black beans are a type of legume native to Central America. They are a popular ingredient in Mexican and South American cuisine. Black beans are high in fiber and plant-based protein, and they have a mild, meaty flavor. They are usually used as a meat substitute for vegan or vegetarian diets.

At Chipotle, they are usually partnered with chicken, but they can also be paired with sofritas or veggie protein. Black beans are vegan.

Pinto beans

Pinto beans are a type of legume that is native to Mexico. Pinto beans are the most common type of bean in the United States. Pinto beans are high in fiber and protein, and they have a creamy, nutty flavor. They are a great additional flavor to fillings and burritos. Pinto beans are vegan.

Bay leaf

Bay leaf is an aromatic herb used to flavor soups and stews. Bay leaves are not meant to be eaten but add a subtle flavor to dishes, and are then removed. Bay leaves are vegan.

Black pepper

Black pepper is a spice that is made from the dried, unripe berries of the black pepper plant. Black pepper is used to add flavor and heat to dishes. It is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Black pepper is vegan.

Garlic

Garlic is a type of onion that is used as a flavoring agent in many dishes. Garlic has a strong, pungent flavor and is used to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Garlic is vegan.

Chipotle chili

Chipotle chilies are dried smoked jalapeño peppers. They have a deep, smoky flavor and are used to add flavor and heat to dishes. Chipotle chilies are vegan.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice that is made from the dried seeds of the cumin plant. Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor and is used to add flavor to curries, stews, and sauces. Cumin is vegan.

Lime juice

Lime juice is the juice of the lime fruit. It has a sour, acidic flavor and is used to add flavor to dishes. Lime juice is vegan.

Salt

Salt is a seasoning that is made from the mineral sodium chloride. Salt is used to add flavor to dishes and to help preserve food. Salt is vegan.

Oregano

Oregano is an herb that is used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. Oregano has a pungent, earthy flavor. It is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine. Oregano is vegan.

Onion

Onions are a type of root vegetable used as a flavoring agent in many dishes. Onions have a strong, pungent flavor and are used to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Onions are vegan.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is the juice of the lemon fruit. It has a sour, acidic flavor and is used to add flavor to dishes. Lemon juice is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Rice bran oil

Rice bran oil is an edible oil that is extracted from the husk of rice grain. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is used in many Asian cuisines. Rice bran oil is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Water

Water is a vegan ingredient that helps to thin out the beans and add moisture to the dish.

Why Are Chipotle Beans Vegan?

Chipotle Beans are vegan because animal products or by-products are not added to the dish, it contains basic vegan ingredients, and it is not cooked with animal fat. It is a delicious and nutritious option if ever you’re in doubt about what to order at a Chipotle restaurant.

Are Chipotle Sofritas Tacos Vegan?

Yes! This is one of Chipotle’s vegan meat alternatives. You can just choose any of their vegan fillings and toppings. Just avoid their non-vegan ones, such as chipotle honey vinaigrette, especially if you were to order their tortilla on the side.

These tacos are safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Barbacoa Salad Vegan?

No. This salad contains beef as its main protein ingredient.

This salad is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Tomatillo Red-Chili Salsa Vegan?

Yes! This spicy fresh tomato salsa is vegan and does not contain any animal products.

This fresh tomato salsa is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa Vegan?

Yes! This spicy and savory salsa is vegan and does not contain any animal products.

Chipotle’s salsas are safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Guacamole Vegan?

Yes! Chipotle’s classic guacamole recipe does not contain any animal products. 

This guacamole is safe for vegan consumption.

Final Words

So there you have it! It’s easy to eat vegan at Chipotle. Chipotle Beans are vegan because they contain no animal products or by-products. Order either pinto or black beans as a side dish or add them to your burrito or lifestyle bowl or salad with their tofu, sofritas, or veggie protein.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try other toppings such as romaine lettuce, fajita veggies, white or brown rice, or their salsas such as tomatillo red-chili salsa, roasted corn-chili salsa, fresh tomato salsa, or tomatillo green-chili salsa. The options are endless! Just make sure to avoid non-vegan ingredients, such as sour cream, cheese, and chipotle honey vinaigrette. Enjoy!