Is Chipotle Cauliflower Rice Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Cruciferous Truth

Figuring out whether Chipotle’s new Cauliflower Rice is vegan friendly can be challenging.

Cauliflower rice, depending on where you buy it, may contain ingredients that are of animal origin.

To ensure that you are only consuming food that aligns with your vegan diet or lifestyle goals, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Chipotle Cauliflower Rice.

Here’s what I found.

Is Chipotle Cauliflower Rice Vegan?

Yes! Chipotle’s Mexican Cauliflower Rice is vegan.

Chipotle’s Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice does not include any animal-derived ingredients. It contains very basic ingredients, such as freshly grilled riced cauliflower, fresh cilantro, lime, and salt. That’s it!

However, it was offered for a limited time. Chipotle also didn’t offer its Cauliflower Rice nationally, only at 60 locations in Arizona, Southern California, and Wisconsin. While Chipotle was offering this product, they had an exclusive vegan bowl for Chipotle fans that contained roasted chili corn salsa, sofritas, black beans, fresh tomato salsa, and romaine lettuce.

As of now, it is unclear if the popular fast food brand plans to bring back its Cauliflower Rice or not. Fingers crossed that it does! If you weren’t able to try Chipotle’s Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice last month in June of 2022 while it was available, you could try making your own vegan version at home with the numerous recipes available online.

Is Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice Cruelty Free?

Yes! Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice is cruelty free.

This new Cauliflower Rice from Chipotle does not contain animal products or by-products, and most importantly it does not contain ingredients that were tested on animals. The production of Chipotle’s Cauliflower Rice does not involve any animal testing at any stage of its development.

Animal testing is an outdated and unethical practice that should be stopped. It only causes harm and suffering to the animals involved. 

It is good to know that companies like Chipotle are either against animal testing and only use plant-based ingredients in their products or are looking for ways to reduce or eliminate animal testing from their production process.

What Is Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Chipotle Cauliflower Rice:

• Riced cauliflower
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Salt

Let’s break down each ingredient of Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice:

Riced cauliflower

Riced cauliflower is chopped cauliflower that is then pulsed into small rice-sized pieces. It is a popular vegan dish because it is grain-free and low in carbohydrates. Cauliflower is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. At Chipotle, it is grilled and then tossed with cilantro, lime, and salt. Cauliflower rice is vegan.

Cilantro

Cilantro is an aromatic green leafy herb that is often used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. It has a refreshing, slightly citrusy flavor and can be used as a garnish or added to dishes for flavor. Cilantro is vegan.

Lime

Lime is a citrus fruit that is used to add acidity and brightness to dishes. Lime is mostly added by squeezing the juice into a dish. It can also be used as a garnish. Lime is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Lime is a vegan ingredient.

Salt

Salt is a mineral that is used to add flavor to food. It is also used as a preservative. Salt is a vegan ingredient.

Why Is Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice Vegan?

The ingredients in Chipotle’s Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice are all vegan friendly. With very basic ingredients, such as freshly grilled riced cauliflower, fresh cilantro, lime, and salt, this dish is not only vegan but also gluten free and grain free.

Cauliflower rice was a great alternative for those looking for a vegan option or for those trying to avoid grains. It was a healthy and nutrient-rich dish perfect for any vegan meal. If only it was offered year round!

Hopefully, Chipotle’s test of this product will be a success and Chipotle will offer Cauliflower Rice nationally soon! In the meantime, you could try making your own vegan version at home with the recipes available online.

Is Chipotle Guacamole Vegan?

Yes! This guacamole is vegan and made with Hass avocados, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. It does not contain any animal products or by-products.

This guacamole is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Sofritas Vegan?

Yes! This vegan protein option is made with shredded tofu that is braised with chipotle chilis and other plant-based, vegan ingredients.

This menu option is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Roasted Chili Corn Salsa Vegan?

Yes! This salsa only contains corn, jalapeños and other peppers, onions, and other vegan-friendly ingredients.

This salsa is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Whole30 Lifestyle Bowl Vegan?

No. This dish is not vegan because it contains honey vinaigrette, which is made with honey, a by-product of bees.

This dish is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Steak Keto Lifestyle Bowl Vegan?

No. This dish contains beef, cheese, and sour cream, all of which are either animal products or dairy products.

This dish is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa Vegan?

Yes! This salsa only contains jalapeños and other vegan-friendly ingredients.

Chipotle’s Fresh Tomato Salsa is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Chipotle Veggie Burrito Vegan?

Yes! This is Chipotle’s vegan burrito option. It is made with rice, black beans, fajita veggies, salsa, guacamole, and a vegan tortilla.

This burrito is safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Alternatives to Chipotle’s Cauliflower Rice

Craving Chipotle’s Cauliflower Rice but it’s not available where you are? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy it by making your own at home. Here are a few of my favorite recipes for vegan Chipotle cauliflower rice:

• Chipotle Copycat Cauliflower Rice by Live Eat Learn
• Chipotle Cauliflower Rice by Savor The Flavour
• 10 Minute Healthy Cauliflower Rice by Damn Delicious

All these recipes are vegan and will help you get your cilantro-lime cauliflower rice fix! Making your own cauliflower rice at home is a great way to enjoy this dish all year round.

Final Words

So there you have it! Chipotle Cauliflower Rice was a vegan option at Chipotle in limited areas. Too bad it is either no longer available or was never available where you live because it would’ve been a great addition to any vegan meal. However, there are many recipes for vegan cauliflower rice available online that you can make at home. With a few simple ingredients, you can have your own Chipotle Cauliflower Rice in no time!