Are Chipotle Chips Gluten-Free?

By

Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On April 10, 2025

Let's have a heart-to-heart here. Gluten-free dining can give you an instant headache before you even start. But hear me out; let's look at are Chipotle chips gluten-free, and I'll take you through my process when dining out. No one needs to sacrifice Mexican cuisine as we have some great in-home dining options for you to make, so all is not lost.

Are Chipotle Chips Gluten-Free?

So if you are short on time, it's a maybe that Chipotle chips are gluten-free depending on your sensitivity. Not all of their items on the menu are gluten-free. According to Chipotle's online allergens statement, "If you avoid gluten, don't eat our flour tortillas. If you are highly sensitive to gluten and would like us to change our gloves, just let us know at the start of your order. You should be aware items containing corn, including corn tortillas (chips and crispy corn tortillas) and corn salsa, may have trace amounts of gluten from potentially co-mingling with gluten-containing grains in the field."

So, let's unpack this statement. 

• Flour Tortillas are a definite no, as this goes without saying. 
• Cross-contamination in the kitchen is a concern.
• Trace gluten from agricultural sources.

Concerning cross-contamination in the kitchen, Chipotle has a code of conduct whereby they're happy to change their gloves and use clean utensils to accommodate you. The concern I have is the cross-contact behind the scenes that you are now aware of. 

Chipotle states above that corn-based items like chips, tortillas, and corn salsa may have trace amounts of gluten due to agricultural cross-contact. What this means is that gluten-containing grains like wheat could be grown or processed near the corn crops. This has nothing to do with Chipotle’s kitchen but rather with how the ingredients are sourced.

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics examined 22 gluten-free grains, seeds, and flours not labeled as gluten-free. The study found that 41% of these samples contained detectable levels of gluten, with some exceeding the proposed FDA threshold of 20 parts per million (ppm) for gluten-free labeling. This indicates that even grains naturally free from gluten can be contaminated through cross-contact in the field or during processing.

For most people with a mild gluten intolerance, this might not be a concern. But, for those with severe sensitivity, even trace amounts could be problematic.

What Is Gluten-Free at Chipotle 

Here are a few of my favorite Chipotle gluten-free menu items that we order. I love the fact that they have fresh ingredients and I can choose what I feel like. The kids build their own according to their latest taste. My son rarely deviates; he is a creature of habit. 

Tacos

Use a corn tortilla and then choose a protein, bean, and toppings from the suggestions below. If you have a high sensitivity, avoid the corn tortilla and choose some options below. 

Burrito Bowls and Salads

Base - Use white rice, brown rice, or romaine lettuce—they’re all gluten-free. I like to ask for fresh lettuce from the back as they touch it with gloves that may have come in contact.

Protein - All chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas, sofritas, and chorizo are gluten-free. 

Beans - Pinto beans and black beans are celiac-friendly.

Toppings - I would check the toppings; most are gluten-free, but new options may be introduced. Here are the ones I currently choose from fajita veggies, salsas, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. Don't forget the queso blanco and fresh tomato salsa or the tomatillo green-chili salsa, they're my personal faves. Avoid the chili-corn salsa if you are more sensitive and ask for fresh cheese as they use their gloves to serve it, and it could have potentially have touched the flour tortillas.

The current items you need to be aware of are the salad dressing, which contains gluten, and the flour tortilla. All the current lifestyle bowls are gluten-free. 

Sides

Tortilla chips with guacamole are a good option. But if you have a high sensitivity, I would not suggest it due to the contamination in the fields. They do, however, use dedicated fryers. Again, check the specific outlet you are using to be 100% sure, as I have seen mixed reports on this. 

Drinks

The current beverages you need to be aware of are the malt-based drinks and beers. But you have a variety of fountain drinks like sodas, lemonades, and aqua fresca drinks.

Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free At Fast Food Restaurants

As with anything in life, you must always have a plan of action. Here are some tips to follow.

• Communication is key - make sure Chipotle's employees are aware of the risk of cross-contamination. So, tell them you have celiac disease. Even mention that this included anything with wheat in it.
• Request a change of utensils and gloves
• You can even request they take (if available) fresh toppings and fillings from the back, which have not been opened yet. 
• If ordering online, make sure you write your dietary needs in the comments. 
• When you sit down, make sure what you have ordered is gluten-free.

Enjoying Gluten-Free Options Beyond Chipotle

All is not lost if you consider that your sensitivity level is higher and that it's not worth the risk. 

We have done a lot of legwork to get some options on the table for you so you don't feel deprived and left out. Here are the 8 Best Gluten-Free Fast Food Options (What to Order & What to Avoid).

Mexican Dining At Home

So, if you are finding that you have a higher sensitivity and Chipotle is not an option for you, here are a few of our favorite dishes we can recreate at home.

Make your own gluten-free tacos at home. And no Mexican meal is complete without this homemade gluten-free taco seasoning.

Final Thoughts

So Chipotle Chips can be gluten-free for some Celiacs, but it all depends on your sensitivity level. Until the industry has stricter guidelines in this area, you maybe taking a risk. So, you need to decide what works for you, and also my experience at my local could be very different from yours. So if you don't want to take a risk, take a look at our Taco Bell Gluten-Free Guide for another option.