Does Chipotle Have Shrimp Burritos?

Chipotle is known for its delicious Tex-Mex inspired burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. With so many meat options like chicken, steak, carnitas, and barbacoa, you may be wondering – does Chipotle have shrimp burritos or shrimp menu items? Keep reading to find out!

Shrimp is a popular protein that many people love in Mexican dishes like fajitas, ceviche, and burritos. The sweet, briny flavor of shrimp complements the spices and flavors of Mexican cuisine so well. However, if you’ve scanned the menu boards at your local Chipotle, you probably noticed one key ingredient missing – shrimp.

Why Doesn’t Chipotle Have Shrimp?

So why doesn’t Chipotle have shrimp on the menu when it seems like such an obvious choice? There are a few reasons why you won’t find shrimp burritos or other shrimp dishes at Chipotle locations.

Supply Chain Complexity

One major reason is the complexity it would add to Chipotle’s supply chain. Chipotle prides itself on using high-quality ingredients from ethical sources. Securing a consistent, high volume supply of ethically raised shrimp that meets Chipotle’s standards would be difficult compared to their current proteins.

Not Part of Chipotle’s Concept

In addition, shrimp just doesn’t fit Chipotle’s brand concept as well. Chipotle aims to provide a streamlined menu focused on traditional Mexican proteins like chicken, steak, carnitas and barbacoa. While delicious, shrimp doesn’t align as closely with their brand identity and concept.

Operational Challenges

Preparing and cooking shrimp presents some operational challenges as well. The shelf life of shrimp is shorter than most proteins, so there is higher waste potential. Employees would also need specialized training to properly handle and cook shrimp compared to the proteins currently on the menu.

Customer Demand for Shrimp at Chipotle

While there are good reasons shrimp isn’t served at Chipotle, many customers still wish it was an option! Online forums contain numerous posts from people requesting shrimp at Chipotle locations.

Some key reasons customers want shrimp menu items include:

• Love of shrimp- Many customers simply love shrimp and want the option when dining at Chipotle Shrimp is a favorite protein people enjoy in burritos and tacos

• Nutritional benefits – Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat compared to red meat options, fitting the health-conscious Chipotle customer.

• Menu variety – Customers seek more variety in protein choices compared to common chicken and steak options.

• Kids menu appeal – Parents note kids would love shrimp on the kid’s menu over more exotic proteins like barbacoa that kids are less likely to enjoy.

• Flavor pairing – Customers feel shrimp pairs exceptionally well with Chipotle’s seasoning and flavors.

Overall there seems to be strong interest in shrimp menu items from Chipotle fans based on customer comments and feedback online and in stores.

Is Shrimp Ever Available at Chipotle?

While not a regular everyday menu item, there have been a few special instances where shrimp was available on a limited basis at Chipotle.

In 2013, select Chipotle locations in New York and Maryland tested garlic shrimp as a promotional summertime offering. This “off-menu” option gave customers a chance to try Chipotle shrimp briefly.

A few other regional or location tests of shrimp tacos and burritos have occurred over the years. And reportedly some locations will occasionally accommodate off-menu requests for shrimp when they have inventory available.

So while extremely rare, you may get lucky and encounter shrimp at your local Chipotle if you request it. But don’t get your hopes up too high!

Copycat Chipotle Shrimp Burrito Recipes

Since enjoying shrimp at Chipotle is basically a lost cause, many fans have taken matters into their own hands. Home cooks have developed copycat recipes for DIY Chipotle-style shrimp burritos and other menu items.

These copycat recipes allow you to recreate Chipotle’s flavors and textures with succulent shrimp as the star ingredient right at home. We scoured the best options to highlight:

1. Chipotle Shrimp Burritos with Avocado Crema

This recipe recreates the classic Chipotle chicken burrito with shrimp instead. It includes a flavorful chipotle marinade for the shrimp and zesty avocado crema sauce.

2. Chipotle Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls meet shrimp in this easy weeknight recipe. Loaded with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, peppers and Chipotle’s signature spices.

3. Chipotle Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Spicy shrimp tacos with cool cilantro sauce let you experience shrimp in another favorite Chipotle menu item. Garnish with lettuce, cheese and lime.

4. Chipotle Shrimp Fajitas

Sizzling hot skillet shrimp fajitas are infused with smoky chipotle peppers. Serve with warm tortillas, peppers and onions.

5. Chipotle bbq shrimp skewers

For a fun twist, try shrimp skewers on the grill basted in a smoky homemade Chipotle bbq sauce.

Recreate the flavors of Chipotle shrimp recipes at home when that shrimp burrito craving hits. These copycat recipes help deliver the experience Chipotle can’t provide.

Why Chipotle Should Add Shrimp to the Menu

While Chipotle has some valid concerns about shrimp, we think they still should consider adding it as a regular menu item. Here’s why:

• Menu differentiation – Most other major Mexican chains like Qdoba, Moe’s and Baja Fresh offer shrimp. This would help Chipotle stand out.

• Customer demand – Numerous customers clearly want more protein choices, especially shrimp. This could drive additional sales.

• Kids appeal – Shrimp would likely be a hit on the kid’s menu and appeal to picky eaters. Families with children are an important demographic.

• Brand consistency – Shrimp aligns well with Chipotle’s focus on food quality and ethical ingredients. Promoting sustainable domestic shrimp would be on-brand.

• Innovation – Over time brands need to innovate and evolve to stay relevant. Shrimp could show Chipotle’s ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes.

• Menu differentiation – Most other major Mexican chains like Qdoba, Moe’s and Baja Fresh offer shrimp. This would help Chipotle stand out.

Of course, we understand Chipotle’s hesitation given the challenges surrounding shrimp. But with smart menu strategies and supply chain planning, we hope to see shrimp appear at Chipotle someday in the future!

Will Shrimp Ever Come to Chipotle?

Chipotle has given no indication that shrimp is forthcoming. But never say never! Here are some scenarios where Chipotle finally introduces shrimp:

Limited time seasonal shrimp specials – Promoting shrimp as a limited offering would allow Chipotle to test demand while mitigating supply and operational concerns. Summer seems like an ideal time.

Shrimp entree salad – A shrimp salad could be easier to execute than shrimp tacos or burritos and appeal to health-conscious customers seeking lighter options.

Shrimp kid’s menu – Trialing shrimp just on the kid’s menu first allows Chipotle to keep menus streamlined for adults. Kids are more likely to embrace new proteins.

Acquisition of a sustainable shrimp supplier – If Chipotle found or invested in a shrimp supplier that met their standards, it could pave the way for permanent shrimp menu items.

Competitive pressure – If declining sales or customer feedback started turning against them, adding demanded menu items like shrimp might eventually become a necessity to stay competitive.

We think Chipotle would be smart to find a way to work shrimp into their menu. But the brand seems set in their ways for now. Only time will tell if shrimp’s popularity and customer requests are enough to shake up Chipotle’s traditions.

Satisfy Your Shrimp Craving at Home

While we’ll keep hoping for shrimp at Chipotle one day, don’t hold your breath waiting. Instead, get your fix of delicious shrimp burritos, bowls and other Mexican favorites at home.

Whip up some chipotle shrimp tacos or fajitas for dinner. Meal prep burritos with shrimp for easy lunches. Or break out the blender for a refreshing shrimp ceviche.

With the right recipes, you can create mouthwatering Mexican shrimp dishes that are just as craveworthy as anything you’ll find in a restaurant. Don’t let Chipotle’s lack of shrimp get in the way of enjoyment. ¡Buen provecho!