Chipotle has over 3,000 locations worldwide. They offer Mexican fare customized to your liking. When you build your meal, should you choose brown or white rice? What’s the difference?
Chipotle brown and white rice are made the same way. Each type of rice simmers with water and spices. Then, they are mixed with citrus and cilantro. Chipotle brown rice is made with brown rice; Chipotle white rice is made with long-grain white rice.
What’s in Chipotle Brown Rice?
Chipotle brown rice begins as plain brown rice. Each restaurant cooks its rice fresh every morning and lets it simmer with water and spices. Chipotle brown rice includes:
- Brown rice
- Water
- Bay leaves
- Cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Rice bran oil
Chipotle doesn’t specify whether they use long, medium, or short-grain brown rice. The type of rice may vary by season or location. You can learn more about Chipotle’s ingredients by visiting their website.
Chipotle’s brown rice tastes fragrant and nutty. It’s fluffy and chewy like brown rice should be. The cilantro and herbal bay leaf flavors are easy to identify. It makes an excellent base for bowls, burritos, or other entrées.
What’s In Chipotle White Rice?
Chipotle white rice begins as long-grain white rice. Each restaurant also cooks its white rice fresh every morning. Chipotle white rice has:
- Long-grain white rice
- Water
- Bay leaves
- Cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Rice bran oil
After cooking the rice, the kitchen staff adds lemon and lime juice. Then, they toss it with fresh cilantro.
Chipotle’s white rice has a light, fluffy texture. It tastes saltier than their brown rice but is still earthy and fragrant. You can quickly identify the cilantro.
What Is Cilantro?
Cilantro is an annual herb with a citrusy flavor. It’s also known as coriander. Though all parts of the cilantro plant are edible, the most commonly used parts of the plant are the leaves and seeds.
Some people, including myself, have a genetic trait that makes them dislike the taste of cilantro. I find, however, that the balance of cilantro in Chipotle’s rice is subtle enough that I don’t mind the taste.
Chipotle Brown Rice Nutrition
One serving of Chipotle brown rice has:
- 210 calories
- 6 grams of fat
- 5 grams of protein
- 36 grams of carbs
- 190 mg of sodium
Health Benefits Of Brown Rice
Chipotle brown rice is a lower-sodium option than their white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain and can be a good choice for people with diabetes. Brown rice takes longer to digest than white rice. It’s lower on the Glycemic Index and won’t spike blood sugar.
Brown rice also:
- helps reduce inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- helps manage your weight. Brown rice contains fiber, which helps keep you full longer.
- contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body from free radical damage.
Chipotle White Rice Nutrition
One serving of Chipotle white rice has:
- 210 calories
- 4 grams of fat
- 4 grams of protein
- 40 grams of carbs
- 350 mg of sodium
Chipotle’s white rice has 160 more milligrams of sodium than brown rice. Otherwise, the nutrition stats are similar to brown rice.
Health Benefits Of White Rice
Even though white rice is more processed than brown rice, white rice still offers many health benefits.
White rice is easy to digest. Those who need a low-fiber diet or those who suffer from heartburn may benefit from eating white rice.
White rice is a good source of folate. After milling, white rice is fortified with vitamins and minerals. Folate is essential for cell formation. Folate is a necessary vitamin for pregnant women.
White rice is a quick energy source. Carbohydrates provide a quick, manageable energy source for our bodies. Since white rice is higher in carbs, it gives your body energy fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chipotle Brown Rice Just White Rice?
No, Chipotle brown rice has brown rice and spices. Chipotle uses the same basic recipe for their white and brown rice but adds more salt to their white rice.
Does Chipotle White Rice Or Brown Rice Have More Calories?
Chipotle’s brown and white rice have the same number of calories. One serving of either white or brown rice contains 210 calories.
Does All Chipotle Rice Have Cilantro?
Yes, all rice at Chipotle has cilantro. If you don’t enjoy the taste of cilantro, you can ask if they have plain rice available. Some locations may, while others may not.
Final Thoughts
Chipotle brown and white rice are prepared in the same way. They are each simmered with water and spices. Then, they each get tossed with lemon juice, lime juice, and cilantro. Brown rice is healthier than white rice, though white rice still offers many health benefits. Choose the type of rice you enjoy eating!
