Chipotle Red and White Bean Chili Overview
Chipotle red and white bean chili is a variation of the chain's menu item that combines red kidney beans, white cannellini beans, and a smoky chipotle pepper base. The dish is part of Chipotle Mexican Grill's core bowl and burrito lineup, with a standard serving containing approximately 310 calories, 11 grams of fat, and 14 grams of protein per 8-ounce portion. The recipe relies on a proprietary sofrito base, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a blend of spices including cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. The chain's menu engineering focuses on customizable protein and topping options, with the chili itself serving as a low-cost, high-margin base ingredient. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) reported total revenue of $8.6 billion in 2024, with digital orders accounting for over 40% of transactions, according to the company's latest annual report Forbes.
The chili's ingredient list is publicly available on Chipotle's website and includes pinto beans, red beans, tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, and spices. The company sources its beans primarily from North American suppliers and maintains a policy of using no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in its core menu items. Chipotle's food cost percentage for a standard bowl with beans and rice typically ranges between 28% and 32%, which is slightly below the fast-casual restaurant industry average of 30% to 35% SEC EDGAR. The red and white bean combination provides a higher fiber content than single-bean alternatives, with one serving delivering roughly 7 grams of dietary fiber, which represents about 25% of the daily recommended intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Nutritional Profile and Ingredient Breakdown
Calorie and Macronutrient Data
A single serving of Chipotle red and white bean chili contains approximately 310 calories, with 11 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, and 480 milligrams of sodium. The carbohydrate content is roughly 40 grams, including 7 grams of dietary fiber and 4 grams of sugars. The protein contribution is around 14 grams per serving, making it a moderate-protein option compared to the chain's chicken or steak bowls. The chili's macronutrient ratio is approximately 40% carbohydrates, 32% fat, and 28% protein by calorie, which aligns with a balanced meal profile for a plant-forward dish Forbes.
The chipotle pepper component provides capsaicin, the compound responsible for the smoky, spicy flavor and potential metabolic effects. Chipotle's sofrito base uses roasted red peppers, onions, and garlic cooked in olive oil, which contributes to the chili's rich color and depth of flavor. The red and white bean blend offers a complete amino acid profile when paired with the rice in a standard bowl, as beans provide lysine and rice provides methionine. Chipotle's allergen guide confirms the chili is free from the top nine allergens, including dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat