Vegetarians and vegans in the Northeast, rejoice: Chipotle's Sofritas vegan tofu burrito will be the chain's newest menu addition, starting with locations in New York City and Boston.
Fast Company reported Monday, that after a year of testing, the Mexican restaurant will be adding a meatless protein that will be used to make vegan and vegetarian burritos, tacos, bowls and salads. The plan is to cater to customers who may want a vegetarian food item.
"We just fell in love with the product itself and came up with something that I think even if you're not a vegetarian or vegan, you could eat it and love it," said Nate Appleman, culinary manager at Chipotle, in an interview with Fast Company.
Sofritas is an organic tofu that is made with chipotle chilies, roasted poblanos and spices. Appleman told Fast Company that the product underwent several revisions before the chain settled on a chili-based recipe that mimics chorizo.
"It was really ingredient driven," Appleman said.
According the Chipotle's website, the new product is lower in calories than meaty fillings. A sofritas burrito with brown rice and no accompaniments is 645 calories compared to a chicken version at 680, steak at 690 calories and pork at 720.
The burrito will be in good company, joining the company's burrito with meat, crispy tacos, soft tacos, salad, and chips and guacamole.
"It could cut into the sales of meat and also maybe help reduce meat consumption," Appleman told Fast Company.
Appleman added: "Growing soy is less harmful on the environment than raising a cow just because the earth energy it takes to raise a 2,000-pound steer versus soybeans is completely different,"
The spicy shredded tofu has been available in select markets including California, Colorado, Chicago and the surrounding vicinity, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, New Mexico, Northern Indiana, Oregon, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.
Starting March 3, it will be available in New York City and Boston, before rolling out nationally. The chain has not given any clear date of its national exposure.
The tofu is being made with producer Hodo Soy in Oakland, California. The product is GMO-free and organic. Chipotle's promotes a "food with integrity' message and supports sustainable farming, local business and organic produce.
Sofritas will be sold at the same price as Chipotle's chicken option, $6.37.
