Qdoba is adding low-carb Mexican Cauliflower Mash to restaurants nationwide later this month, the fast-casual chain announced Monday.
The new item, which had been testing at the chain’s restaurant in Indianapolis, is made with oven-roasted cauliflower, mashed with sour cream, cilantro and pico de gallo.
The cauliflower mash can be included in Qdoba’s burritos or bowls, or it can be ordered in the chain’s new Cauli-Mash Low-Carb Chicken Bowl which includes adobo chicken and fajita vegetables.
"We decided to launch the Mexican Cauliflower Mash instead of a cauliflower rice as it is a more innovative option and delivers an enhanced flavor experience for our guests," Katy Velazquez, Qdoba’s executive chef, said in a statement. "Oven-roasting fresh cauliflower in-house daily creates caramelized notes, savory flavors and great texture."
With six grams of carbs per serving, the item is particularly targeted at consumers following low-carb and keto diets.
A number of chains have added low-carb offerings in recent months. Fast-casual Mediterranean chain Cava debuted high-protein, low-carb RightRice made with lentils, chickpeas, green peas and a small amount of rice in September. And Chipotle Mexican Grill has been testing Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, saying it is one of the chain’s most-requested new menu items.
Qdoba’s Mexican Cauliflower Mash will be available starting Dec. 22.
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