Chipotle said on Thursday that it is testing a new plant-based chorizo in Denver and Indianapolis for a limited time.
The chorizo, made with a pea protein base, is the first new plant-based protein for Chipotle since it debuted its Sofritas in 2014.
The plant-based chorizo is made from Ancho Chili and Chipotle peppers, tomato paste, crushed garlic, smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil combined with a natural protein sourced from peas. The product is certified vegan, the Newport Beach, Calif.-based chain said, and provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
“Plant-based lifestyles have continued to accelerate in popularity, and as a longtime leader in the category we are exploring ways to give more variety to our fans,” Chief Marketing Officer Chris Brandt said in a statement.
Plant-based products have grown more popular in restaurant chains in recent years, particularly with the emergence of plant-based meat makers Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. Yet more restaurant companies are going it alone, creating their own plant-based products—Taco Bell has tested its own plant-based tacos with pea and chickpea protein, for instance. And Wendy’s is testing a black bean burger.
A plant-based protein is a natural for Chipotle, which has long catered to people who avoid meat with its customizable burritos and bowls.
The company has been developing new items in recent years using its “Stage-Gate process,” and said that it would use that process to get customer feedback before deciding on a natural launch process for its plant-based chorizo.
To get customers in those locations to try the chorizo, the company is offering no delivery fees between Aug. 19 and Aug. 29.
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