Chipotle Pinto Beans: Are They Vegetarian? (Yes, Since 2013)
This page exists because of a persistent, outdated rumor: that Chipotle pinto beans contain bacon. They did, once. The recipe changed in 2013, and both bean options have been fully vegetarian and vegan ever since. Here is the real history, the current ingredient list, the nutrition, and the honest comparison against black beans.
Chipotle pinto beans are vegetarian and vegan today. They contained bacon until 2013, when Chipotle removed the pork entirely. Current ingredients: pinto beans, onion, garlic, chipotle chili, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, lemon and lime juice, rice bran oil, and salt. About 130 calories with 8g protein and 7g fiber, free on any entree.
- Vegetarian and vegan since 2013, when the bacon was removed permanently.
- Ingredients: pinto beans, onion, garlic, chipotle chili, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, citrus, rice bran oil, salt.
- Nutrition: ~130 calories, 8g protein, 7g fiber per serving.
- Free topping, and one of only two free protein sources on the line.
- Vs black beans: nearly identical macros, smokier and softer in texture.
The Bacon Question, Settled
The history is real and worth stating plainly. Until 2011, Chipotle pinto beans were made with bacon and the ingredient was not disclosed on in-store menus, which came to light publicly when a customer who avoided pork for religious reasons discovered it. Chipotle first posted in-store notices, then removed the pork entirely in 2013, reformulating to a bacon-free recipe specifically so the beans would be vegetarian.
Today both bean options are plant-based. The current pinto recipe is pinto beans simmered with onion, garlic, chipotle chili, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, lemon and lime juice, rice bran oil, and salt, no lard, no stock, no pork. They are one of the free protein-bearing options on the toppings menu, alongside black beans and cheese.
Free (and Free Protein)
Free on any entree, like black beans, rice, salsas, fajita veggies, cheese, and sour cream. That makes beans the cheapest protein at Chipotle by a wide margin: 8 grams for nothing, and most locations will add a second scoop free or for a nominal charge. For plant-based orders, double beans is the standard protein strategy, taking a sofritas bowl from 8g of protein to roughly 24g at no meaningful cost.
Pinto Beans Nutrition
| Nutrient (per serving) | Pinto Beans | Black Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 130 |
| Protein | 8g | 8g |
| Fiber | ~7g | ~7g |
| Carbs | ~22g | ~22g |
| Fat | ~1.5g | ~1.5g |
Nutritionally the two beans are effectively interchangeable, the choice is flavor and texture, not macros. Both are vegan, gluten-free, and among the highest-fiber items on the menu. The carb load rules them out of strict keto builds.
Pinto vs Black Beans
Pinto is smokier and softer, the chipotle chili and bay leaf come through more clearly, and the beans break down slightly into the rice, which suits burritos and bowls where you want everything integrated. Black beans hold their shape better and read cleaner, which suits salads and any build where you want distinct components. Ordering both is allowed and free at most locations, though you get roughly a half scoop of each rather than two full ones. Every free topping and its calorie cost is compared on the toppings guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chipotle pinto beans vegetarian?
Yes. Chipotle removed bacon from its pinto bean recipe in 2013, and both pinto and black beans have been fully vegetarian and vegan since then. The current recipe contains no pork, lard, or animal stock.
Did Chipotle pinto beans used to have bacon?
Yes. Until 2013 the pinto beans were cooked with bacon, which was not listed on in-store menus. After public criticism in 2011, Chipotle posted notices and then reformulated the recipe entirely to remove the pork.
What is in Chipotle pinto beans?
Pinto beans simmered with onion, garlic, chipotle chili, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, lemon juice, lime juice, rice bran oil, and salt.
How many calories are in Chipotle pinto beans?
About 130 calories per serving with 8 grams of protein, roughly 7 grams of fiber, and 22 grams of carbohydrates, identical to the black beans.
Pinto or black beans at Chipotle?
Nutritionally they are the same. Pinto beans are smokier and softer and blend into rice; black beans hold their shape and taste cleaner. Pick pinto for burritos and bowls, black beans for salads and layered builds.
Are Chipotle pinto beans vegan and gluten-free?
Yes to both. They contain no animal products and no gluten ingredients, and they are cooked in rice bran oil rather than lard.
Can I get both pinto and black beans?
Yes at most locations, at no extra charge, though you will typically receive about a half scoop of each rather than a full portion of both.
Methodology
Nutrition reflects Chipotle official per-ingredient data as of October 2026; hand-scooped portions vary by location, so figures are honest ranges. Prices reflect typical U.S. markets and change without notice. Confirm current details on the official chipotle.com ordering page.