Healthiest And Unhealthiest Menu Items At Chipotle

Dan Myers|Sept. 30, 2014 2:49 pm EST

As more and more people move away from fast food burgers, the popularity of fast-casual chains like Chipotle and Panera Bread has skyrocketed. Chipotle in particular, with its emphasis on fresh, all-natural ingredients, speed, and dishes made fresh to order, is booming, with $3.21 billion in revenue in 2013 and a fan base that keeps growing by the day. But what are the healthiest and unhealthiest offerings on their menu?

We took a deep dive into the Chipotle menu, and turned up some interesting results. For example, did you know that a single flour tortilla used for the burritos contains 300 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 690 milligrams of sodium? If you're looking to go healthy, opt for a tortilla-free burrito bowl. A taco-size flour tortilla contains 85 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, and a soft corn tortilla contains 70 calories and no fat.

As for the rice and beans, a serving of white rice contains 185 calories, 4 grams of fat, 1 gram of dietary fiber, and 3.5 grams of protein. Brown rice contains the same amount of protein, but 200 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 2.5 grams of dietary fiber. Pinto beans contain 115 calories, one gram of fat, and 300 milligrams of sodium; black beans contain 40 fewer milligrams of sodium, 5 more calories, and the same amount of fat.

Here are all the filling options, ranked from healthiest to unhealthiest by calorie count:

#5 Sofritas
Calories: 145
Fat: 10 grams
Sodium: 555 milligrams

#4 Barbacoa
Calories: 165
Fat: 7 grams
Sodium: 530 milligrams

#3 Chicken
Calories: 180
Fat: 7 grams
Sodium: 310 milligrams

#2 Steak
Calories: 190
Fat: 6.5 grams
Sodium: 320 milligrams

#1 Carnitas
Calories: 220
Fat: 15 grams
Sodium: 500 milligrams

Want cheese and sour cream on your burrito? That cheese will add on 100 calories and 7.5 grams of fat, and sour cream will add 115 calories and 9.5 grams of fat. Guacamole will add an additional 170 calories and 16 grams of fat, and if you want an order of chips on the side, those contain 570 calories and 27 grams of fat, making them unhealthier than a large order of McDonald's fries.