Mexican food has always been a good choice of cuisine for vegans and vegetarians due to the large number of meals that incorporate beans and fresh vegetables. However, Chipotle also began offering a tofu-based protein option called sofritas in 2014, and the restaurant chain took things to another level when it introduced its vegan and vegetarian-friendly Lifestyle Bowls in 2019.

"Since introducing Sofritas five years ago, Chipotle has provided flavorful options for every lifestyle while simultaneously doing something good for the planet," Chris Brandt, the chief marketing officer of Chipotle, stated. Remaining true to that statement, Chipotle introduced plant-based chorizo in 2022 once it realized that the demand for vegan meats was growing.

However, despite its popularity, plant-based chorizo was pulled from Chipotle's menu less than a year after it debuted, disappointing many customers. It turns out, even though many processed plant-based meats contain up to 14 grams of fat, they may still be better for you than beef and also better for the environment — as their production emits fewer greenhouse gases than animal products.