# Vegan Chorizo Proteins Chipotle is Testing Plant-Based Chorizo in Select Markets By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-08-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-chorizo References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chipotle-tests-plant-based-chorizo-in-select-markets-301358687.html) & [WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM](http://WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM) For the first time since it debuted Sofritas in 2014, [Chipotle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-chorizo) is introducing a brand-new plant-based protein in the form of Plant-Based Chorizo. Available in select markets only for a limited time, Chipotle's Plant-Based Chorizo is a new menu innovation that makes the most of real ingredients to deliver sources of plant-powered protein. The plant-based protein is said to have the "deep rich flavor of Chorizo" thanks to farm-fresh ingredients like Ancho Chili and Chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika, extra virgin olive oil and natural protein sourced from peas. The [certified vegan offering](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegchop) boasts 20 grams of protein per serving and the meatless product has the potential to be enjoyed by all in bowls, burritos, salads, quick snacks and more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Plant-based Protein Alternatives:** Chipotle's introduction of its new Plant-Based Chorizo indicates a growing trend towards plant-based protein alternatives within the food industry. - **Flavor Innovations in Plant-based Foods:** The use of rich and bold flavors like Ancho Chili and Chipotle peppers as demonstrated in Chipotle's Plant-Based Chorizo suggests a rising trend of flavor innovations in the plant-based food market. - **Limited Time Offer Menu Items:** The introduction of Chipotle's Plant-Based Chorizo as a limited time offer suggests that a trend towards rotating menu items is emerging in the fast food industry. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food Industry:** As demonstrated by Chipotle's introduction of its new Plant-Based Chorizo, the fast food industry is increasingly incorporating plant-based foods and protein alternatives into their menus. - **Plant-based Food Industry:** The development of Chipotle's Plant-Based Chorizo demonstrates the growing demand for plant-based protein alternatives and flavor innovations within the plant-based food industry. - **Limited Time Offer Industry:** The trend towards rotating menu items and offering limited time items as exemplified by Chipotle's Plant-Based Chorizo signifies an emerging industry for limited time offer products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based Chorizo Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-chorizo.md) - [Vegan Chorizo QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-del-mar.md) - [Plant-Based Chorizo-Style Crumbles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pancheros-tofurizo.md) - [Soy-Based Chorizo Crumbles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imagic-plantbased-chorizo-crumbles.md) - [Meat-Free Chorizo Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soyrizo.md) - [Plant-Based Sausage Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-spicy-chorizo.md) - [Meatless Chorizo-Inspired Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-chorizo-burger.md) - [Artisanal Plant-Based Sausages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tofurky-sausages.md) - [Meaty Plant-Based Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-steak-chimichurri-burrito.md)