# Quinoa-Based Burrito Bowls Chipotle is Now Offering Red and Gold Quinoa as an Alternative to Rice By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2018-02-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-and-gold-quinoa References: [businessinsider](http://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-tests-quinoa-on-menu-with-taco-bell-ceo-2018-2) In an effort to draw in new customers, [Chipotle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-chicken-burrito-bowl) has begun testing red and gold quinoa as an alternative base for its popular [burritos, burrito bowls and salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salad-bowl-lineup). As one of the most popular superfoods, quinoa is sure to be a welcome addition to the chain's menu. Currently in the testing stages at the chain's test kitchen in New York, the newest Chipotle offering is described as "red and gold quinoa tossed with a little citrus juice, cumin, and freshly chopped cilantro." The new grain is meant to serve as a filling addition to salads or a healthy alternative to brown or white rice. While there is no guarantee that quinoa will be rolled out across the country, the addition of the new grain demonstrates the chain's currently willingness to experiment with its menu more than it has in the past. Image Credit: Chipotle. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Quinoa-based Alternatives:** More food chains can explore using quinoa as an alternative base for their popular meals - **Health-conscious Menus:** Food chains can focus on offering healthy alternatives as part of their menus - **Menu Experimentation:** Fast food chains can explore innovative new ingredients or menu items as a way to stand out and attract new customers ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast Food Restaurants:** Fast food chains can use this trend to attract health-conscious customers and create a new target audience for their brand - **Health Food Industry:** This trend is a good opportunity for the health food industry to pitch their products as healthier alternatives to popular fast food dishes - **Food Technology:** This trend is a good opportunity for food technology to innovate and create new solutions that can provide healthy alternatives without sacrificing taste ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blackened Chicken Burrito Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-chicken-burrito-bowl.md) - [Healthy Mexican QSR Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-2.md) - [Protein-Packed Qsr Menu Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-menu.md) - [Garlic Guajillo Steak Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlic-guajillo-steak.md) - [Plant-Based Chorizo Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-chorizo.md) - [Freshly Flavored QSR Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-pollo-asado.md) - [Boldly Spiced Burrito Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bolder-border-bowls.md) - [Free Mexican Fast-Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-queso-blanco.md) - [Hot Honey-Flavored Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-10.md)