Chipotle Mexican Grill is replacing its all-romaine salad base with a Supergreens salad mix featuring a mix of baby kale, baby spinach and hand-cut romaine.
This is the second new national item added to the fast-casual chain’s menu since September when carne asada debuted.
The move to a Supergreens mix at all 2,500 restaurants comes as the industry, along with grocery stores, have scrambled to source romaine amid another food safety incident in the popular growing region of Salinas, Calif. However, the recent e.Coli outbreak tied to romaine was not the reason for the change, Chipotle said.
"The decision to introduce Supergreens and increase the Lifestyle Bowls assortment was based on the success of our digitally exclusive diet-driven entrees launched last January," company spokeswoman Erin Wolford said.
She said chopped romaine will remain "on the line" as a topping option, but Supergreens will become the default salad base. If customers don't want Supergreens, they can request romaine only for their salads.
The Newport Beach, Calif.-based company also announced a slight modification to its grilled chicken, which is now Whole30 compliant. The company said it switched the oil in the chicken’s marinade while still maintaining “the same great taste” of the chicken.
Last year, Chipotle added Lifestyle Bowls to its online menu. The bowls contain specific ingredients that match the requirements of different diets such as paleo, keto and Whole30. The online Lifestyle menu also features high protein, vegan and vegetarian bowls.
With many people adopting diet resolutions for the new year, Chipotle is highlighting its Lifestyle Bowls this month with a free delivery offer.
For the month of January, the chain is offering free delivery on the bowls, which can only be ordered on Chipotle’s app or website.
Whole30 co-founder Melissa Hartwig Urban commended Chipotle for taking the stress out of eating healthy with these custom bowls.
"Convenience is key to staying on track,” she said in a statement.
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Update: This story was updated to include a comment from Chipotle about the reason for the switch to Supergreens.
