Get maximum food value without breaking the bank
Love Chipotle but worried about the cost? You're not alone! With the average burrito costing $10-12, eating out can add up quickly. But here's the good news: with the right strategies, you can enjoy delicious Chipotle meals while staying on budget. We've compiled 20 proven money-saving tips that will help you maximize value on every visit to your local Chipotle.
Follow these strategies to get the most bang for your buck!
This is the #1 way to save money at Chipotle. The rewards program is completely free and earns you points on every purchase.
Money Saved:
Spend $125 = Get $10-12 free entree. That's 8-10% back!
Sign up via the Chipotle app or website in under 2 minutes.
Bowls and burritos cost the same ($10.40 for chicken), but bowls typically come with MORE food because there's no tortilla taking up space. Plus, you can ask for a free tortilla on the side!
Pro Tip: Order a bowl with tortilla on the side. You essentially get more food for the same price!
Chipotle allows you to add as much as you want of certain ingredients at no extra charge. Take advantage of this!
Budget Strategy:
Order a veggie bowl ($8.50) and load it with extra rice, double beans, fajita veggies, lettuce, and all salsas. You'll get a HUGE, filling meal for under $9!
This viral hack effectively gives you TWO meals for the price of one!
️ Note: This works best during non-peak hours. Some locations may decline, but many will accommodate this request. Be polite and don't push if they're too busy!
The biggest budget killers are the premium toppings. Here's what they cost and how to save:
| Topping | Cost | Money-Saving Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Guacamole | +$3.00 | Ask for "light guac" = half portion, half price (~$1.50) |
| Queso | +$1.50 | Use free cheese + corn salsa for creamy flavor |
| Extra Meat | +$4.50 | Double beans instead = extra protein, $0 cost |
| Chips & Guac | $5.20 | Just get chips ($2) and use free salsa |
Potential Savings:
Skip guac + queso + double meat = Save $9.00 per order! That's almost a free second meal.
Skip the meat and order sofritas or just veggies - guacamole is FREE with vegetarian orders! This saves you $3 and you still get healthy fats and protein from beans.
Savings: $3.00 per meal
Check our Chipotle coupons page regularly for:
Order one loaded bowl or burrito and split it. Add extra free items (rice, beans, veggies, salsa) and you'll both be satisfied for $5-6 each instead of $10-12.
Order three tacos but ask for tortillas on the side. Then order a bowl with extra everything. You get way more food than if you ordered tacos normally, for the same $10.40 price.
Drinks cost $2.80-3.50. Free water saves you money and calories! Bring your own drink from home if needed.
Savings: $3.00 per visit
Chips cost $2.00-2.50 and add little nutritional value. If you want crunch, ask for extra lettuce or buy a big bag of tortilla chips from the grocery store for the same price.
Some locations offer special deals during specific hours. Also watch for:
Protein pricing at Chipotle (based on 2025 prices):
Stick with chicken or go vegetarian to save $1-3 per meal!
Many credit cards offer:
Stack with Chipotle Rewards for maximum savings!
Chipotle portions are HUGE. Order a burrito or bowl and save half for your next meal. Effectively cuts your per-meal cost in half: $10.40 ÷ 2 = $5.20 per meal!
The Chipotle app regularly sends push notifications with:
Kids' meals cost $5.50 and include: choice of protein, side (beans or rice), choice of drink, and choice of chips or fruit. Perfect for light eaters or kids, and much better value than ordering sides separately.
Save on drinks ($3), chips ($2), and queso ($1.50) by bringing them from home. Buy in bulk from grocery stores:
This isn't a "hack," but being genuinely kind and respectful to Chipotle employees often results in:
Use our free Chipotle nutrition calculator to plan your meal before visiting. Know exactly what you'll order, avoid impulse add-ons, and stick to your budget!
This meal is vegan, nutritious, filling, and only $8.50! Cheapest option with free guac.
Maximum protein and value. The side tortilla means you can make your own tacos or mini-burritos!
This is the ultimate budget hack - effectively paying half price for each meal!
See how much money you can save per year by implementing these budget strategies:
| Strategy | Savings Per Visit | Weekly (2x) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skip guac & queso | $4.50 | $9.00 | $468 |
| Order water, not soda | $3.00 | $6.00 | $312 |
| Skip chips | $2.00 | $4.00 | $208 |
| Use Rewards program | $1.00 | $2.00 | $104 |
| Chicken vs Steak | $2.00 | $4.00 | $208 |
| TOTAL ANNUAL SAVINGS | $12.50 | $25.00 | $1,300 |
*Based on eating at Chipotle 2x per week, 52 weeks per year. Actual savings may vary.
Save over $1,300 per year!
That's enough for 120+ free Chipotle meals with the savings!
The cheapest meal is a veggie bowl or burrito without guacamole, priced around $8.50-9.00. However, if you order a veggie option, guacamole is FREE (normally $3), making it the best value. Load it with extra rice, double beans, fajita veggies, lettuce, and all salsas for maximum food at minimum cost.
Chipotle doesn't offer a nationwide student discount, but some college campus locations may have special deals. The best way for students to save is by joining Chipotle Rewards (free), using BOGO deals, ordering veggie to get free guac, and implementing the "split bowl" hack to make meals stretch further.
There are several ways to get free Chipotle: 1) Join Chipotle Rewards and earn a free entree after 1,250 points ($125 spent), 2) Get a free entree on your birthday as a rewards member, 3) Watch for BOGO (Buy One Get One) promotional offers, 4) Participate in special events like Boorito on Halloween, 5) Use the referral program to earn bonus points when friends sign up.
Free toppings include: white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, fajita veggies, lettuce, all four salsas (fresh tomato, tomatillo red, tomatillo green, and roasted corn), cilantro, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice. You can ask for extra portions of any free items without additional charge. Tortillas on the side are also free when ordering bowls or salads.
Double meat (extra protein) costs approximately $4.50-5.00 extra depending on your location. Instead of double meat, consider ordering double beans (FREE) for extra protein, or go vegetarian and add free guacamole for healthy fats. If you want more protein without the cost, chicken is the most affordable meat option at base price.
While app prices are the same as in-store, the Chipotle app offers several money-saving advantages: you earn Rewards points automatically (10 points per $1), you receive exclusive app-only promotions and BOGO deals, you get free delivery offers periodically, and you can easily customize your order to avoid impulse add-ons. The app also shows your points balance and alerts you when you've earned free food.
A bowl is better value! Both cost the same price, but bowls typically contain 30-40% more food because there's no large flour tortilla taking up space. Plus, you can ask for a free tortilla on the side with your bowl, giving you the option to make your own burrito or tacos at home. The bowl also has 320 fewer calories if you skip the tortilla, making it healthier too. Always choose bowl over burrito for maximum value!
Use these budget tips to enjoy delicious Chipotle meals without breaking the bank. Your wallet will thank you!
Maximize your budget with these affordable menu items. Click for full nutrition facts and ordering tips:
Best protein value
Ask for extra!
Double portion OK
Filling & nutritious
Cheapest option!
Tons of flavor
Fills you up
Includes drink!
