2026 Expert Guide • Ingredients Breakdown • Cross-Contamination Safety • Complete Gluten-Free Menu
Chipotle Queso Blanco is 100% gluten-free. Made with aged Monterey Jack cheese, white cheddar, serrano peppers, and tomatoes - no wheat, barley, or rye. Perfect for celiac and gluten-sensitive diners!
However, cross-contamination is possible. Always inform staff about gluten allergies and request clean gloves.
Last Updated: February 2026 | Verified with Chipotle allergen information
If you're asking "Is Chipotle queso gluten free?" - you're not alone! With 20+ million Americans following gluten-free diets and 3 million diagnosed with celiac disease, knowing exactly what's safe to eat matters more than ever.
The good news? Chipotle Queso Blanco is completely gluten-free! In this comprehensive guide updated for February 2026, we'll break down exactly what's in Chipotle's creamy cheese dip, reveal potential cross-contamination risks, share expert ordering tips for celiac safety, and show you the complete gluten-free menu with prices. All information is verified with Chipotle's official allergen guide.
Quick Summary: Chipotle's Queso Blanco contains zero gluten ingredients per FDA gluten-free standards. It's made from real cheese, peppers, and seasonings. However, Chipotle is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility - cross-contamination from flour tortillas can occur on shared surfaces and utensils.
For celiacs: Inform staff, request clean gloves, and consider ordering bowls or corn taco shells instead of flour tortillas.
Chipotle introduced their Queso Blanco in 2021, replacing the original queso that many customers found disappointing. The new version is made with real, recognizable ingredients - no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
While Chipotle doesn't certify menu items as gluten-free due to cross-contamination risks, the Queso Blanco recipe contains ZERO gluten ingredients. Multiple independent sources and allergen databases confirm this. For the most current allergen information, check Chipotle's official allergen menu.
Here's the reality: While the queso itself is gluten-free, Chipotle kitchens are NOT gluten-free facilities. Flour tortillas are prepared on the same serving line, creating potential cross-contact. If you're also interested in other safe options, check out our guides on gluten-free bowls and salads.
Inform the Server FIRST
Before ordering, say: "I have celiac disease / severe gluten allergy"
Request Clean Gloves
Ask them to put on fresh gloves before touching your food
Order a Bowl or Corn Tacos
Choose bowls or crispy corn taco shells - both gluten-free
Request Fresh Queso
Ask for queso from a new container in the back kitchen
Avoid Flour Tortillas
This is the ONLY gluten-containing item at Chipotle
Double-Check Your Order
Verify no flour tortilla pieces ended up in your bowl
Great news! 95% of Chipotle's menu is naturally gluten-free! Here's everything you can safely order with your gluten-free queso:
Creamy white cheese dip with serrano peppers. 100% gluten-free!
Fresh tortilla chips + creamy queso. Both gluten-free!
Adobo-marinated grilled chicken. Gluten-free marinade.
Tender grilled steak. 100% gluten-free seasoning.
Slow-cooked pork. No gluten ingredients.
AVOID: Flour Tortillas (ONLY gluten item). Choose corn tortillas, crispy shells, or bowls instead!
Order a Chicken Bowl ($9.25) with brown rice, black beans, fajita veggies, all salsas, cheese, and add queso for $1.80. Get chips on the side ($1.95) for dipping. Total nutrition-packed, gluten-free meal for ~$13!
Not just queso! Here's how all Chipotle gluten-free sides compare in price, calories, and nutrition:
| Side Item | Price | Calories | Protein | Best For | GF Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queso Blanco (side) | $1.80 | 120 | 5g | Cheese lovers, rich flavor | |
| Guacamole | $2.95 | 230 | 2g | Healthy fats, vegan | |
| Chips | $1.95 | 540 | 8g | Crunchy, filling | |
| Chips & Queso | $5.75 | 660 | 13g | Most popular combo | |
| Chips & Guac | $5.50 | 770 | 10g | Classic favorite |
Ordering Chips & Queso ($5.75) saves you $0.95 compared to buying them separately ($1.95 + $1.80 = $3.75... wait, that's actually cheaper separate!). But the combo portion is larger. Alternatively, get a bowl and add queso as a topping for ultra-creamy texture!
Yes, Chipotle queso (Queso Blanco) is 100% gluten-free. The ingredients include aged Monterey Jack cheese, white cheddar, serrano peppers, and tomatoes - no wheat or gluten-containing products. However, cross-contamination is possible due to shared prep areas. Inform staff about gluten allergies when ordering.
Chipotle Queso Blanco contains: Aged Monterey Jack Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese, Serrano Peppers, Tomatoes, Garlic, and Natural Seasonings. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free with no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing additives.
Chipotle queso itself is gluten-free, but cross-contamination risks exist in the restaurant environment. For celiac disease: 1) Inform staff of your allergy, 2) Request clean gloves and utensils, 3) Ask them to get fresh queso from the back, 4) Avoid flour tortillas which are the main gluten source at Chipotle.
Yes, Chipotle Queso Blanco contains dairy - it's made primarily from Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses. It is NOT dairy-free or vegan. For dairy-free options at Chipotle, choose guacamole, salsas, fajita veggies, rice, beans, and sofritas.
A side of Chipotle Queso Blanco (4 oz serving) contains approximately 120 calories, 10g fat, 5g carbs, and 5g protein. Chips & Queso combo has about 660 total calories (540 from chips + 120 from queso).
Almost EVERYTHING at Chipotle is gluten-free except flour tortillas! Gluten-free items include: All proteins (chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa, sofritas), both rice varieties, both beans, all salsas, fajita veggies, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, guacamole, queso, chips, and crispy corn taco shells.
Yes! Chipotle Queso Blanco is available for online ordering through the Chipotle app, website, and third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. You can add queso as a side ($1.80) or get Chips & Queso ($5.75).
No, Chipotle does NOT add MSG to any menu items including Queso Blanco. Chipotle's 'Food With Integrity' commitment means no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The queso flavor comes entirely from real cheese, peppers, and natural seasonings.
Full guide to every gluten-free item at Chipotle with prices and nutrition
Complete allergen information for all Chipotle ingredients
Best gluten-free base option - complete bowl guide with prices
How to order crispy corn tacos (gluten-free) with queso
Now you know Chipotle Queso Blanco is 100% gluten-free! Order with confidence and enjoy creamy, delicious cheese dip at your nearest Chipotle location.
