Chipotle Is Adding This Unlikely New Menu Item, But Will Customers Bite?

Chipotle is home to many a cheat-day treat. But, the Mexican chain also wants to be there for you on "clean eating" days, and it has a slew of new menu items to prove it. 

Earlier this week, a rep for the brand emailed Business Insider to chat... all things quinoa. The rep explained that the chain has added the grain to its test kitchen menu, and gave an evocative description of how Chipotle's take on quinoa will taste. 

"The quinoa is made with red and gold quinoa tossed with a little citrus juice, cumin, and freshly chopped cilantro," the rep said. "We are recommending that added to a salad or in place of rice in another entree." Fair point! 

This isn't the first new item the chain has rolled out in recent months. Back in July, queso made an appearance on the menu — and founder Steve Ells hinted at more new items to come on a recent call with investors. 

What kind of new things? Think salads with different types of grains, along with more traditional items like quesadillas and nachos. It's the latest effort for the brand in need of reinvention given its much-publicized food-safety issues.

And, it never hurts to have quinoa available at our nearest fast-casual spot. Even if it does reduce our excuse for grabbing a giant burrito doused in guacamole. (And yes, we know it's extra!) Too bad.