I got excited when I heard Chipotle was testing a new organic, plant-based option because I'm kind of tired of eating rice, beans, fajita vegetables and guacamole bowls. Say hello to Sofritas!
Chipotle announced recently that they are test marketing in the Bay Area (7 stores only) Sofritas, an organic tofu offering for their vegan and vegetarian eaters. Sofritas is shredded tofu braised with chipotle chilis, roasted poblanos and a blend of spices made with organic, non-GMO tofu from Oakland’s Hodo Soy.
Here's what Sofritas looks like at the bar.
I was happy to hear that Chipotle went organic and GMO-free. Hodo Soy is an excellent company. They do artisan tofu, and their fofu is also gluten-free.
I always get a burrito bowl because you save 290 calories and 44g of carbs. My bowl had the Sofritas, brown rice, black beans, Fajita peppers and onions, fresh tomato salsa, and Tomatillo-green chili salsa.
My initial reaction to the Sofritas is that it's okay. I was hoping for mind blown, but got it's alright instead. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. I would definitely try it, and see what you think.
Taste wise, Sofritas is a bit too hot on the spicy side. I like mild to medium heat, and the spicy went over my threshold. A few other friends who tried the Sofritas said the same thing. Chipotle needs to mellow down the spicy. If you add guacamole, the avocado will help mellow the hotness. Let people up the spicy with hot sauce.
Texture wise, the tofu felt like eating a tofu scramble made with fine tofu. A tofu that is a little more chunky and firmer may be a better experience. Doing a seitan would be too tough. Chipotle should test market with Beyond Meat and offer a vegan chicken option. I'd personally enjoy that choice much more especially in tacos.
Will Sofritas be successful nationwide in its current form? I'd say no because it tastes like you'd think a vegan burrito would taste and that's not going to win over the mainstream. Even though this option is targeted to plant-based eaters, we too still want something that is tasty. Ideally, when trying to get a meat-eater to try new plant-based foods, you want the experience to be a good one.
I LOVE that Chipotle is making the effort to offer more plant-based and organic, GMO-free options. LOVE! So, keep on working it Chipotle.
Have your tried the Sofritas? What did you think?
