Chipotle is already a go-to for big portions — but if you’ve ever wished your burrito bowl came with just a little more meat, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a clever ordering trick that fans swear by, and it doesn’t require coupons, apps, or secret menu magic.
It’s all about ordering your ingredients as sides.
Below, we break down how this “side hack” works, why it gets you more food, and what you should know before trying it.
1. Order a Burrito Bowl — Then Ask for Ingredients as Sides
The trick is simple:
Instead of loading everything directly into the bowl, order your burrito bowl plain (for example, just rice and beans), and then ask for your toppings — like meat, fajitas, salsa, and corn — on the side.
Crew members often serve fuller scoops in side cups, and because each cup must look “filled,” customers typically end up with more generous portions than if everything is packed together in one bowl.
2. Why This Hack Gets You More Food
Here’s what makes it work:
-
Side cups are portioned visually — employees fill them up so they don’t look empty.
-
Toppings stay separate, so they aren’t flattened or mixed into one layer.
-
Meat portions often end up larger, especially when placed in a small side container.
You’re essentially getting the same price, but more volume.
3. Combine Everything at the End
Once you’ve got your bowl and all your sides, you can mix them together:
-
Pour everything back into the main bowl
-
Layer the extras on top
-
Or eat it “DIY style” with chips
No matter what, you end up with a noticeably fuller meal.
4. Add Freebies to Maximize the Hack
Chipotle offers several free add-ons that make your bowl even more substantial:
-
Fajita veggies
-
Salsas (all varieties)
-
Lettuce
-
Tortillas on the side (sometimes up to 2–3 if the location allows)
Combine this with the side-cup trick and your bowl becomes a double-sized feast for the same price.
5. Know When the Hack Might Not Work
Not all locations or staff follow the same scooping habits. Some stores may:
-
Use strict portioning rules
-
Limit the number of side cups
-
Charge for certain sides depending on the item
Most people still get extra food, but it’s worth noting results can vary.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to stretch your money and your meal, the Chipotle side-cup trick is one of the easiest hacks out there. It's simple, it’s smart, and it gets you noticeably more meat and toppings without paying extra.
Just order your bowl, ask for everything on the side, and enjoy your upgraded meal.
