Chipotle tests quinoa as new menu item

Chipotle is testing lime-cilantro quinoa on its New York City menu as an alternative to rice. (Reuters/ iStock)

Chipotle is trying to spice up its menu with a trendy superfood – quinoa.

The Tex-Mex chain is trying the new grain in its New York City test kitchen as an alternative to its iconic lime-cilantro rice.

"The quinoa is made with red and gold quinoa tossed with a little citrus juice, cumin, and freshly chopped cilantro," Chris Arnold, a Chipotle representative, said in an email to Business Insider. "We are recommending that added to a salad or in place of rice in another entree."

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This new menu item comes as a recent break from Chipotle’s staunch resistance to complicating its menu with additional items, which started in September when the fast food restaurant began serving queso nationwide.

The menu changes may be a sign of things to come as Chipotle’s found, Steve Ells, said the company was considering “salads with different kinds of grains," as well as "traditional things" like nachos and quesadillas, Business Insider reported.

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Chipotle has been struggling financially after a series of food-related illnesses were traced back to the chain, causing stocks to take a nosedive. Though stocks have been increasing recently, despite the critically-panned queso.

No word on if the quinoa will be rolled-out nationwide, or remain in the test kitchen as a healthier option.