Chipotle Build Your Own Meal Create Your Perfect Plate Every Time
If you’re looking for a way to get all your favorite flavors your way, the Chipotle Build Your Own Meal concept has become the go-to for many. Whether feeding a group or enjoying a solo feast, the Build-Your-Own options give you full control protein, base, toppings, even dips and sides. In 2025, Chipotle officially expanded its Build-Your-Own offerings, adding a new family-style “BYOC” (Build-Your-Own Chipotle) designed for groups. In this guide you’ll learn everything: how it works, nutrition, pricing, tips, and what makes “build your own” at Chipotle a great choice.
What Is “Build Your Own Meal” at Chipotle?
The “Build Your Own Meal” is all about personalization. Instead of fixed combos, you select:
- A protein (chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas, or Sofritas)
- A base (white or brown rice, beans, or skipping base for lower calories)
- Toppings & salsas (salsas like tomatillo-red/green chili, roasted corn salsa etc.)
- Extras like guacamole, queso Blanco, chips or tortillas
As of September 2025, Chipotle introduced Build-Your-Own Chipotle (BYOC) — a spread made for 4-6 people to share, perfect for families, small group meals, or casual get-togethers.This new menu item offers large portioned ingredients so everyone can customize their bowl, taco, or salad at home. It includes dips, tortillas, and sides.
How the New BYOC (Build-Your-Own Chipotle) Works
This updated version designed for group meals is a digital-exclusive offering. Here are the key features in 2025:
| Feature | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Group Size | Feeds 4-6 people. |
| Ingredients | One protein choice, rice (white or brown), beans, toppings & salsas, premium side (guac or queso), cheese & lettuce, tortillas & chips. |
| Sides & Extras | Two large bags of chips, large dips, and tortillas included. |
| Time to Prepare | Typically ready for pickup in about 15 minutes when ordered via app or website. |
| Promo | There is often an introductory discount such as $10 off with code TRYBYOC via digital channels for limited time. |
Because it’s built for groups, BYOC is more cost-efficient per person than ordering individual burritos or bowls from scratch. You get variety and flexibility.
Chipotle Build Your Own Meal: Nutrition & Dietary Insights
One of the best parts of the Build-Your-Own experience at Chipotle is you can use the Nutrition Calculator on their website to see exactly what your custom meal contains. Calories, macros, sodium—everything.
Key Nutrition Information
- Skipping the tortilla or choosing a bowl over a burrito can save 250-300 calories.
- Choosing brown rice adds fiber; swapping out cheese, sour cream, or queso lowers fat and saturated fat.
- Plant-based protein (Sofritas) is great if you want fewer saturated fats and more fiber.
- Premium sides like guacamole or queso add richness — they’re great for flavor but will boost calories and fat/sodium.
Dietary Options
- Vegan or vegetarian options via Sofritas, beans, veggies.
- Gluten-free available if you skip tortillas or select gluten-free bases/sides.
- Lower-carb choices by avoiding rice or tortillas and going heavy on veggies, lean proteins.
- Special diet trends: Chipotle’s “Lifestyle Bowls” sometimes cater to Whole30, keto, paleo, higher protein or plant-based goals.
Pricing: What to Expect
Since the Build-Your-Own Meal is customizable and varies by region, pricing depends on your selections. Here’s what we know as of mid-2025:
- The Build-Your-Own Chipotle group kit (4-6 people) pricing changes with protein choice and extras. For example, adding premium protein (steak vs chicken), or premium sides (guac or queso) increases cost.
- Regular pricing for proteins via the menu also factors into cost: chicken tends to be cheaper, steak and barbacoa cost more, Sofritas similar to chicken in many locations.
- Keep in mind: delivery adds extra fees. Pickup via the app or website tends to be cheaper.
How To Order Your Build Your Own Meal
Step-by-step, here’s how to get your Build-Your-Own Chipotle meal:
- Open the Chipotle App or visit Chipotle.com.
- Select Build-Your-Own Chipotle / BYOC from the menu.
- Choose your protein, base(s), bean(s), toppings, salsas.
- Pick premium side (guac or queso), chips, tortillas.
- Choose your pickup or delivery option. (Pickup is faster and often cheaper.)
- Review the assembled order in the nutrition calculator to check calories etc.
- Confirm, pay, and wait for the meal or pickup.
Pros & Cons of Build Your Own Meals
| Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Full customization to dietary needs and flavor preferences. | The more premium add-ons (guac, queso, steak) increase cost and calories. |
| Great for small groups — shared meal format saves money. | Portion size may be large; leftovers can help. |
| All ingredients are fresh, and you know what you get. | Customization can lead to high sodium or fat if not mindful. |
| Possible promotions (promo codes) sometimes apply, especially when BYOC is new. | Limited availability: digital-exclusive, may not be in all locations. |
Tips for Making the Best Build Your Own Meal
- Use the Nutrition Calculator on Chipotle’s official site to preview calories, macros, sodium.
- Always ask for tortillas or chips on the side if you are portioning out the meal.
- Mix one premium protein with a leaner one, or go meat-less on some parts.
- Add plenty of veggies and salsas, skip or go light on heavy toppings.
- For group meals, order in advance if many people are customizing.
Comparison: Build Your Own vs Regular Meal
| Feature | Build Your Own Meal / BYOC | Regular Burrito / Salad / Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Feeds 4-6 people | Usually 1 meal per person |
| Flexibility | Strong — entire spread of ingredients | Individual customization but less sharing |
| Convenience | Fast, digital exclusive; perfect for shared meals | Just order your own individually |
| Value per dollar | Often better for groups | Individual meals may cost more per person if many extras |
| Nutrition control | High — can adjust portions, toppings, base | Also adjustable but usually more predictable per item |
What’s New in 2025 for Build Your Own Meal
Chipotle’s latest updates include:
- Launch of Build-Your-Own Chipotle (BYOC) on August 26, 2025 — serving groups of 4-6 people, digital-exclusive.
- Promo code TRYBYOC offering $10 off first order via app or website during certain dates.
- More options of plant-based and vegetarian ingredients in spreads, more sides, better customization.
- Enhanced nutrition transparency via updated Nutrition Facts PDF and online calculators.
Build Your Own Meal Ideas & Healthy Combinations
Here are some sample combinations if you want a satisfying meal without going overboard:
- Lean & Light: Chicken + brown rice + black beans + fresh tomato salsa + lettuce + soft corn tortillas.
- Plant-Powered: Sofritas + brown rice + fajita veggies + roasted corn salsa + guac + tortilla on side.
- Protein-Heavy: Steak or chicken + double protein + white rice + queso Blanco + moderate toppings.
- Balanced Family Spread: One protein + one bean choice + two bases + premium side + three salsas + chips + tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Chipotle’s Build Your Own Meal / BYOC?
It’s a customizable spread feed-4-to-6 offering where you pick protein, base, toppings, sides, dips and share among your group.
Q2: How much does Build Your Own cost?
Costs vary by location, protein choice, and extras. Expect higher prices than a single bowl but more value per person when shared.
Q3: Is Build-Your-Own Meal good for vegetarians or vegans?
Absolutely — Sofritas and bean options, plus plenty of salsas, veggies make it friendly for vegetarians. Vegan options are possible with careful choices.
Q4: Can I see the nutrition info before I order?
Yes, Chipotle’s Nutrition Calculator is part of our website. It shows calories, saturated fat, sodium, protein etc.
Q5: When should I use BYOC vs regular ordering?
Use BYOC when feeding a small group and you want variety. For solo meals or strict calories, regular bowl/taco/salad ordering might give you better control.
Conclusion
The Chipotle Build Your Own Meal option combines customization, convenience, and variety. With the launch of Build-Your-Own Chipotle in 2025, Chipotle has made group meals easier than ever—fresh, shareable, and tailored to everyone’s taste. Whether you’re building something plant-based, protein-rich, or just craving chips and salsa, you have all the tools to make a meal you’ll love. Use the nutrition features, choose your ingredients wisely, and enjoy the Chipotle meal experience built for you.
