CHIPOTLE INTRODUCES CILANTRO LIME SAUCE

Chipotle Mexican Grill is introducing Cilantro Lime Sauce to its restaurants nationwide beginning Thursday for a limited time. It features cilantro, Mexican spices, sour cream, and roasted jalapeños, and taps into the growing demand for more sauce options on menus.

The sauce was tested throughout the past year in Los Angeles, generating two-to-three times the order rate of previously tested and launched sauces, according to the company. 

"A flavorful sauce made fresh daily in our restaurants can completely change the way guests experience our real food," interim chief marketing officer Stephanie Perdue said in a statement. "Cilantro Lime Sauce delivers a whole new level of freshness using real ingredients and complements every entrée and protein on our menu."

"In addition to limited time offers, we will roll out new sauces and build a strong pipeline of innovation in untapped sales layers, like sides and beverages. As new menu items make their way through the stage-gate process, we can pace and sequence these growth layers to provide a long path for transaction growth for years to come," he said.

According to Datassential, 60% of consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, say they look forward to a signature sauce, condiment or dressing when dining out. Chipotle has increased its sauce offerings in response to this demand. In September 2025, the chain introduced red chimichurri sauce for a limited time. In June 2025, Chipotle introduced Adobo Ranch, which was its first new dip in five years. 

The Cilantro Lime Sauce was created by culinary analyst Danny Boyzo, who started as a Chipotle crew member in 2019. She pursued formal culinary training while growing within the company and now works as a culinary coordinator at Chipotle's Newport Beach, Calif., Restaurant Support Center.

"There's something special about developing a menu item when you've spent years working behind the line," Boyzo said in a statement. "You understand how much intention goes into every ingredient and how small details in our kitchens shape the final result. Bringing that perspective into creating a sauce and seeing it served nationwide feels like a true full-circle moment."

"Team members who understand our kitchens firsthand bring invaluable perspective to product innovation and development. Danny's work is a powerful example of how investing in our people can enhance our menu pipeline,” senior vice president of culinary Nevielle Panthaky said in a statement.  To celebrate the launch, Chipotle Rewards members can receive a free side or topping of Cilantro Lime Sauce with the purchase of an entrée on March 19, by using the code "SOFRESH" on the brand’s app or website.

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

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