Chipotle bowls are NOT microwave safe, unless otherwise stated on the container. If your container has a little microwave sign below it, it is safe to microwave. However, that emblem does not appear on all Chipotle bowls.

See also: Can You Put Cardboard in the Microwave

What Are Chipotle Bowls Made Of?

Chipotle just began producing bowls made of decomposable plant-based fibers. However, the corporation has not always employed biodegradable materials, and there is significant debate over the dangers of its bowl packing.

The firm began its endeavor to use more recyclable materials in its packaging in 2015, when it had its first board meeting on the subject. Their packaging at the time was black plastic bowls, styrofoam, or wax-lined paper cups.

They went even farther in 2018, saying that all packaging will be made of molded fiber with PFA linings. However, it was shown in 2019 that PFAs are always compounds made up of polyfluoroalkyl substances.

While they do make the fiber bowl lining stronger and better able to withstand hot liquids and meals, they are exceedingly unsafe to eat and detrimental to the environment.

The business began switching to PFA-free bowls in 2020, but it is unclear if all branches have entirely moved to non-PFA packaging.

According to Consumer Reports, PFA is still present in select Chipotle fiber bowls and burrito wrappers as of 2022.

What Happens When You Microwave a Chipotle Bowl?

Because the plant fibers in Chipotle bowls cannot withstand high temperatures, the packaging may be less structurally strong after microwaving. Your bowl may break in the microwave or immediately after you remove it.

If the package includes a PFA-containing wax lining, it may contaminate your food and render it dangerous to consume.

How Can You Microwave Chipotle Bowls?

To microwave leftovers, first place your meal in a microwave-safe dish. To ensure that your dish is safe, look for the microwave emblem on the bottom.

Cold-served Chipotle items like as salads, sour cream, and guacamole should not be microwaved. If the dish contains cold items, separate them from the rest.

Set your microwave to medium-high and cook your meal for 15-20 seconds. When the timer goes off, pull it out, give it a good stir, and put it back in for another round.

Can You Put Chipotle Bowls in the Oven?

Do not put your bowl in the oven. Even though ovens heat slowly and do not reach as high temperatures as microwaves, there is still a possibility of contamination from the bowl.

If you want to reheat your Chipotle leftovers in the oven, place them in an oven-safe ceramic or glass dish. Preheat the oven to 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the salads, guacamole, and sour cream and set aside for approximately 15 minutes to allow your meal to heat.

How to Make Your Chipotle Bowl Microwave Safe?

If you want to microwave your takeaway without worrying about toxins, there is a simple solution: bring your own container to Chipotle!

Not only will you be able to reheat leftovers without having to change containers, but you will also avoid using single-use plastic, lowering your carbon impact.

Make sure your container is microwavable, and remove any fresh things from your dish before microwaving, such as sour cream and lettuce.

FAQ

Here’s a collection of frequently asked questions concerning Chipotle bowls and microwaveable containers.

Are Chipotle Bowls Biodegradable?

Chipotle has come under fire in recent years for making contradictory assertions regarding its packaging. According to the restaurant chain’s 2019 Sustainability report, they began employing 100% recycled material with natural fiber.

However, it has been discovered that their goods include substances that are not only non-biodegradable but also unsafe for human consumption.

On April 15, 2021, the firm issued a statement through Twitter saying that their packaging is biodegradable and that they intend to compost the majority of their food leftovers. According to their 2021 Sustainability report, all of their packaging, including napkins, bowls, and straws, is composed of 100% biodegradable natural fiber.

However, Consumer Reports 2022 claims that its packaging still includes a significant level of PFAs.

Why Are Chipotle Bowls so Popular?

Chipotle has a selection of Life Style bowls ranging from keto to vegan. These bowls are high in fat and protein, with some nutritious carbohydrates such as rice, beans, guacamole, and a selection of meats. They are simple to make and tasty. That is why they are so well-liked.

How Do I Know if My Containers Are Microwave Safe?

First, look for the little microwave emblem on the product’s package, which shows that it is microwave safe. Your dish has a similar symbol carved on the bottom or back. Sometimes the sign may include #5, indicating that it contains polypropylene, a polymer that makes your container heat resistant.

What Are Some Microwavable Dishes?

When it comes to microwavable foods, the market is flooded with possibilities. Ceramic and glassware are also alternatives, but there are also heat-resistant and non-toxic plastic options.

• Glassware: Microwave-safe Pyrex containers are available in a number of sizes.
• Greenandlife offers microwave-safe and unbreakable dinnerware manufactured from wheat straw and ecologically friendly bioplastic.
• DOWAN’s best-selling ceramic plates on Amazon are not only microwave safe, but also chip-free.
• Microwave-safe plates and bowls manufactured of Polypropylene are included in the apartment set. They are inexpensive and dishwasher safe.Plastic that is resistant to heat: My First Dorm by CreativeWares

In Summary

The fact that Chipotle bowls are biodegradable does not imply that they should be microwaved. Chipotle bowls should not be microwaved since its liner contains PFAs, chemicals that are not only terrible for the environment but may also contaminate your meal.

You may bring your own microwave-safe container to Chipotle to make your Chipotle bowls microwavable. Another option is to place your remaining dish in a microwave-safe container before storing it in the fridge.