How Long Does Chipotle Last in the Fridge? Resolved

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Chipotle is **the go-to place** for tasty tacos, burritos, salads, tortilla chips, wraps, and **lifestyle bowls** and burrito bowls.

Each serving is so generous that you will finish with leftovers for take-outs, but how long does it take for a leftover Chipotle bowl or other food to last, particularly in the fridge?

Read on to learn the fridge life of Chipotle leftovers and how they should be appropriately stored in the refrigerator.

How Long Will Chipotle Last in the Fridge?

Generally, storing Chipotle in the fridge can make your food last for three to four days, assuming these leftovers are correctly stored in a sealed container. If not, they can only last for a day or two.

Read:

• What Does Chipotle Do With Their Leftovers?
• What Kind Of Steak Does Chipotle Use?
• Chipotle Salsa Spice Levels

How Long Will It Take To Go Bad?

Your Chipotle meal has an average shelf life of two hours after it has been prepared and served. It is suggested to be eaten for no more than two hours at room temperature.

“My Spanish is limited to burrito and taco.”

— Janet Evanovich, Author

If you have Chipotle leftovers, don’t let them sit out for two hours. They must be stored correctly in a sealed container in the refrigerator so that you can continue eating them later. 

Read:

• Chipotle Lifestyle Bowl Vs. Burrito Bowl
• Which Pepper Is Used In Most Chipotle Menu Items?
• What Is The Least Spicy Meat At Chipotle?

How To Tell If Chipotle Has Gone Bad?

Molds

If your Chipotle bowl leftovers have white-to-grayish dust or fuzzy greeny notes, then molds have already contaminated the food and must be tossed immediately into the trash.

Off Odor

The foul odors or smells commonly signify food spoilage caused by bacteria and molds [1]. If it smells unbearable and off-putting, like rotten eggs, it’s best to toss it in the trash.

Taste & Texture

Degradation of taste and texture is another common sign of food spoilage. Once you notice your Chipotle leftovers are slimy or no longer recognizable, then it’s time to say goodbye. 

How to Properly Store It in the Fridge?

You need to put the fresh ingredients, like lettuce, guacamole, onions, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and vegetables, in a separate airtight container from the cooked foods, like rice, chicken, beef, and beans. 

It helps prevent cross-contamination in which the fresh ingredients recontaminate the cooked foods [2].

Is It Safe To Eat Chipotle Past Expiration Date?

No, eating an expired Chipotle bowl, burrito, or any food item will only lead to a foodborne illness, specifically food poisoning. 

Expiration dates are indicated for health safety measures and should not be carelessly disregarded.

Can You Freeze Chipotle to Last Longer?

You can store chipotle leftovers in the freezer and keep them frozen for a maximum of three to four months. 

However, the longer they are kept frozen, the more they decline in taste and texture, which is why it’s always best to eat frozen leftovers for no longer than four days.

FAQs 

Key Takeaways

Chipotle leftovers, whether it is burritos, tacos, salads, tortillas, or lifestyle or burrito bowls, generally last for three to four days, provided they’re properly stored in the fridge.

You must always store your Chipotle leftovers in an airtight container, with the fresh and cooked ingredients separated.

When reheating, only reheat the cooked ingredients, such as the cilantro lime rice, meat, and beans, and leave the fresh and cold ingredients, like lettuce, tomatoes, and more, as is.

If your Chipotle leftovers have molds, foul odors, or changes in color and texture, you must toss them in the trash. No amount of heat in the microwave or stove can restore them to their edible state.

References:

1. https://now.tufts.edu/2014/12/15/why-does-rotting-food-smell-bad
2. https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Documents/Health-for/Environmental-health/Food/PDF/Food-safety-toolkit/Factsheet/Separate-raw-and-cooked-food.pdf