Chipotle announced the launch of a new sauce that customers can add to their bowls and burritos this week.
The Cilantro Lime Sauce offers a bright, herb‑forward flavor with balanced citrus and a subtle kick, the company said.
The creamy sauce, which blends hand‑chopped cilantro, lime, Mexican spices, sour cream and roasted jalapeños, on Thursday became available at Chipotle restaurants across the U.S. and Canada.
However, the menu addition will only be there for a limited time.
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According to the company, Cilantro Lime Sauce emerged as Chipotle’s top‑performing sauce during testing conducted over the past year, outperforming several evaluated by the brand.
The launch comes as sauces continue to play a growing role in how consumers customize meals. Data from Datassential’s 2025 Flavor & Condiment Report show that 60 percent of consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, say they look forward to a signature sauce, condiment or dressing when dining out.
The chain also likely hopes the sauce can boost foot traffic even as some Americans reel in spending due to inflationary pressures.
“Over the last year, fast food chains have attempted to revitalize sales by introducing new items in a bid to win back customers,” Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek.
“This latest Cilantro Lime Sauce addition to their menu is a way of targeting customers who may have stopped coming to their stores over inflationary pressures.”
The new sauce was developed internally by culinary analyst Danny Boyzo, who joined Chipotle’s restaurant operations in 2019 and gained firsthand experience working at one. While continuing to grow within the company, Boyzo pursued formal culinary training before transitioning into a role focused on menu development at Chipotle’s Restaurant Support Center in Newport Beach, California.
To mark the launch, Chipotle offered a one‑day promotion for rewards members. On Thursday, Chipotle Rewards members were able to get a free side or topping of Cilantro Lime Sauce with the purchase of an entrée by using the code “SOFRESH” through the Chipotle app or website.
Chipotle said the Cilantro Lime Sauce will be available for a limited time while supplies last.
Earlier this year, Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright garnered some backlash when he made comments during an earnings call: “We learned that 60 percent of our core users are over $100,000 a year in income.”
Boatwright said the company had “confidence that we can lean into that group in a more meaningful way,” causing some to feel the restaurant chain was only going to cater to wealthier consumers.
“What an absolute mess,” one Reddit user wrote regarding the news. “The CEO is caught on a recording saying that he doesn’t want the poors in his store and he’s going to raise the prices because he wants to market to the six-figure earners.”
Laurie Schalow, chief corporate affairs officer for Chipotle, previously told Newsweek that the company “sees an opportunity to lean into these customers with new occasions like group or solo dining experiences.”
“Since this consumer population is actively spending more at shops and restaurants today, Chipotle is giving them additional reasons to visit with new marketing and menu innovations as well as enhancing the digital experience for all guests,” Schalow added.
