The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Chipotle hits back at viral $3 burrito hack by removing taco ordering from online menu

The viral hack allows Chipotle customers to save nearly $4 on a burrito

Meredith Clark
New York
Thursday 08 September 2022 19:01 BST
Comments
Chipotle uses viral corn boy for new social media ad

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has hit back at a viral hack that allows customers to order a burrito for just around $3. Now, the chain restaurant has said they will be removing an item from the Chipotle app so that customers can no longer take advantage of the inexpensive hack.

The viral hack, which recently gained popularity on TikTok, lets customers order a single $3 taco from Chipotle plus free toppings on the side, such as rice, beans, veggies or salsa. Customers can then ask for an extra tortilla for 40 cents more, and assemble their own makeshift burrito.

A burrito at Chipotle is usually priced at almost $9, and extra for protein or guacamole fillings, according to the chain’s online menu. That is nearly a $4 difference in cost for customers who choose to use the hack.

The company alerted Chipotle managers that they will be deactivating ordering tacos on the app and from Chipotle’s website “until further notice,” according to an email obtained by Insider. However, customers can still order a single taco in-person at Chipotle restaurants.

Laurie Schalow, Chipotle’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, confirmed the company removed taco ordering from its site in a statement to The Independent.

“Guests are currently unable to order a single taco from our online ordering systems,” she said. “While we have long embraced customizations and even released our own hack menu, the current social media trend is resulting in a poor experience for our food, our employees and our customers waiting for orders.”

The $3 Chipotle burrito hack has been circulating on the internet since it was first shared by TikTok user Hannah Hutson. Her “two-pointer” and “three-pointer” order – a burrito that only consists of two or three items, with every ingredient except for protein and guacamole being one point – significantly lowers the standard cost of a regular burrito at Chipotle.

Although, the viral burrito hack has also sparked debate among some Chipotle employees and customers. Some social media users said the $3 hack is not worth the hassle, considering its portion is about one third of an actual burrito order. Other people who claimed to be Chipotle employees deemed the custom order as “annoying”.

“Don’t come in store and try this I will not give it to you,” one person commented.

“Did this last week they get so mad,” said someone else.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in