When the leftover portions of your Chipotle bowl are far too much to just throw away, it’s common to store leftovers in the fridge for quick snack later on. Here is the ultimate guide to reheat Chipotle in the microwave, but is it safe to microwave a Chipotle bowl?
Chipotle bowls are loaded with rice, beans, protein, grilled veggies, and a scoop of guacamole, which makes a tasty, fulfilling and nutritious meal. It can be too much to finish in one sitting, especially those healthy bowls from Chipotle.
Chipotle bowls are made of compostable plant materials, which lessens the environmental impact, but that doesn’t mean the paper bowl is microwavable. Not all plant fibers and container constructions can be safely used in the microwave.
Without the aluminum lid, a Chipotle bowl might be safe to microwave. However, it is suggested to use a microwave-safe container to reheat the meal.
Always check the bottom of the Chipotle bowl for the label “microwave-safe.” If there is no tag, then the product has not been tested for safety.
How do you heat up a Chipotle Bowl?
In addition, follow the USDA temperature danger zone guidelines and store the leftovers in the fridge to keep the food fresh. Avoid any concerns about unsafe food handling.
There are many ways to heat up a Chipotle bowl, but when it’s crunching time, the microwave method is a quick and easy way to fulfill your empty belly with a delicious hot meal.
Start by removing all the lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. These ingredients heat up quickly and release excess moisture that can cause other items to become soggy.
Transfer the remaining ingredient in to a microwave-safe plate and cover with a lid. Reheat on medium power for about 1 minute.
Stir well to rotate the bottom and top layers so that everything heats up evenly. If necessary, increase with 15 second increments until the leftovers reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C in accordance with the USDA safe handling procedures.
Lastly, re-add the sour cream, guacamole, and sprinkle lettuce as toppings and enjoy.
Are Chipotle bowls safe?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Chipotle bowls are made with fibers that are compliant with rules and are safe to use.
Chipotle bowls are coated with wax or plastic lining that researcher’s found to contain levels of fluorine. The poly-flouroalkyl substances, PFAS compounds, are actually non-biodegradable and function to hold hot and greasy items inside a container.
PFAS exposure has been linked to a broad range of health problems, including cancer, hormone disruption, and development issues. PFAS are also found in fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags as well.
Can I put my chipotle bowl in the microwave?
Chipotle packaging is not labeled as safe for microwave use. Certain chemicals in the disposable bowl may leach into the food and cause chemical contamination.
Factors that affect reheating takeout containers in the microwave:
- Reheating time of container in the microwave.
- Consumption of the reheat food using the container.
- Amount of food to be reheated.
Even though these bowls are made using compostable materials, that doesn’t mean they are entirely safe for use in your microwave.
Simply putting Chipotle bowl in microwave is one of the easiest ways to reheat your tasty leftovers. Even though transferring the contents into a ceramic bowl or a microwave safe container can be less convenient, it could seriously improve your health and safety concerns.
Things to know before microwaving Chipotle bowl
Chipotle bowls are made out of compostable materials, but that doesn’t mean you can pop the disposable container in the microwave without any concerns.
To avoid cross contamination from the plastic and wax based lining, it’s recommended to transfer the leftover for from the chipotle bowl to a microwave safe dish.
If you are unable to use a microwave safe dish, here are important things you need to know before microwaving Chipotle bowl:
- Avoid leaving the Chipotle bowl out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Instead, place in the fridge and consume within 2 or 3 days.
- Always do your research on each container before microwaving it.
- Remove the lid when microwaving the container, especially the aluminum foil lid commonly used at Chipotle.
- To prevent food from splatters, cover the bowl with microwave-safe wax paper, paper towel or microwave cover.
- Remove any fresh vegetables or toppings such as sour cream or guacamole before heating up. Use as a topping after reheating food to the proper temperature.
Conclusion
Rice, beans, protein, fresh vegetables, and sauces, Chipotle bowls are a popular and healthy option that everyone enjoys.
The packaging is designed to hold hot food and keep food warm, in addition the disposable bowl is leak proof and grease-resistant. Serve fresh food only because the bowl might not be safe to use in the microwave due to the extreme heat generated.
If you have been using a Chipotle bowl in the microwave without any hesitations, then it’s fair to say that you can continue with caution. However, if you have any concern about the safety of your food, then it’s best to relocate your leftovers to a ceramic or glass dish to reheat leftover Chipotle in the microwave.
However, you should not assume that the bowl is microwavable. Always transfer the contents onto a plate that is microwave-safe to confidently heat up your Chipotle leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C.
