Chipotle Mexican GrillA new menu item is being introduced at the restaurant: meatless Chorizo.

Since 2014, when it introduced tofu-based sofritas, plant-based chorizo has been the first meatless option for the company.

For a short time, nationwide customers can now add this option starting Monday. Plant-based Chorizo can be made from pea protein, chipotle chilis, tomato paste and garlic. It also includes Spanish smokedpaprika and oil.

This option is vegan-friendly and has 16g of protein per portion. Chipotle tested plant-based chorizoDenver, Indianapolis and Indianapolis will be open in August.

Brian Niccol is the CEO, having previously been in charge of Yum Brands’ Taco Bell, the company has accelerated adding new menu items through a process called “stage-gate testing.” This chain is strategic in its new release strategy, offering limited-time choices to increase customer traffic and keep the menu from getting too bloated.

This burrito restaurant hasn’t been very successful with chorizo. In 2016, it offered the product, but decided to discontinue it. The reason was that chorizo accounted only for 3.3% of all protein sales at the time. The meat was relaunched in 2018 as a limited-time offering.

Chipotle claimed that the plant-based Chorizo received strong customer reviews during testing. This product is promoted to be an additional Whole30 meal option and vegan/vegetarian bowls that are targeted at certain consumers. Only the website and app are available for ordering lifestyle bowls.

Chipotle shares rose 26% to $49.4 Billion in 2021. A strong digital growth rate and limited-time menu items helped the stock rise despite losses in other restaurants due to pandemic.