Here’s why Chipotle’s guacamole is so expensive

Many people question and constantly wonder why Chipotle’s guacamole is so expensive. I now understand, I know why “guacamole is an extra charge.”

As a five-month employee at Chipotle, I have heard at least 1,000 customers ask, “Why is the guacamole an extra charge?” or “Why is the guacamole so expensive?” All I can feel is a teardrop roll down the side of my face because I hand-make the guacamole with love.

I show up to work on weekends at 8 a.m. I prepare my utensils and begin the lengthy guac-making process. Whoever is in charge of making the guacamole needs at least three hours from start to finish. Although the recipe is simple, the actual process of making the large batches of guacamole is what takes a large amount of time. Before the avocados are used, they must be destickered and blanched. Then they are cut, de-pitted, and the flesh is removed. The flesh is then ready to be salted and mixed with the vegetables.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job and you might just say to me, “Shut up and do your job.” Unfortunately, some people seem to think that guacamole makes itself, but no!–Chipotle is not playing around when it says its guacamole is handmade. It’s even surprising because it’s what people want. Consumers want fresh, consumers want organic and they want quality, but they don’t seem to want to pay.

So next time you want to add guacamole for an extra $2.05, think about the people who made the guacamole. They too have feelings, and they are hurt when people ask why it’s so expensive.

If you really want guacamole and you are on a budget, I suggest getting your bowl/burrito without any meat or sofritas. Get yourself the fajita vegetables instead and your guacamole will be free.