Chipotle vs. Moe’s – and the coconut oil campaign


Have any of you have been following the discussion over on Primal Toad about Moe’s Southwest Grill winning out over Chipotle for most primal friendly fast food?

There’s been some lively discussion over whether or not Moe’s Southwest Grill (www.moes.com) IS better than Chipotle (www.chipotle.com) as it’s come to light that although Moe’s (currently) serves grass-fed beef (YAY!) it is somehow mixed with soy and whey during processing. (EWW!)  There is a lot of pressure going on right now for EITHER chain to switch from rancid, GMO-laden veggie oils (like soy, canola, cottonseed, etc) to the extremely healthy coconut oil.

I must say, my preference is Chipotle. I’ve eaten at both places and Chipotle for me is the clear winner. Why? I’ll answer that below.

First, was I willing to consider Moe’s as the winner over Chipotle as best primal fast food? YES!  Especially after Primal Toad’s post!  In fact, because of that post, I was preparing to go to Moe’s for lunch, that is, until I checked out the allergy info on their website (I suggest you ALWAYS check allergy info on any restaurant you can, even if you don’t have an allergy- it will provide you with a lot more info than the nutrition list. Also, any ingredient lists are a MUST check!) and saw that there was soy and milk in the grass-fed beef.  I thought maybe this was a marinade issue, so I called my local Moe’s to find out if I could get the grass-fed beef without soy/milk. I was told that it was soy protein and whey IN the meat- added DURING PROCESSING. What the heck?? For the life of me, I can not figure out WHY you would take lovely, healthy grass-fed meat and do THAT to it.

Though all the meat at Chipotle is hormone and antibiotic free, (like that at Moe’s) it is not necessarily from grass-fed/pastured animals. We’ll get into this a little more in a minute, but for now, I’d still have to declare Chipotle the winner here, because of this whole soy-and-milk-in-the-meat debaucle over at Moe’s.

Like Chipotle, Moe’s doesn’t ADD MSG – which is fantastic! MSG is a potent neurotoxin and has no business being in our food supply. However, at Moe’s, in the chicken, steak, rice, black beans, enchilada soup and chili, there is, according to their allergy chart “HYDROLYZED PLANT PROTEINS AND/OR AUTOLYZED YEAST EXTRACT”  which are sources of free (unbound) glutamate. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein contains very high levels of two excitotoxins (chemicals known to cause brain and nervous system damage) – aspartate and glutamate. These toxins are known to even cross the placental barrier and affect a fetus’ brain. So although MSG isn’t ADDED to the food, a fact that Moe’s practically shouts from the rooftops on their site, there is, nonetheless, MSG in those food items- again- the chicken, steak, rice, black beans, enchilada soup and chili.

From a Chipotle representative:
We do not use MSG or any MSG-related ingredients in our food or seasonings. We also do not use ingredients such as natural flavors/flavorings, autolyzed yeast extracts, and hydrolyzed proteins – or other things that are highly processed specifically to create free glutamates to enhance flavor.

So winner- Chipotle on the MSG issue, for sure. And shame on Moe’s for the greenwashing (healthwashing!)

Like, Chipotle, Moe’s also doesn’t use microwaves, which you know I am happy about. Both places supposedly cook quite a bit from scratch, though given the MSG issue at Moe’s, I’m assuming at least some of that food comes in cooked, prepared or otherwise processed. I’m happy to call this one a draw, though I’d like to credit Chipotle a little bit more with using more fresh ingredients and unprocessed foods…

Both places use soybean oil, which is completely disgusting. They both almost lose my business on that point. Why? Well, because first of all it’s a processed vegetable oil, like corn, cottonseed and canola. While I am not opposed to vegetables (obviously) I am opposed to these types of vegetable oil. Why?? Because processed vegetable oils are not a traditional food. They are not even SUPPOSED to be eaten. They are highly processed and refined, during which tons of damaging free radicals are created, as the oil is oxidized, or rancid (similar to rusting) and trans fats are sometimes created.  Read more about that here. In addition to that issue, soy has some other issues that make it undesirable.

So, given the soybean oil issue, why would I still eat at Chipotle? Because there is ONE ITEM, the pork carnitas, that does NOT contain soybean oil at Chipotle. At Moe’s, all the meats contain soy (either soybean oil OR soy protein isolate- which arguably could be worse) except for the fish- but the fish contains Yellow #5. (As does the veggies (?), tomatillo salsa, tofu and southwest vinaigrette) Um, gross.

Are there other deciding factors to my picking Chipotle as the clear winner here? Yes. One is atmosphere. Chipotle typically has a nicer atmosphere, with generally good music and simple, clean, pleasing decor. Moe’s has a decidedly unique atmosphere (brighter for one) and everyone yells “Welcome to Moe’s” at you when you walk in the door. At first, you might think this is fun, but if you eat in the restaurant, after hearing it about 20 times, it’s no longer fun. I promise.

Also, there is the matter of the dish the food is served in. I only order bowls, as I’m gluten free, and the bowls at Chipotle are not plastic. I try to avoid plastic, especially with hot items, for reasons I outlined in this article. The bowl at Moe’s is plastic, though I can’t say which number it is (I have only eaten there twice in my life).

Additionally, as I mentioned, I am gluten-free. At Chipotle I certainly have more gluten-free options, as the chips and corn tortillas are gluten free. At Moe’s? According to the allergy chart, there is wheat/gluten in the corn chips and corn taco shells. Whether this is from manufacturing or from fryer contamination is not clear. Now, do I recommend eating any of these items at either place, regardless of their gluten status? NO.  Carbs aside, the chips and taco shells are fried in soybean oil (ugh!) and the corn tortillas at Chipotle unfortunately contain preservatives. Also, I don’t believe either place states that their corn is organic or guaranteed GMO-Free. The majority of corn in the US is genetically modified, so it stands to reason that if it doesn’t say it’s non-GMO, then it probably is.

So what do I order? At Chipotle, I get a bowl with shredded lettuce, pork carnitas (the only soy free option), fresh tomato salsa and guacamole. I either take my own raw milk cheddar cheese or skip the dairy altogether. This option is the very best fast food option I’ve found and though I know I’m compromising some on the quality of the meat (it’s NOT organic, and NOT pastured- and the pigs, though hormone and antibiotic free, and eating a cleaner diet than their feedlot counterparts, don’t eat organic feed, so you know it has some GMOs) it’s a once in a while meal while we are on the go.

I mentioned above that there is a huge call for either chain to switch to coconut oil. Coconut oil is a healthy addition to the diet, with benefits touted for everything from weight control to heart disease prevention, from antimicrobial/antiviral properties to improved digestion and fatty acid status. Provided that the switch is to a clean, pure coconut oil and NOT a hydrogenated or processed variety, this would be an extremely beneficial move for either restaurant.

Would it influence my decision to eat at Chipotle? You bet! And I’d be telling all my clients to go there too (when eating out). Please contact Chipotle via their website and request the switch! Let them know that you’d eat there more often and that you know others who would too!

What about Moe’s? While it helps (a lot) that the fat would be much better, I can’t recommend in good conscience eating anything with MSG (or it’s hidden sources), Yellow #5 or unfermented soy. Get that junk out of the food, and then I might reconsider my choice. Clean food, grassfed meats and healthy fats? Yeah…I’d tolerate the “Welcome to Moe’s” yelling a lot more readily then.

  • Thanks for this! I haven’t been to either yet, to be honest, I don’t even know if there’s a Moe’s in my area, but there is a Chipotle. We’ll definitely demand coconut oil!

  • Thanks for this! I haven’t been to either yet, to be honest, I don’t even know if there’s a Moe’s in my area, but there is a Chipotle. We’ll definitely demand coconut oil!

  • Love your analysis on these restaurants! I agree wholeheartedly on all of it (except we don’t eat pork). I did start an online petition to ask Chipotle to get rid of soybean oil: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/44404.html.

    Recently, their representative replied saying basically what you said above–that they are looking into using coconut oil and did successfully use it at a few of their locations in a test run. If we keep going with articles and efforts like this, we might be able to have a place where we can go to take the night off more often!

    • Hi Sara! Thanks so much for your comment. I signed the petition- awesome 🙂 The folks at Chipotle have been very nice to work with and very responsive. I think they just need to see that consumers want coconut oil and that it makes sense financially. I know I’d be willing to pay a few extra cents to have healthy food!

  • Love your analysis on these restaurants! I agree wholeheartedly on all of it (except we don’t eat pork). I did start an online petition to ask Chipotle to get rid of soybean oil: http://www.gopetition.com/petition/44404.html.

    Recently, their representative replied saying basically what you said above–that they are looking into using coconut oil and did successfully use it at a few of their locations in a test run. If we keep going with articles and efforts like this, we might be able to have a place where we can go to take the night off more often!

    • Hi Sara! Thanks so much for your comment. I signed the petition- awesome 🙂 The folks at Chipotle have been very nice to work with and very responsive. I think they just need to see that consumers want coconut oil and that it makes sense financially. I know I’d be willing to pay a few extra cents to have healthy food!

  • Thanks for the great info. I didn’t know the pork was the only choice without soy but I am so glad because I always get the pork at Chipotle. I requested Chipotle use coconut oil and also signed the petition. Thanks again.

    • Hey Julia, Welcome! Thanks for your comment. Yes, I thought I’d have to stop eating at Chipotle before I found out that at least there was one option that was soy free. Thanks for spreading the word! 🙂

  • Thanks for the great info. I didn’t know the pork was the only choice without soy but I am so glad because I always get the pork at Chipotle. I requested Chipotle use coconut oil and also signed the petition. Thanks again.

    • Hey Julia, Welcome! Thanks for your comment. Yes, I thought I’d have to stop eating at Chipotle before I found out that at least there was one option that was soy free. Thanks for spreading the word! 🙂

    • Hey Elizabeth! Absolutely – fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing this with us and for taking the time to send a message. 🙂

    • Hey Elizabeth! Absolutely – fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing this with us and for taking the time to send a message. 🙂

  • {EDITED FOR PROFANITY USE}

    Interesting comparison / read nonetheless, but you take this shit way too seriously. Did you really do all that work just to find out you can’t eat 99% of the items at either restaurant? You make a valid point of all the costs, but take a second to realize the cost / benefit analysis of it all… For you to avoid Moe’s just because there’s soy & milk in the process is absurd. Unfortunately you’re GF so my point about what you’re missing at Chipotle is invalid, but I don’t care if the chicken burrito I just ate was terrible for me, after eating hundreds I’m still alive and kickin and won’t think twice about what’s in it any time soon.

    (And for the record, I work for neither company, nor am I fat or unhealthy. Also, Chipotle > Moe’s)

    • Hi David, Thanks for your comment. First of all, we are all entitled to our opinion and if you don’t care what’s in your food, that is your right. I do care, however. I don’t think I take it too seriously because I’ve been extremely ill before and changing the way I eat has saved my life- literally.

      I do avoid Moe’s bc there is soy and milk in the grassfed meat. I don’t think it’s absurd at all. Actually I think it’s absurd that there in soy and milk in the meat. Why does it have to be processed at all? Why can’t it just be meat?

      I’m glad you are not currently suffering ill effects from your dietary choices. I pray that you never do. It’s not fun to be chronically ill and I absolutely wish that I could just walk into any restaurant, order whatever I want and not worry about GMOs, hydrogenated oils, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, additives, artificial flavors, colors, MSG (in all its forms), etc.

      However, that is FAR from the case. Currently the food system is in crisis and our world is beyond toxic. So I do have to worry about those things for my health, my family’s health and our future generations health. So we’ll just have to agree to have different priorities for now. 🙂

  • {EDITED FOR PROFANITY USE}

    Interesting comparison / read nonetheless, but you take this shit way too seriously. Did you really do all that work just to find out you can’t eat 99% of the items at either restaurant? You make a valid point of all the costs, but take a second to realize the cost / benefit analysis of it all… For you to avoid Moe’s just because there’s soy & milk in the process is absurd. Unfortunately you’re GF so my point about what you’re missing at Chipotle is invalid, but I don’t care if the chicken burrito I just ate was terrible for me, after eating hundreds I’m still alive and kickin and won’t think twice about what’s in it any time soon.

    (And for the record, I work for neither company, nor am I fat or unhealthy. Also, Chipotle > Moe’s)

    • Hi David, Thanks for your comment. First of all, we are all entitled to our opinion and if you don’t care what’s in your food, that is your right. I do care, however. I don’t think I take it too seriously because I’ve been extremely ill before and changing the way I eat has saved my life- literally.

      I do avoid Moe’s bc there is soy and milk in the grassfed meat. I don’t think it’s absurd at all. Actually I think it’s absurd that there in soy and milk in the meat. Why does it have to be processed at all? Why can’t it just be meat?

      I’m glad you are not currently suffering ill effects from your dietary choices. I pray that you never do. It’s not fun to be chronically ill and I absolutely wish that I could just walk into any restaurant, order whatever I want and not worry about GMOs, hydrogenated oils, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, additives, artificial flavors, colors, MSG (in all its forms), etc.

      However, that is FAR from the case. Currently the food system is in crisis and our world is beyond toxic. So I do have to worry about those things for my health, my family’s health and our future generations health. So we’ll just have to agree to have different priorities for now. 🙂

  • Chipotle’s chips and tortillas MAY be gluten free, but I was extremely disappointed when they showed me the labels :/ Hydrogenated oils and other junk! Here’s hoping for change, soon!

    Blessings…

    • Hi Ann! Exactly. That’s why I don’t condone eating them at all right now (for sure, right now with the soybean oil-ick!) I didn’t know that there were hydrogenated oils, but I guess I’m not shocked… Thank you for sharing, Ann! Hoping for change as well, though I can’t say I’ll be indulging in tacos and burritos despite them hopefully being cleaner 🙂 But having different meat selections would be nice, as would being able to get the sauteed veggies and maybe some black beans on occasion. 🙂

  • Chipotle’s chips and tortillas MAY be gluten free, but I was extremely disappointed when they showed me the labels :/ Hydrogenated oils and other junk! Here’s hoping for change, soon!

    Blessings…

    • Hi Ann! Exactly. That’s why I don’t condone eating them at all right now (for sure, right now with the soybean oil-ick!) I didn’t know that there were hydrogenated oils, but I guess I’m not shocked… Thank you for sharing, Ann! Hoping for change as well, though I can’t say I’ll be indulging in tacos and burritos despite them hopefully being cleaner 🙂 But having different meat selections would be nice, as would being able to get the sauteed veggies and maybe some black beans on occasion. 🙂

  • We’ve got neither restaurant here but we do have Panchero’s and Qdoba. Maybe if one of the two you mentioned will go coconut oil, maybe others will follow (?).

    • Hey Cathy! I hope so! Don’t know anything about Panchero’s, but did check out Qdoba based on someone else’s comment (on facebook) today. They don’t say anything about their meat being hormone/antibiotic free and they do have soy in everything, and milk in everything except the pork. So, it’s either added during processing or marinating…. these restaurants drive me crazy! At least at Chipotle I know there is ONE thing that I can get and recommend to clients that is “better than”. My main advice is eat at home! lol 🙂

  • We’ve got neither restaurant here but we do have Panchero’s and Qdoba. Maybe if one of the two you mentioned will go coconut oil, maybe others will follow (?).

    • Hey Cathy! I hope so! Don’t know anything about Panchero’s, but did check out Qdoba based on someone else’s comment (on facebook) today. They don’t say anything about their meat being hormone/antibiotic free and they do have soy in everything, and milk in everything except the pork. So, it’s either added during processing or marinating…. these restaurants drive me crazy! At least at Chipotle I know there is ONE thing that I can get and recommend to clients that is “better than”. My main advice is eat at home! lol 🙂

  • Oh no, we are going to eat at Moe’s tomorrow! 🙂 We hardly ever eat out so when we do we try to find the healthiest options around us, and I am just not sure if there are any that compare to how we eat at home. I think all restaurants cut corners in one way or another. So it’s a rare treat for us. But thanks for this b/c I didn’t know that the folks at Moe’s are somewhat health conscious, and perhaps open to customer feedback. Wish we had a chipotle nearby!

    Nickole @ http://www.savvyteasandherbs.com

    • Hi Nickole! I always suggest checking out the allergy charts, so if you take a look at that it may help you find the best option for Moe’s tomorrow. I know what you mean about eating out, it’s definitely difficult and we don’t do it very often either. We have found a few farm-to-table restaurants that serve very high quality food and use only olive oil or butter, with everything made from scratch. However, for a fast meal, and one a bit less expensive, it’s hard to come by! 🙂

  • Oh no, we are going to eat at Moe’s tomorrow! 🙂 We hardly ever eat out so when we do we try to find the healthiest options around us, and I am just not sure if there are any that compare to how we eat at home. I think all restaurants cut corners in one way or another. So it’s a rare treat for us. But thanks for this b/c I didn’t know that the folks at Moe’s are somewhat health conscious, and perhaps open to customer feedback. Wish we had a chipotle nearby!

    Nickole @ http://www.savvyteasandherbs.com

    • Hi Nickole! I always suggest checking out the allergy charts, so if you take a look at that it may help you find the best option for Moe’s tomorrow. I know what you mean about eating out, it’s definitely difficult and we don’t do it very often either. We have found a few farm-to-table restaurants that serve very high quality food and use only olive oil or butter, with everything made from scratch. However, for a fast meal, and one a bit less expensive, it’s hard to come by! 🙂

  • Hi Amy,
    Great article! I have honestly never tried Moe’s before and I had never heard of it until I read Primal Toad’s post. Chipotle has always been my first choice the very few times a year we are eating out at a fast food place. As you reveal, it is not perfect but better than most for the occasional eating out. Thanks for spending the time researching this.

  • Hi Amy,
    Great article! I have honestly never tried Moe’s before and I had never heard of it until I read Primal Toad’s post. Chipotle has always been my first choice the very few times a year we are eating out at a fast food place. As you reveal, it is not perfect but better than most for the occasional eating out. Thanks for spending the time researching this.

  • Interesting to know that two fast food chains are trying to make an effort. I’m not planning to eat at either (we don’t have a Moe’s that I know about, and my Mexican co-worker decries just about all of what passes for Mexican food in this country — taste and quality to begin with, chain or not) — but if I get desperate for a quick fix I’ll at least know that Chipotle is somewhat acceptable. (Personally, I don’t have to worry about the gluten, although I am lowering it in my diet.)

    • Hey Diann! Well, I’d have to agree with your co-worker on some level (it’s true!) but I still loves me some Mexican food 🙂 lol Being a Texas girl, I grew up on tex-mex, and though most of that was dripping in queso or chili con carne, we had our share of excellent little taco stands and folks who did it right. I love mole sauce and some more of the traditional style dishes, street food inspired stuff like creative tacos (done right) and guacamole has to be one of my very favorite snacks. That said, it is encouraging to see chains at least trying, even if they are missing the mark on a few levels. I have hope that they’ll get there someday 🙂

  • Interesting to know that two fast food chains are trying to make an effort. I’m not planning to eat at either (we don’t have a Moe’s that I know about, and my Mexican co-worker decries just about all of what passes for Mexican food in this country — taste and quality to begin with, chain or not) — but if I get desperate for a quick fix I’ll at least know that Chipotle is somewhat acceptable. (Personally, I don’t have to worry about the gluten, although I am lowering it in my diet.)

    • Hey Diann! Well, I’d have to agree with your co-worker on some level (it’s true!) but I still loves me some Mexican food 🙂 lol Being a Texas girl, I grew up on tex-mex, and though most of that was dripping in queso or chili con carne, we had our share of excellent little taco stands and folks who did it right. I love mole sauce and some more of the traditional style dishes, street food inspired stuff like creative tacos (done right) and guacamole has to be one of my very favorite snacks. That said, it is encouraging to see chains at least trying, even if they are missing the mark on a few levels. I have hope that they’ll get there someday 🙂

  • Great information about Chipotles and soy! My son is allergic to soy (and gluten) so it is nice to hear one dish he can have there! I did have a negative experience with Chipotle. On their facebook page I made the following statement / question:
    “How about driving the “food with integrity” commitment a few steps further. Love what you’re doing with the meat and dairy, but am disappointed about the GMO soy oil in (almost) everything and the GMO corn chips and shells.”
    They responded by deleting the post and blocking me from posting anything. It makes me wonder if they have even the slightest interest in making any change. …. just thought I’d share!

    • Hi Sahnya! Thanks for sharing this- that is really rude. The whole point of social media is to FOSTER COMMUNICATION and feedback from your customers. It’s a shame they missed out on that opportunity to create a relationship with you, and by extension, others. Instead, they have a dissatisfied customer who is spreading the word about their callous disregard. Again, thanks for sharing this! 🙂

  • Great information about Chipotles and soy! My son is allergic to soy (and gluten) so it is nice to hear one dish he can have there! I did have a negative experience with Chipotle. On their facebook page I made the following statement / question:
    “How about driving the “food with integrity” commitment a few steps further. Love what you’re doing with the meat and dairy, but am disappointed about the GMO soy oil in (almost) everything and the GMO corn chips and shells.”
    They responded by deleting the post and blocking me from posting anything. It makes me wonder if they have even the slightest interest in making any change. …. just thought I’d share!

    • Hi Sahnya! Thanks for sharing this- that is really rude. The whole point of social media is to FOSTER COMMUNICATION and feedback from your customers. It’s a shame they missed out on that opportunity to create a relationship with you, and by extension, others. Instead, they have a dissatisfied customer who is spreading the word about their callous disregard. Again, thanks for sharing this! 🙂

  • It’s really disappointing to hear this because I love Moe’s but too am suffering from chronic health issues from the way I used to eat. I am also 5 weeks pregnant and hearing about the msgs well…it makes me very sad.

    On the other hand, I have had a bad experience with every Chipotle I’ve ever been to (I think their food is gross…and the last time we went there we felt sick to our stomach…emailed Chipotle about it and they gave us a BS PR response that basically said they would never give us back our money), plus they have a lot less options than Moe’s. They didn’t even have a whole wheat burrito tortilla!

    I like Moe’s because it feels pretty healthy but now I have to consider what I might be putting in my body when I go there. We do cook at home a lot but…it’s difficult to cook some things and what takes them 5 minutes to do would take us lots of money and an hour or so to do. It’s a shame there just isn’t healthy fast food because it’s unreasonable and expensive to eat right at home a lot of the time.

    • I also feel you’re a bit understandably obsessive and it’s a heavy price to pay to ensure that your body only gets the best in a world full of chemicals and processed foods. I feel that eating at home is about all you can do but it’s definitely difficult when your family leads a busy lifestyle and would rather spend time on other things.

  • It’s really disappointing to hear this because I love Moe’s but too am suffering from chronic health issues from the way I used to eat. I am also 5 weeks pregnant and hearing about the msgs well…it makes me very sad.

    On the other hand, I have had a bad experience with every Chipotle I’ve ever been to (I think their food is gross…and the last time we went there we felt sick to our stomach…emailed Chipotle about it and they gave us a BS PR response that basically said they would never give us back our money), plus they have a lot less options than Moe’s. They didn’t even have a whole wheat burrito tortilla!

    I like Moe’s because it feels pretty healthy but now I have to consider what I might be putting in my body when I go there. We do cook at home a lot but…it’s difficult to cook some things and what takes them 5 minutes to do would take us lots of money and an hour or so to do. It’s a shame there just isn’t healthy fast food because it’s unreasonable and expensive to eat right at home a lot of the time.

    • I also feel you’re a bit understandably obsessive and it’s a heavy price to pay to ensure that your body only gets the best in a world full of chemicals and processed foods. I feel that eating at home is about all you can do but it’s definitely difficult when your family leads a busy lifestyle and would rather spend time on other things.

  • Thank you for all this critical and well-provided info! I’ve been through hell dealing with excitotoxins and many food additives, and am always learning more and recently am making my diet way healthier (going gluten free, avoiding oxalates, and more) and am finally getting better… and hoping I don’t get any symptoms of permanent damage from years of MSG etc.

    A million thanks for the info on soy, free glutamine/ate etc getting into grass-fed beef etc!

    I write to suggest that while you’re keeping your diet clean that you strongly consider dropping pork. There are reasons why some world cultures won’t eat it. It has a fat which clogs critical brain arteries or something major. it is highly unhealthy and apparently destructive all around, for many parts of the human system. I quit it long ago (I know, the pig has tasty flavor) and it’s been so long ago I don’t recall the info. I’m sure you can locate info online about this.

    (Also I find it a bit difficult to get through so much emphatic capitals and commentary… it’s not too bad, but seems less professional, jus saying 😉

    Thanks for all your hard, detailed, essential work! I will share your info with lots of people… who knows what fate you may save someone from. Very well done! If I had the cash I’d send you donations. I’ll keep you posted on that as I get healthier to work more… feel free to email me if you are ever fund raising for your work!

    • Hi Linda, Thank you for your comments. Pastured pork can be consumed healthfully if properly prepared. Traditional curing, as in bacon or sausage making (artisanal, not commercial) negates the blood effects you are referring to. Fresh pork (like chops, roast, etc) can be marinated in apple cider vinegar overnight (or 24 hours) and the blood effects will be mitigated. Simply cooking pork is not enough to avoid the blood cell clumping, it must be marinated or cured. Hope that helps!

  • Thank you for all this critical and well-provided info! I’ve been through hell dealing with excitotoxins and many food additives, and am always learning more and recently am making my diet way healthier (going gluten free, avoiding oxalates, and more) and am finally getting better… and hoping I don’t get any symptoms of permanent damage from years of MSG etc.

    A million thanks for the info on soy, free glutamine/ate etc getting into grass-fed beef etc!

    I write to suggest that while you’re keeping your diet clean that you strongly consider dropping pork. There are reasons why some world cultures won’t eat it. It has a fat which clogs critical brain arteries or something major. it is highly unhealthy and apparently destructive all around, for many parts of the human system. I quit it long ago (I know, the pig has tasty flavor) and it’s been so long ago I don’t recall the info. I’m sure you can locate info online about this.

    (Also I find it a bit difficult to get through so much emphatic capitals and commentary… it’s not too bad, but seems less professional, jus saying 😉

    Thanks for all your hard, detailed, essential work! I will share your info with lots of people… who knows what fate you may save someone from. Very well done! If I had the cash I’d send you donations. I’ll keep you posted on that as I get healthier to work more… feel free to email me if you are ever fund raising for your work!

    • Hi Linda, Thank you for your comments. Pastured pork can be consumed healthfully if properly prepared. Traditional curing, as in bacon or sausage making (artisanal, not commercial) negates the blood effects you are referring to. Fresh pork (like chops, roast, etc) can be marinated in apple cider vinegar overnight (or 24 hours) and the blood effects will be mitigated. Simply cooking pork is not enough to avoid the blood cell clumping, it must be marinated or cured. Hope that helps!

  • Oh, I also wanna say that, no offense to anyone, but it’s easy to assume someone is being too detailed/obsessive/careful/neurotic etc about this stuff, but if you get excruciating migraines, vomiting, hellish pain, and other nightmares from this stuff, and esp if one is sensitive to the toxins so that a tiny bit of it causes a reaction, you’d be detailed about it too, and neuroses then becomes a means for surviving without wanting to blow your own brains out. I/m not usually so graphic, but this stuff can’t be emphasized enough imo. I just read an old but imo relevant article last night about that chef in NYC or wherever (Tavern On The Green, easy to look up online) who admitted to giving customers gluten pasta when they ordered gluten free (his tone and attitude sounded much like Mr. Swindell’s here fwiw). It is no small matter giving people toxins or acting like they are too obsessive (though I know customers can also be picky in inappropriate ways, and if they are they should maybe just eat at home)… if you’ve suffered you know. The world becomes a scary, exhausting, discouraging and constant obstacle course. I salute those who’ve made it through to tell the tales and help others!

    So, on to happier topics! I live in Asheville, NC, which is loaded with great places to eat which are hip to much of this info. So if anyone ever heads this way, email me and we’ll set up a safe and fun night out with no chain restaurants! Ole!

  • Oh, I also wanna say that, no offense to anyone, but it’s easy to assume someone is being too detailed/obsessive/careful/neurotic etc about this stuff, but if you get excruciating migraines, vomiting, hellish pain, and other nightmares from this stuff, and esp if one is sensitive to the toxins so that a tiny bit of it causes a reaction, you’d be detailed about it too, and neuroses then becomes a means for surviving without wanting to blow your own brains out. I/m not usually so graphic, but this stuff can’t be emphasized enough imo. I just read an old but imo relevant article last night about that chef in NYC or wherever (Tavern On The Green, easy to look up online) who admitted to giving customers gluten pasta when they ordered gluten free (his tone and attitude sounded much like Mr. Swindell’s here fwiw). It is no small matter giving people toxins or acting like they are too obsessive (though I know customers can also be picky in inappropriate ways, and if they are they should maybe just eat at home)… if you’ve suffered you know. The world becomes a scary, exhausting, discouraging and constant obstacle course. I salute those who’ve made it through to tell the tales and help others!

    So, on to happier topics! I live in Asheville, NC, which is loaded with great places to eat which are hip to much of this info. So if anyone ever heads this way, email me and we’ll set up a safe and fun night out with no chain restaurants! Ole!

  • One more: AJ, my heart goes out to you. I promise with all that is within me, it is not hard ot expensive to eat right at home all the time. Honest. It’s just hard to make changes toward things we’re not used to, and you clearly have your hands, plate and brain full with your life right now. I advise my clients to take changes slowly and to check out websites. I like Chef Shane from Tennessee and Kelly the Kitchen Kop too. There’s plenty of info out there, and much of it is from Moms. Trust me, you can do this! It is actually cheaper! If it is allowed, I’d like to include my email here if anyone wants info on how to help yourself (I don’t have a website or anything, just had a blog last year but it’s defunct): linda.redmond.411(at)gmail(dot)com If that’s not okay, I have no hard feelings if you edit out any part of my words, Amy. Love and blessings to you and all here!

  • One more: AJ, my heart goes out to you. I promise with all that is within me, it is not hard ot expensive to eat right at home all the time. Honest. It’s just hard to make changes toward things we’re not used to, and you clearly have your hands, plate and brain full with your life right now. I advise my clients to take changes slowly and to check out websites. I like Chef Shane from Tennessee and Kelly the Kitchen Kop too. There’s plenty of info out there, and much of it is from Moms. Trust me, you can do this! It is actually cheaper! If it is allowed, I’d like to include my email here if anyone wants info on how to help yourself (I don’t have a website or anything, just had a blog last year but it’s defunct): linda.redmond.411(at)gmail(dot)com If that’s not okay, I have no hard feelings if you edit out any part of my words, Amy. Love and blessings to you and all here!

  • Oh, and one more: I eat virgin organic coconut oil ever day! it is a divine and healing food, incredible! Also use it on my skin (I am 51 in January, and people think I’m in my 20s or early 30s). I have all kind of tips after all these years. Don’t be afraid to change and try new things! It is so worth it.

  • Oh, and one more: I eat virgin organic coconut oil ever day! it is a divine and healing food, incredible! Also use it on my skin (I am 51 in January, and people think I’m in my 20s or early 30s). I have all kind of tips after all these years. Don’t be afraid to change and try new things! It is so worth it.

  • I’ll take the grass fed beef over the carnitas at Chipotle for one reason: pork is fed a diet that is mostly soybeans. The soy proteins get into ther muscle and then into me. Soy oil is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

  • I’ll take the grass fed beef over the carnitas at Chipotle for one reason: pork is fed a diet that is mostly soybeans. The soy proteins get into ther muscle and then into me. Soy oil is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

  • Thank you for such an informative article. After I finished reading it, I went to Chipotle’s website and looked at their “Special Diet Information” and was surprised to see that they use soybean oil in their beans and rice. I do hope they switch to coconut oil, but another issue that needs to be addressed is how they cook their chicken. I wonder if I’m the only one who notices the charred pieces of chicken they serve to patrons, which we all know is full of carcinogenic hydrocarbons. Oh well… For now ill be finding recipes to mimic my “used to be favorite” fast food restaurant.

  • Thank you for such an informative article. After I finished reading it, I went to Chipotle’s website and looked at their “Special Diet Information” and was surprised to see that they use soybean oil in their beans and rice. I do hope they switch to coconut oil, but another issue that needs to be addressed is how they cook their chicken. I wonder if I’m the only one who notices the charred pieces of chicken they serve to patrons, which we all know is full of carcinogenic hydrocarbons. Oh well… For now ill be finding recipes to mimic my “used to be favorite” fast food restaurant.

    • Hi Scott! They do not list “MSG” specifically since they claim to not use the direct form. The allergy chart has been modified since my original post (My post was 5/12, they modified 7/25/12) and no longer lists hydrolyzed/autolyzed proteins (Which is a source of MSG). In fact, I can no longer find ingredient information for their sauces, wraps, etc anywhere on the site. I suspect that’s because they are hiding the real truth- which is that while they claim to use “healthy” ingredients, they are actually using ingredients only nominally better than the average restaurant, and that’s being generous. Their foods DO include dangerous ingredients like the hydrolyzed proteins, GMOs, soybean oil, etc. Case in point- their 100% grassfed beef actually contains milk AND soy which I was told by an employee is not in a marinade (as I’d suspected) but is added into the meat during processing. WTF? They shout from the mountaintops that their chicken has no hormones. Well, newsflash, hormones aren’t allowed in poultry- but what about antibiotics? Aye, there’s the rub. It’s greenwashing, plain and simple. I wouldn’t eat at Moe’s and I don’t trust a word they say. Here is the allergy chart, but I’m sure you found it online http://bm-moes.s3.amazonaws.com/pdf/Moes_2012_Allergen_Chart.pdf Again, it is revised to eliminate the most damning information.

    • Hi Scott! They do not list “MSG” specifically since they claim to not use the direct form. The allergy chart has been modified since my original post (My post was 5/12, they modified 7/25/12) and no longer lists hydrolyzed/autolyzed proteins (Which is a source of MSG). In fact, I can no longer find ingredient information for their sauces, wraps, etc anywhere on the site. I suspect that’s because they are hiding the real truth- which is that while they claim to use “healthy” ingredients, they are actually using ingredients only nominally better than the average restaurant, and that’s being generous. Their foods DO include dangerous ingredients like the hydrolyzed proteins, GMOs, soybean oil, etc. Case in point- their 100% grassfed beef actually contains milk AND soy which I was told by an employee is not in a marinade (as I’d suspected) but is added into the meat during processing. WTF? They shout from the mountaintops that their chicken has no hormones. Well, newsflash, hormones aren’t allowed in poultry- but what about antibiotics? Aye, there’s the rub. It’s greenwashing, plain and simple. I wouldn’t eat at Moe’s and I don’t trust a word they say. Here is the allergy chart, but I’m sure you found it online http://bm-moes.s3.amazonaws.com/pdf/Moes_2012_Allergen_Chart.pdf Again, it is revised to eliminate the most damning information.

  • Great info. I came accross this randomly when researching whether Chipotle uses grass-fed beef. Any plans to do an update since I think ingredients have changed? And at the least, NYC law has changed in the past couple years. For example, is rice bran oil a big improvement from soybean oil?

    “Our restaurants in the New York Metropolitan area (including New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Northern New Jersey, and Southwestern Connecticut) grill Steak with Rice Bran Oil, while in other restaurants we use Soybean Oil. We are currently in the process of transitioning all of our restaurants to cooking with Rice Bran Oil.”

  • Great info. I came accross this randomly when researching whether Chipotle uses grass-fed beef. Any plans to do an update since I think ingredients have changed? And at the least, NYC law has changed in the past couple years. For example, is rice bran oil a big improvement from soybean oil?

    “Our restaurants in the New York Metropolitan area (including New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Northern New Jersey, and Southwestern Connecticut) grill Steak with Rice Bran Oil, while in other restaurants we use Soybean Oil. We are currently in the process of transitioning all of our restaurants to cooking with Rice Bran Oil.”

  • I just wrote to Chipotle and got this response:

    Thank you for taking the time to write. I will definitely take note of your suggestion for future plans. In the meantime, you will be happy to know that we are in the process of switching our oil to sunflower oil. Stay tuned! We are working hard to make positive changes.

    Sincerely,
    Olivia

    Customer Service Consultant
    Chipotle Mexican Grill

    Bummer. Sunflower is better than soy, but it’s not healthy.

    • Hi Debbie- Thanks for sharing this 🙂 I agree- sunflower IS better, but still not my first choice! Guess we have to make small steps!

  • I just wrote to Chipotle and got this response:

    Thank you for taking the time to write. I will definitely take note of your suggestion for future plans. In the meantime, you will be happy to know that we are in the process of switching our oil to sunflower oil. Stay tuned! We are working hard to make positive changes.

    Sincerely,
    Olivia

    Customer Service Consultant
    Chipotle Mexican Grill

    Bummer. Sunflower is better than soy, but it’s not healthy.

    • Hi Debbie- Thanks for sharing this 🙂 I agree- sunflower IS better, but still not my first choice! Guess we have to make small steps!

  • “…and the bowls at Chipotle are not plastic. I try to avoid plastic, especially with hot items…”

    The bowls at Chipotle are lined with a plastic film. I do not know what kind of plastic. But likely another good thing to keep hot items away from.

    An informative article.

  • “…and the bowls at Chipotle are not plastic. I try to avoid plastic, especially with hot items…”

    The bowls at Chipotle are lined with a plastic film. I do not know what kind of plastic. But likely another good thing to keep hot items away from.

    An informative article.

  • I am writing to Moe’s right now to suggest that they switch to using coconut oil… Do you think we all should write to Moe’s and let them know that we do not like that their beef and stuff have nasty things like whey or hydrolyzed vegetable protein? And what exactly are the veggies? I’ve only been to Moe’s once…

  • I am writing to Moe’s right now to suggest that they switch to using coconut oil… Do you think we all should write to Moe’s and let them know that we do not like that their beef and stuff have nasty things like whey or hydrolyzed vegetable protein? And what exactly are the veggies? I’ve only been to Moe’s once…

  • Moe’s costs less and you get more selection, that’s enough for me to go with Moe’s. Plus, chips and salsa are free at Moe’s.

    We can debate about which one is healthier, but both are healthier than most fast food restaurants.

  • Moe’s costs less and you get more selection, that’s enough for me to go with Moe’s. Plus, chips and salsa are free at Moe’s.

    We can debate about which one is healthier, but both are healthier than most fast food restaurants.

  • let’s hope they never go to coconut!! healthy for some, deadly for those with severe nut allergies (like my daughter). chipotle is one of the few nut-free places we can go!

  • I have seen multiple moes use plastic wrap to line their bean warmers. That’s gross, I’m all set voluntarily eating plastic ridden food. You’re literally cooking the plastic into the food. Chipotle for the win

  • I have fibromyalgia and had a really bad flare after eating a taco salad from Moes. I had steak and black beans in it which I usually don’t. This totally explains it since I am VERY sensitive to MSG – I feel like I have been poisoned when I accidentally ingest it. Thank you for this article.

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