Spoon University Logo
News

You Can Get Free Queso From Chipotle This Week Only

Over the past few years, fast food prices have steadily increased with inflation, turning what was once an easy, affordable take out option into a more deliberate expense. With service and delivery fees, online ordering has become less feasible for college students needing a quick meal on the go. 

That is why limited-time deals and promotions can feel like such big wins. To celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day on Tuesday February 24, Chipotle is offering a special deal of a free regular-size side of chips and Blanco Queso. The exclusive offer runs through February 23 to February 25. 

For many long-time fans, Chipotle has represented a sweet spot between fast food and healthier options: offering customizable meals with fresh and clean flavors. Hopefully, this exclusive deal to honor National Tortilla Chip Day will be the first of many in 2026 that Chipotle is planning, especially with their continued price increases

How can I get free queso from Chipotle?

The free side of chips and queso will only be available for online orders, using the code CHIPS26 placed through the app or on Chipotle.com. You cannot use the code in restaurants or on orders placed through third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash. This deal only comes with the order of a full-priced entree, whether that be your go-to bowl, tacos or burrito. The code is a one time use per eligible user transaction. 

Chipotle’s Interim Chief Marketing Officer, Stephanie Perdue, is calling out to fans to celebrate National Tortilla Chip Day. “Our chips are handmade every morning with fresh lime, and they pair perfectly with our delicious Queso Blanco,” she said in a press release. “Both are made with real ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s the best way to celebrate Tortilla Chip Day with the real ingredients our guests expect from Chipotle.”

Chipotle prides themselves on using real ingredients and real flavor, with their tortilla chips being made fresh with corn tortillas, sunflower oil, salt, and lime juice. Their Queso Blanco uses 13 real ingredients, including Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and a blend of peppers, to deliver a smooth, mildly spicy flavor.

What other chains are doing deals for National Tortilla Chip Day?

While the deal is only running for three days, a free bag of chips makes the extra takeout splurge worthwhile. Celebrate National Tortilla Day all week with other offers such as Chili’s free order of chips and salsa everyday. Taco Bell has a deal of $5 dollars off any online order over $22 on Doordash. On The Border offers free endless chips and salsa with the purchase of a meal every day. Whole Foods Market is offering two bags of Zack’s Mighty Rolled Tortilla Chips for $7 through the end of February.

Michaela Buckley is a writer for the Spoon University National Writers Program, where she covers timely and culturally relevant stories. She has a strong interest in pop culture and entertainment trends.

She is a senior Honors Journalism student at Suffolk University, graduating this semester. She is the Arts & Entertainment Editor for The Suffolk Journal, a fully student-run, nonprofit publication where she covers live concerts, film reviews, and the wider arts and culture scene in Boston.

Outside of writing, Michaela can usually be found in a cozy cafe, flipping through vinyl records, curled up with a good book, or spending time with her cats. She loves yoga, traveling, and trying out new hobbies whenever she gets the chance.