Hold onto your taste buds: Chipotle Mexican Grill is changing up its melted cheese concoction.Starting Thursday, Chipotle's new Queso Blanco will be available at restaurants nationwide, replacing the current queso that debuted in 2017."The new recipe uses 13 real ingredients, including aged Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and serrano, poblano and chipotle peppers, to create a smooth queso with just the right amount of spicy kick," the fast-casual chain said in a news release Wednesday.The new queso recipe was tested in 52 locations in Dallas, Detroit and San Diego and the feedback from the test exceeded expectations, Chris Brandt, Chipotle chief marketing officer, said in a statement."It quickly became clear that we needed to give all of our guests access to this delicious queso,” Brandt said.Lent seafood specials:Chick-fil-A, Arby's, Wendy's, McDonald's and more serve up fish sandwiches, specials for LentFeeling lucky?:McDonald's unveils 'Golden Shamrock Shake' eBay auction and contest for special cups, each worth $90KQueso-gate: Chipotle's cheesy historyThe new queso doesn't have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, which Chipotle says is the norm for its food.Chipotle also used its "stage-gate process" to test the queso before deciding to launch it nationally. The company's first iteration of the cheese dip, which was long requested by customers and offered by competitors, rolled out in September 2017. It sparked an uproar that was dubbed "queso-gate" with some calling it the worst queso they'd ever had.Economic fallout from coronavirus deepens, threatening tech, retail, auto supplies Tax scams try new tricks to steal refunds These 3 Social Security strategies could increase your monthly checks Sports not your thing? Streaming options from Philo might be for you The Daily Money: Subscribe to our newsletterIn December 2017, the recipe was revamped.Last October, Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol mentioned the queso test during a quarterly earnings call with analysts. He also discussed quesadillas and salads, other items being tested.“It's got to be something that the consumer is going to say they love it and they want to try it again,” Niccol said during the call.Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko
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