We tried the latest in Chipotle's quest to perfect its queso — and found the chain finally has a worthy menu item

Queso has always been a thorny subject at Chipotle. 

For years, the fast-casual chain refused to add the cheesy dip to the menu, despite customers' pleas. Chipotle executives did not initially believe that an all-natural queso recipe was even possible. 

Then, in 2017, the chain changed its tune. Chipotle was struggling to boost sales and rolled out an all-natural queso to win over customers. 

Unfortunately for Chipotle, customers were not huge fans of the original queso recipe, with some slamming the dip as  a "crime against cheese," "expired Velveeta," and "dumpster juice."

Read more: Chipotle's queso is being called 'dumpster juice' — but there's one way it could still save the chain

Chipotle has continued to tweak the recipe over the last few years, producing a notably better queso. Then, in September, the chain began testing queso blanco. 

At recent Chipotle event, Business Insider had the chance to taste test the new queso blanco. We walked away hoping that Chipotle ditches the old recipe in favor of the new flavor. 

Chipotle's queso blanco is made with two types of aged cheeses and uses serrano, poblano, and chipotle peppers.

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The new queso comes as part of a recent wave of innovation at Chipotle, as the chain tests more products and launches carne asada as a limited-time offering.

Irene Jiang / Business Insider

The queso currently in testing is more rich and flavorful than the version in stores, with a somewhat smoky — but not overwhelming — undertone.

Irene Jiang / Business Insider

It still doesn't have the goopiness of a Velveeta-based dip made with artificial ingredients, which remains my preferred queso, but its far smoother than quesos past, with an almost silky texture.

Irene Jiang / Business Insider

For me, there's no comparison: the new queso is far superior, in both texture and flavor.

Irene Jiang / Business Insider

Chipotle's vice president of brand marketing, Stephanie Perdue, told Business Insider that the new queso is being tested as a possible replacement for the current menu item, but that no decision has been made yet.

Irene Jiang / Business Insider

"It's been going extremely well, really great customer feedback," Purdue said. "We'll just be testing, and then if it's successful we'll have it as an option for 2020."

Irene Jiang / Business Insider