As a self-proclaimed Chipotle fanatic, I waited on the edge of my seat for the Sept. 12 release date of the newest menu addition, queso, to roll around. Unfortunately, Chipotle’s new queso failed to meet my expectations on more than one level.

My first qualm arose as I pulled out the container of queso and the bag of chips I had purchased in accompaniment. Ingredient separation had occurred in the queso on the drive home, and a thin layer of oily residue at the top of the sauce left me feeling slightly less than appetized.

Getting over my initial oily objection, I loaded a chip up with what looked to be cheesy goodness, only to discover the taste did not carry much redemption. Almost any hint of cheese in the dip was masked by the spicy kick of the jalapeño pepper. As a person with a true appreciation for spice, I was even disappointed by the spicy kick because it wasn’t that spicy, yet it still managed to cover up any inkling of a cheesy flavor. I was face-to-face with something I had never experienced at Chipotle before: blandness.

The only flaunt-worthy factor of the queso would be one of Chipotle’s trademark claims to fame — all natural ingredients. According to Chipotle, the newly released queso contains 23 “real ingredients,” and no artificial colors or additives. With so many ingredients, I would expect a little more flavor than I got. I applaud the company for taking food quality into such high consideration during the creation stages, but it should not come at the expense of flavor.

After finishing my chips, I moved onto my burrito which I ordered queso on, but you would never know it because I couldn’t taste the sauce at all. The only discernable flavor of the queso, the spice, was masked by the hot salsa, and I found myself constantly on eye level with my burrito searching for any sign of the sauce. Occasional pops of pale yellow amongst the other toppings were the only signs alerting me to its presence.

For an extra $1.25 to add an invisible sauce to my burrito, or $2.05 to add the side as a chip condiment, I will not be ordering queso with my meal again unless I’m looking for a great source of extra calories. Which will be never.

Despite my disappointment over what, in retrospect, was an overhyped menu item release, I will continue to be a loyal Chipotle goer. Fortunately for Chipotle, mediocre queso does not equate to a mediocre company.