A&W Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| Side Salad | 1.0g PUFA |
| Root Beer Float | 1.0g PUFA |
| Waffle Cone (Soft Serve) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Vanilla Milkshake | 2.0g PUFA |
| Chocolate Milkshake | 2.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 11.0g PUFA |
| Onion Rings (Large) | 11.0g PUFA |
| Papa Burger | 10.0g PUFA |
| Mozza Burger | 10.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 10.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does A&W use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, A&W cooks with: soybean. Across the 25 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.7g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does A&W cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
What is the safest thing to order at A&W?
Side Salad is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at A&W, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at A&W?
Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at A&W, at an estimated 11.0g PUFA. Fried items and creamy, mayo-based sauces are usually the heaviest.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and similar vegetable oils — are extracted from seeds using high heat and chemical solvents. They are very high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which are unstable at cooking temperatures and can oxidize easily. Many health-conscious eaters choose to minimize seed oils and prefer foods cooked in beef tallow, butter, coconut oil, or olive oil instead. This page shows estimated PUFA grams per menu item to help you make more informed choices. These are estimates — actual values vary by preparation and location. Curious why people avoid them? Read the evidence.
Compare other chains
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See where A&W lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.