Applebee's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Applebee's cooks with: soybean oil (confirmed in Applebee's allergen/ingredient disclosures). Across the 110 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Applebee's
Learn this once: a salad with grilled protein and the dressing left off is nearly always the lowest seed oil order anywhere. So the list below sticks to real meals, salads included, never just a water.
Cleanest full order: 6 oz. Top Sirloin + Brewed Iced Tea, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Mocktail on the Beach | 0.0g |
| 6 oz. Top Sirloin | 2.0g |
| Tomato Basil Soup | 2.0g |
| French Onion Soup | 2.0g |
| Burger Patty Only (No Bun) | 2.0g |
What to Avoid at Applebee's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Oriental Chicken Salad (crispy) | 31.0g |
| Boneless Wings | 27.0g |
| Neighborhood Nachos (Chicken) | 25.0g |
| Chicken Tenders Basket | 24.0g |
| Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders | 23.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Applebee's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Applebee's cooks with: soybean oil (confirmed in Applebee's allergen/ingredient disclosures). Across the 110 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Applebee's cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean oil (confirmed in Applebee's allergen/ingredient disclosures). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Applebee's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Applebee's cooks with soybean oil (confirmed in Applebee's allergen/ingredient disclosures), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Applebee's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Applebee's cooks with soybean oil (confirmed in Applebee's allergen/ingredient disclosures), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Applebee's?
Mocktail on the Beach is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Applebee's, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Applebee's?
Oriental Chicken Salad (crispy) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Applebee's, at an estimated 31.0g 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.
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See where Applebee's lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch. Wondering about a specific dish instead? The Is It Seed Oil food guide answers it for 200+ everyday foods, and the distributor oils page covers what independent restaurants fry in.