CAVA Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, CAVA cooks with: Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying; tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and lemon herb tahini dressing; grapeseed oil used in Greek vinaigrette. Across the 74 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
Safest Orders at CAVA
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: Braised Beef + Sparkling Water, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Harissa | 1.0g |
| Roasted Red Pepper Hummus | 1.0g |
| Tzatziki | 1.0g |
| Braised Beef | 2.0g |
| Roasted Chicken | 2.0g |
What to Avoid at CAVA
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Falafel Crunch Bowl | 10.0g |
| Crispy Falafel Bowl | 9.0g |
| Falafel (protein) | 9.0g |
| Falafel Veggie Pita | 9.0g |
| Mini Falafel Pita | 8.0g |
Frequently asked
Does CAVA use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, CAVA cooks with: Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying; tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and lemon herb tahini dressing; grapeseed oil used in Greek vinaigrette. Across the 74 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
What oil does CAVA cook with?
Our research indicates: Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying; tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and lemon herb tahini dressing; grapeseed oil used in Greek vinaigrette. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does CAVA use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates CAVA cooks with Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying; tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and lemon herb tahini dressing; grapeseed oil used in Greek vinaigrette, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is CAVA seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates CAVA cooks with Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying; tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and lemon herb tahini dressing; grapeseed oil used in Greek vinaigrette, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at CAVA?
Harissa is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at CAVA, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at CAVA?
Falafel Crunch Bowl is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at CAVA, at an estimated 10.0g 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
BurgerFi · Burgerville · Bush's Chicken · Cafe Rio · Cafe Zupas · California Fish Grill
See where CAVA 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.