CAVA Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| Tzatziki (side) | 0.0g PUFA |
| Harissa | 1.0g PUFA |
| Crazy Feta | 1.0g PUFA |
| Roasted Red Pepper Hummus | 1.0g PUFA |
| Eggplant & Red Pepper Dip | 1.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| Crispy Falafel Bowl | 9.0g PUFA |
| Salmon | 6.0g PUFA |
| Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing | 6.0g PUFA |
| Grilled Steak Bowl (greens base) | 5.0g PUFA |
| Spiced Lamb Meatball Bowl | 4.0g PUFA |
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 20 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.0g 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.
What is the safest thing to order at CAVA?
Tzatziki (side) is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at CAVA, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at CAVA?
Crispy Falafel Bowl is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at CAVA, at an estimated 9.0g 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.