Chick-fil-A Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Chick-fil-A cooks with: 100% refined peanut oil (fried chicken); canola oil in dedicated fryers (waffle fries, hash browns). Across the 104 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Chick-fil-A
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: Grilled Nuggets 8 Ct + Fruit Cup + DASANI Bottled Water, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| 8pc Grilled Nuggets | 2.0g |
| Grilled Nuggets 8 Ct | 2.0g |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | 2.0g |
| 12pc Grilled Nuggets | 3.0g |
| Grilled Cool Wrap | 3.0g |
What to Avoid at Chick-fil-A
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A Nuggets 30 Ct | 38.0g |
| Chick-fil-A Nuggets 12 Ct | 15.0g |
| Cobb Salad | 14.0g |
| Chicken Egg & Cheese Biscuit | 14.0g |
| Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich | 13.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Chick-fil-A use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Chick-fil-A cooks with: 100% refined peanut oil (fried chicken); canola oil in dedicated fryers (waffle fries, hash browns). Across the 104 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Chick-fil-A cook with?
Our research indicates: 100% refined peanut oil (fried chicken); canola oil in dedicated fryers (waffle fries, hash browns). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Chick-fil-A use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Chick-fil-A cooks with 100% refined peanut oil (fried chicken); canola oil in dedicated fryers (waffle fries, hash browns), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Chick-fil-A seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Chick-fil-A cooks with 100% refined peanut oil (fried chicken); canola oil in dedicated fryers (waffle fries, hash browns), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Chick-fil-A?
8pc Grilled Nuggets is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Chick-fil-A, at an estimated 2.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A Nuggets 30 Ct is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Chick-fil-A, at an estimated 38.0g 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
KFC · Popeyes · Raising Cane's · Wingstop · Zaxby's · Bojangles
See where Chick-fil-A 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.