Chili's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Chili's cooks with: soybean oil (confirmed in Chili's ingredient/allergen disclosures). Across the 122 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Chili'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: Classic Sirloin (6 oz) + Watermelon Lemonade, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Sweet Chili Zing | 0.0g |
| Classic Sirloin (6 oz) | 2.0g |
| Cup of Terlingua Chili | 2.0g |
| Bowl of Soup | 2.0g |
| Burger Patty Only (No Bun) | 2.0g |
What to Avoid at Chili's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Chicken Crispers (crispy) | 34.0g |
| Boneless Wings | 28.0g |
| Quesadilla Explosion Salad | 28.0g |
| Southwestern Eggrolls | 25.0g |
| Santa Fe Crispers Salad | 25.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Chili's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Chili's cooks with: soybean oil (confirmed in Chili's ingredient/allergen disclosures). Across the 122 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Chili's cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean oil (confirmed in Chili's ingredient/allergen disclosures). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Chili's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Chili's cooks with soybean oil (confirmed in Chili's ingredient/allergen disclosures), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Chili's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Chili's cooks with soybean oil (confirmed in Chili's ingredient/allergen disclosures), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Chili's?
Sweet Chili Zing is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Chili's, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Chili's?
Chicken Crispers (crispy) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Chili's, at an estimated 34.0g 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
Chick-fil-A · Chicken Express · Chicken Salad Chick · Chipotle · Chopt · Chris Madrid's
See where Chili'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.