Cook Out Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Cook Out cooks with: Fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, corn dogs and fried chicken cooked in soybean/vegetable oil; char-grilled burgers, chicken and BBQ are low PUFA. Trays = main + 2 sides + drink.. Across the 55 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Cook Out
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: Small Hamburger + Soft drink, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Quesadilla Sauce | 1.5g |
| Small Hamburger | 2.0g |
| BBQ Chicken Sandwich (char-grilled) | 2.0g |
| Cajun Chicken Sandwich (grilled) | 2.0g |
| Hot Dog (Cook Out Style) | 2.0g |
What to Avoid at Cook Out
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Cook Out Style Cheeseburger | 14.0g |
| Cajun Chicken Tray | 12.0g |
| Onion Rings | 12.0g |
| Chicken Sandwich | 11.0g |
| Double Burger | 11.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Cook Out use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Cook Out cooks with: Fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, corn dogs and fried chicken cooked in soybean/vegetable oil; char-grilled burgers, chicken and BBQ are low PUFA. Trays = main + 2 sides + drink.. Across the 55 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Cook Out cook with?
Our research indicates: Fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, corn dogs and fried chicken cooked in soybean/vegetable oil; char-grilled burgers, chicken and BBQ are low PUFA. Trays = main + 2 sides + drink.. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Cook Out use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Cook Out cooks with Fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, corn dogs and fried chicken cooked in soybean/vegetable oil; char-grilled burgers, chicken and BBQ are low PUFA. Trays = main + 2 sides + drink., not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Cook Out seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Cook Out cooks with Fries, onion rings, hushpuppies, corn dogs and fried chicken cooked in soybean/vegetable oil; char-grilled burgers, chicken and BBQ are low PUFA. Trays = main + 2 sides + drink., which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Cook Out?
Quesadilla Sauce is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cook Out, at an estimated 1.5g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Cook Out?
Cook Out Style Cheeseburger is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cook Out, at an estimated 14.0g 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
McDonald's · Burger King · Wendy's · Five Guys · In-N-Out · Whataburger
See where Cook Out 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.