Costa Vida Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| Black Beans | 1.0g PUFA |
| Pinto Beans | 1.0g PUFA |
| Sour Cream | 1.0g PUFA |
| Cheese | 1.0g PUFA |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | 3.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| Grilled Steak Nachos | 14.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Burrito | 13.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Quesadilla | 13.0g PUFA |
| Creamy Tomatillo Dressing | 13.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Enchiladas | 12.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Costa Vida use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Costa Vida cooks with: canola/soybean blend (tortillas: canola oil; cooking: canola-soybean blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base). Across the 23 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Costa Vida cook with?
Our research indicates: canola/soybean blend (tortillas: canola oil; cooking: canola-soybean blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
What is the safest thing to order at Costa Vida?
Black Beans is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Costa Vida, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Costa Vida?
Grilled Steak Nachos is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Costa Vida, 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
Cook Out · CoreLife Eatery · Corner Bakery Cafe · Cousins Subs · Cowboy Chicken · Cracker Barrel
See where Costa Vida lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.