Cracker Barrel Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Cracker Barrel cooks with: Soybean oil (disclosed in Cracker Barrel allergen/ingredient documentation; used for all frying including chicken, okra, catfish, and baking shortening). Across the 96 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.4g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Cracker Barrel
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: Bacon + Iced Tea Unsweetened, 1.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Sweet Whole Baby Carrots | 0.0g |
| Fresh Fruit | 0.0g |
| Macaroni & Cheese | 1.0g |
| Bacon | 1.0g |
| Grits | 1.0g |
What to Avoid at Cracker Barrel
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Country Fried Steak | 20.0g |
| Southern Fried Chicken | 19.0g |
| Fried Catfish (2 pc) | 14.0g |
| Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast | 14.0g |
| Friday Fish Fry | 14.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Cracker Barrel use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Cracker Barrel cooks with: Soybean oil (disclosed in Cracker Barrel allergen/ingredient documentation; used for all frying including chicken, okra, catfish, and baking shortening). Across the 96 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.4g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Cracker Barrel cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil (disclosed in Cracker Barrel allergen/ingredient documentation; used for all frying including chicken, okra, catfish, and baking shortening). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Cracker Barrel use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Cracker Barrel cooks with Soybean oil (disclosed in Cracker Barrel allergen/ingredient documentation; used for all frying including chicken, okra, catfish, and baking shortening), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Cracker Barrel seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Cracker Barrel cooks with Soybean oil (disclosed in Cracker Barrel allergen/ingredient documentation; used for all frying including chicken, okra, catfish, and baking shortening), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Cracker Barrel?
Sweet Whole Baby Carrots is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cracker Barrel, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Cracker Barrel?
Country Fried Steak is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cracker Barrel, at an estimated 20.0g 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
IHOP · Denny's · Waffle House · First Watch · Bob Evans · Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
See where Cracker Barrel 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.