Culver's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Culver's cooks with: canola/high-oleic canola oil blend (crinkle-cut fries, cheese curds); does not use beef tallow. Across the 62 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Culver'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: Grilled Chicken Sandwich + Soft drink, 1.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Lemon Ice | 0.0g |
| Sweet Baby Ray's® BBQ | 0.0g |
| Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard (2 scoops) | 1.0g |
| Chocolate Fresh Frozen Custard (2 scoops) | 1.0g |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 1.0g |
What to Avoid at Culver's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Tartar Sauce | 21.5g |
| North Atlantic Cod Dinner (2 pc) | 18.0g |
| Ken's® Blue Cheese | 18.0g |
| Ken's® Boom Boom Sauce | 17.5g |
| Culver's® Signature Sauce | 15.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Culver's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Culver's cooks with: canola/high-oleic canola oil blend (crinkle-cut fries, cheese curds); does not use beef tallow. Across the 62 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Culver's cook with?
Our research indicates: canola/high-oleic canola oil blend (crinkle-cut fries, cheese curds); does not use beef tallow. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Culver's use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Our research indicates: canola/high-oleic canola oil blend (crinkle-cut fries, cheese curds); does not use beef tallow. Beef tallow is far lower in PUFA than seed oils.
Is Culver's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Culver's cooks with canola/high-oleic canola oil blend (crinkle-cut fries, cheese curds); does not use beef tallow, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Culver's?
Lemon Ice is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Culver's, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Culver's?
Tartar Sauce is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Culver's, at an estimated 21.5g 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 Culver'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.