Duck Donuts Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Duck Donuts cooks with: Palm oil shortening. Across the 68 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.4g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Duck Donuts
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: Egg & Cheese Donut Sandwich + Bottled Water, 4.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Apple Fritter | 2.0g |
| Donut Ice Cream Sandwich | 2.0g |
| Egg & Cheese Donut Sandwich | 4.0g |
| Blueberry Pancake Donut | 4.0g |
| Donut Breakfast Sandwich (Bagel) | 4.0g |
What to Avoid at Duck Donuts
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Signature Assortment Dozen | 42.0g |
| Donut Hole Dippers 50 Piece | 40.0g |
| Fan Favorites Dozen | 40.0g |
| Build Your Own Donut Dozen | 36.0g |
| Classic Assortment Dozen | 36.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Duck Donuts use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Duck Donuts cooks with: Palm oil shortening. Across the 68 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.4g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Duck Donuts cook with?
Our research indicates: Palm oil shortening. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Duck Donuts use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Duck Donuts cooks with Palm oil shortening, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Duck Donuts seed oil free?
Largely yes. Our research indicates Duck Donuts cooks with Palm oil shortening, which is not an industrial seed oil. Preparation can vary by location.
What is the safest thing to order at Duck Donuts?
Apple Fritter is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Duck Donuts, at an estimated 2.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Duck Donuts?
Signature Assortment Dozen is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Duck Donuts, at an estimated 42.0g 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.
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See where Duck Donuts 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.