Gong cha Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Gong cha cooks with: Fully hydrogenated coconut oil and/or fully hydrogenated palm oil in non-dairy creamer powder; dairy cream in milk foam series — all near-zero PUFA sources. Across the 70 menu items we analyzed, it averages 0.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
Safest Orders at Gong cha
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: Taro, 1.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Lemon Wintermelon Basil Seeds | 0.0g |
| Lemon Ai-Yu White Pearl | 0.0g |
| Lychee Oolong | 0.0g |
| Taro | 1.0g |
| Caramel Chocolate | 1.0g |
What to Avoid at Gong cha
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Bubble Egg Waffle | 3.0g |
| Chocolate Egg Waffle | 3.0g |
| Original Egg Waffle | 3.0g |
| Matcha Egg Waffle | 3.0g |
| Caramel Chocolate Slush | 2.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Gong cha use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Gong cha cooks with: Fully hydrogenated coconut oil and/or fully hydrogenated palm oil in non-dairy creamer powder; dairy cream in milk foam series — all near-zero PUFA sources. Across the 70 menu items we analyzed, it averages 0.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
What oil does Gong cha cook with?
Our research indicates: Fully hydrogenated coconut oil and/or fully hydrogenated palm oil in non-dairy creamer powder; dairy cream in milk foam series — all near-zero PUFA sources. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Gong cha use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Gong cha cooks with Fully hydrogenated coconut oil and/or fully hydrogenated palm oil in non-dairy creamer powder; dairy cream in milk foam series — all near-zero PUFA sources, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Gong cha seed oil free?
Largely yes. Our research indicates Gong cha cooks with Fully hydrogenated coconut oil and/or fully hydrogenated palm oil in non-dairy creamer powder; dairy cream in milk foam series — all near-zero PUFA sources, which is not an industrial seed oil. Preparation can vary by location.
What is the safest thing to order at Gong cha?
Lemon Wintermelon Basil Seeds is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Gong cha, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Gong cha?
Bubble Egg Waffle is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Gong cha, at an estimated 3.0g 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
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See where Gong cha 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.