Ivar's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Ivar's cooks with: canola. Across the 76 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.4g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of D (Very High Risk).
Safest Orders at Ivar'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 Halibut Plate + Bottled Water, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Clam Chowder (cup) | 1.0g |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 1.0g |
| Crab Cocktail | 1.0g |
| Grilled Halibut Plate | 2.0g |
| Clam Chowder (bowl) | 2.0g |
What to Avoid at Ivar's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Full Boat (feeds 3-4) | 45.0g |
| 5 Piece Cajun Fish 'N Chips | 27.0g |
| 5 Piece Fish 'N Chips | 27.0g |
| Halibut 'N Chips | 24.0g |
| Full Boat Family Feast | 22.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Ivar's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Ivar's cooks with: canola. Across the 76 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.4g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of D (Very High Risk).
What oil does Ivar's cook with?
Our research indicates: canola. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Ivar's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Ivar's cooks with canola, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Ivar's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Ivar's cooks with canola, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Ivar's?
Clam Chowder (cup) is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Ivar's, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Ivar's?
Full Boat (feeds 3-4) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Ivar's, at an estimated 45.0g 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
Industry Austin · Insomnia Cookies · Island Fin Poke · JINYA Ramen Bar · JJ Fish & Chicken · Jack in the Box
See where Ivar'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.