Luby's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Luby's cooks with: Soybean oil (confirmed via ingredient disclosures and allergen notices; used for frying and in prepared sides). Across the 96 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.9g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
Safest Orders at Luby'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.
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Fresh Fruit Salad | 0.0g |
| Jello | 0.0g |
| Spinach | 0.0g |
| Vegetable Soup | 1.0g |
| White Roll | 1.0g |
What to Avoid at Luby's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Chicken Fried Steak | 17.0g |
| Fried Catfish (2 pc) | 16.0g |
| LuAnn Platter (Chicken Fried Steak) | 14.0g |
| Fried Chicken (breast) | 14.0g |
| LuAnn Platter (Fried Fish) | 13.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Luby's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Luby's cooks with: Soybean oil (confirmed via ingredient disclosures and allergen notices; used for frying and in prepared sides). Across the 96 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.9g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
What oil does Luby's cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil (confirmed via ingredient disclosures and allergen notices; used for frying and in prepared sides). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Luby's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Luby's cooks with Soybean oil (confirmed via ingredient disclosures and allergen notices; used for frying and in prepared sides), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Luby's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Luby's cooks with Soybean oil (confirmed via ingredient disclosures and allergen notices; used for frying and in prepared sides), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Luby's?
Fresh Fruit Salad is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Luby's, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Luby's?
Chicken Fried Steak is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Luby's, at an estimated 17.0g 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
Los Betos · Lou Malnati's · Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken · Luna Grill · MOD Pizza · MOOYAH
See where Luby'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.