McDonald's Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| Hamburger | 2.0g PUFA |
| Cheeseburger | 2.0g PUFA |
| Egg McMuffin | 2.0g PUFA |
| Double Cheeseburger | 4.0g PUFA |
| Small Fries | 4.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| 20pc Chicken McNuggets | 26.0g PUFA |
| Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 13.0g PUFA |
| 10pc Chicken McNuggets | 13.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 12.0g PUFA |
| Big Mac | 11.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does McDonald's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, McDonald's cooks with: canola-corn-soybean oil blend with natural beef flavoring (fries); no US beef tallow switch as of 2026 despite 2025 speculation. Across the 29 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does McDonald's cook with?
Our research indicates: canola-corn-soybean oil blend with natural beef flavoring (fries); no US beef tallow switch as of 2026 despite 2025 speculation. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
What is the safest thing to order at McDonald's?
Hamburger is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at McDonald's, at an estimated 2.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at McDonald's?
20pc Chicken McNuggets is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at McDonald's, at an estimated 26.0g 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
Marion's Piazza · Mazzio's · McAlister's Deli · Me-n-Ed's Pizzeria · Mellow Mushroom · Menchie's
See where McDonald's lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.