Mendocino Farms Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Mendocino Farms cooks with: Soybean-based mayo/aioli for most spreads; olive oil vinaigrettes on some salads; canola oil in some house dressings. Across the 79 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Mendocino Farms
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: Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada + Bottled Water, 5.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Tomato Soup | 3.0g |
| Seasonal Soup | 3.0g |
| Greek Lemon Chicken & Farro Soup | 3.0g |
| Roasted Tomato Basil Soup | 4.0g |
| Artisan Greens & Roasted Beet Salad | 5.0g |
What to Avoid at Mendocino Farms
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Vegan Ranch | 14.5g |
| Tuna Salad Sandwich | 13.0g |
| Chicken Milanese Sandwich | 12.0g |
| Market Club Sandwich | 11.0g |
| Avocado & Wheatberry Salad | 10.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Mendocino Farms use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Mendocino Farms cooks with: Soybean-based mayo/aioli for most spreads; olive oil vinaigrettes on some salads; canola oil in some house dressings. Across the 79 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.8g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Mendocino Farms cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean-based mayo/aioli for most spreads; olive oil vinaigrettes on some salads; canola oil in some house dressings. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Mendocino Farms use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Mendocino Farms cooks with Soybean-based mayo/aioli for most spreads; olive oil vinaigrettes on some salads; canola oil in some house dressings, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Mendocino Farms seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Mendocino Farms cooks with Soybean-based mayo/aioli for most spreads; olive oil vinaigrettes on some salads; canola oil in some house dressings, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Mendocino Farms?
Tomato Soup is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Mendocino Farms, at an estimated 3.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Mendocino Farms?
Vegan Ranch is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Mendocino Farms, at an estimated 14.5g 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 Mendocino Farms 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.