Nathan's Famous Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Nathan's Famous cooks with: Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA).. Across the 87 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Nathan's Famous
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: Hot Dog + Bottled Water, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Hot Dog | 2.0g |
| Burger Patty Only (No Bun) | 2.0g |
| Hot Dog Topping Chili | 2.0g |
| Chili Dog | 3.0g |
| Bacon Cheddar Dog | 3.0g |
What to Avoid at Nathan's Famous
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Famous Crinkle-Cut Fries (Large) | 20.0g |
| Chili Cheese Fries | 18.0g |
| Corn Dog Nuggets - 20pc | 18.0g |
| Cheese Fries | 17.0g |
| Seafood Sampler | 16.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Nathan's Famous use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Nathan's Famous cooks with: Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA).. Across the 87 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Nathan's Famous cook with?
Our research indicates: Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA).. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Nathan's Famous use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Nathan's Famous cooks with Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA)., not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Nathan's Famous seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Nathan's Famous cooks with Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA)., which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Nathan's Famous?
Hot Dog is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Nathan's Famous, at an estimated 2.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Nathan's Famous?
Famous Crinkle-Cut Fries (Large) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Nathan's Famous, at an estimated 20.0g 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
Mrs. Winner's Chicken & Biscuits · Naf Naf Grill · Nancy's Pizza · National Coney Island · Nekter Juice Bar · Newk's Eatery
See where Nathan's Famous 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.