PDQ Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| Garden Salad | 1.0g PUFA |
| Chocolate Shake | 3.0g PUFA |
| Vanilla Shake | 3.0g PUFA |
| 3-Piece Classic Tenders | 4.0g PUFA |
| 8-Piece Classic Nuggets | 4.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| Waffle Fries (Large) | 12.0g PUFA |
| Sauced Chicken Sandwich | 9.0g PUFA |
| Classic Chicken Sandwich | 8.0g PUFA |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | 8.0g PUFA |
| Waffle Fries (Regular) | 8.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does PDQ use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, PDQ cooks with: canola. Across the 18 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does PDQ cook with?
Our research indicates: canola. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
What is the safest thing to order at PDQ?
Garden Salad is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at PDQ, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at PDQ?
Waffle Fries (Large) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at PDQ, at an estimated 12.0g 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
Outback Steakhouse · P. Terry's Burger Stand · P.F. Chang's · PJ's Coffee · Pal's Sudden Service · Pancheros Mexican Grill
See where PDQ lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.