Ponderosa Steakhouse Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| 8oz Sirloin Steak (grilled) | 1.0g PUFA |
| 6oz Top Sirloin (grilled) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | 1.0g PUFA |
| Soft-Serve Ice Cream (cone) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Bacon Strips (2 strips) | 1.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| Fish Fillet (fried) | 20.0g PUFA |
| Fried Shrimp (21 pc / Shrimp Roundup) | 15.0g PUFA |
| French Fries | 14.0g PUFA |
| Onion Rings | 10.0g PUFA |
| Fried Chicken Leg/Thigh (buffet) | 9.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Ponderosa Steakhouse use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Ponderosa Steakhouse cooks with: soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates). Across the 25 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Ponderosa Steakhouse cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
What is the safest thing to order at Ponderosa Steakhouse?
8oz Sirloin Steak (grilled) is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Ponderosa Steakhouse, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Ponderosa Steakhouse?
Fish Fillet (fried) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Ponderosa Steakhouse, 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
Pokeworks · Pollo Campero · Pollo Tropical · Popeyes · Port of Subs · Portillo's
See where Ponderosa Steakhouse lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.