Popeyes Seed Oil Report Card
Safest Orders
| Corn on the Cob | 1.0g PUFA |
| Mac & Cheese | 3.0g PUFA |
| Red Beans & Rice | 4.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Wing | 5.0g PUFA |
| Biscuit | 5.0g PUFA |
Watch Out For
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | 17.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Sandwich | 16.0g PUFA |
| Flounder Fish Sandwich | 14.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Thigh | 12.0g PUFA |
| 3pc Tenders | 11.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Popeyes use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Popeyes cooks with: beef tallow blended with vegetable oils (canola/soybean) for fried chicken and cajun fries; blend can vary by location. Across the 15 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Popeyes cook with?
Our research indicates: beef tallow blended with vegetable oils (canola/soybean) for fried chicken and cajun fries; blend can vary by location. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
What is the safest thing to order at Popeyes?
Corn on the Cob is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Popeyes, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Popeyes?
Spicy Chicken Sandwich is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Popeyes, at an estimated 17.0g 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
Pollo Campero · Pollo Tropical · Ponderosa Steakhouse · Port of Subs · Portillo's · Postino WineCafe
See where Popeyes lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.