Portillo's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Portillo's cooks with: Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA).. Across the 44 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Portillo's
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 with Everything, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Hot Dog with Everything | 2.0g |
| Italian Beef (Regular) | 2.0g |
| Tamale | 2.0g |
| Big Beef Sandwich | 2.0g |
| Burger Patty Only (No Bun) | 2.0g |
What to Avoid at Portillo's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Famous Chopped Salad (with dressing) | 18.0g |
| Double Cheeseburger | 14.0g |
| Chicken Strips | 14.0g |
| Greek Salad (with dressing) | 14.0g |
| Cheese Fries | 13.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Portillo's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Portillo's cooks with: Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA).. Across the 44 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Portillo's cook with?
Our research indicates: Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA).. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Portillo's use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Our research indicates: Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA).. Beef tallow is far lower in PUFA than seed oils.
Is Portillo's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Portillo's cooks with Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA)., which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Portillo's?
Hot Dog with Everything is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Portillo's, at an estimated 2.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Portillo's?
Famous Chopped Salad (with dressing) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Portillo's, at an estimated 18.0g 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
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See where Portillo's 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.