Potbelly Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Potbelly cooks with: Soybean oil (in mayo and 'Potbelly oil' drizzle); canola/soybean blend in house oil — confirmed in Potbelly allergen guide. Across the 106 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.7g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Potbelly
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: Garden Vegetable Soup + Potbelly Whole Pickle + Bottled Water, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Sweet Heat BBQ | 0.0g |
| Ice Cream Sandwich | 2.0g |
| Oatmeal | 2.0g |
| Garden Vegetable Soup | 2.0g |
| Chili | 3.0g |
What to Avoid at Potbelly
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Italian Sub (Original) | 13.0g |
| A Wreck | 12.0g |
| Chicken Salad Sandwich | 12.0g |
| Roasted Garlic Aioli | 11.5g |
| Meatball Sub | 10.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Potbelly use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Potbelly cooks with: Soybean oil (in mayo and 'Potbelly oil' drizzle); canola/soybean blend in house oil — confirmed in Potbelly allergen guide. Across the 106 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.7g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Potbelly cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil (in mayo and 'Potbelly oil' drizzle); canola/soybean blend in house oil — confirmed in Potbelly allergen guide. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Potbelly use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Potbelly cooks with Soybean oil (in mayo and 'Potbelly oil' drizzle); canola/soybean blend in house oil — confirmed in Potbelly allergen guide, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Potbelly seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Potbelly cooks with Soybean oil (in mayo and 'Potbelly oil' drizzle); canola/soybean blend in house oil — confirmed in Potbelly allergen guide, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Potbelly?
Sweet Heat BBQ is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Potbelly, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Potbelly?
Italian Sub (Original) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Potbelly, at an estimated 13.0g 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
Subway · Jersey Mike's · Jimmy John's · Firehouse Subs · Jason's Deli · Schlotzsky's
See where Potbelly 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.