Schlotzsky's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Schlotzsky's cooks with: Signature sourdough buns and most dressings/sauces are soybean-oil based; nothing deep-fried in-store but sauce-heavy sandwiches add up.. Across the 143 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Schlotzsky'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: Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup (Cup) + Bottled Water, 2.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Tomato Basil Soup (Cup) | 2.0g |
| Mac & Cheese | 2.0g |
| Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup (Cup) | 2.0g |
| Garden Salad | 2.0g |
| Potato Bacon Soup (Cup) | 3.0g |
What to Avoid at Schlotzsky's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Buttermilk Ranch Dressing | 18.0g |
| Spicy Ranch Dressing | 14.0g |
| The Original (Large) | 13.0g |
| Combination Special Pizza (Large 14") | 12.0g |
| Pepperoni & Double Cheese Pizza (Large 14") | 11.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Schlotzsky's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Schlotzsky's cooks with: Signature sourdough buns and most dressings/sauces are soybean-oil based; nothing deep-fried in-store but sauce-heavy sandwiches add up.. Across the 143 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Schlotzsky's cook with?
Our research indicates: Signature sourdough buns and most dressings/sauces are soybean-oil based; nothing deep-fried in-store but sauce-heavy sandwiches add up.. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Schlotzsky's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Schlotzsky's cooks with Signature sourdough buns and most dressings/sauces are soybean-oil based; nothing deep-fried in-store but sauce-heavy sandwiches add up., not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Schlotzsky's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Schlotzsky's cooks with Signature sourdough buns and most dressings/sauces are soybean-oil based; nothing deep-fried in-store but sauce-heavy sandwiches add up., which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Schlotzsky's?
Tomato Basil Soup (Cup) is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Schlotzsky's, at an estimated 2.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Schlotzsky's?
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Schlotzsky'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 Schlotzsky'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.