Shoney's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Shoney's cooks with: soybean oil assumed for fryer (not disclosed on shoneys.com; soybean is the dominant U.S. casual-dining fryer oil, ~70% market share); griddle items use liquid margarine/vegetable oil blend. Across the 18 menu items we analyzed, it averages 9.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of D (Very High Risk).
Safest Orders at Shoney'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: Liver & Onions, 4.0g total
| Liver & Onions | 4.0g PUFA |
| Buttermilk Pancakes (3) | 5.0g PUFA |
| Cobb Salad | 6.0g PUFA |
| Caesar Salad | 7.0g PUFA |
| Breakfast Bar Plate (Eggs, Bacon, Hash Browns) | 8.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Shoney's
| Fish 'N Chips Platter | 15.0g PUFA |
| Country Fried Steak Breakfast w/ Biscuit & Gravy | 14.0g PUFA |
| Fried Catfish Platter | 14.0g PUFA |
| Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders (5 pc) | 13.0g PUFA |
| Country Fried Steak Dinner (mashed potatoes & gravy) | 12.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Shoney's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Shoney's cooks with: soybean oil assumed for fryer (not disclosed on shoneys.com; soybean is the dominant U.S. casual-dining fryer oil, ~70% market share); griddle items use liquid margarine/vegetable oil blend. Across the 18 menu items we analyzed, it averages 9.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of D (Very High Risk).
What oil does Shoney's cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean oil assumed for fryer (not disclosed on shoneys.com; soybean is the dominant U.S. casual-dining fryer oil, ~70% market share); griddle items use liquid margarine/vegetable oil blend. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Shoney's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Shoney's cooks with soybean oil assumed for fryer (not disclosed on shoneys.com; soybean is the dominant U.S. casual-dining fryer oil, ~70% market share); griddle items use liquid margarine/vegetable oil blend, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Shoney's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Shoney's cooks with soybean oil assumed for fryer (not disclosed on shoneys.com; soybean is the dominant U.S. casual-dining fryer oil, ~70% market share); griddle items use liquid margarine/vegetable oil blend, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Shoney's?
Liver & Onions is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Shoney's, at an estimated 4.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Shoney's?
Fish 'N Chips Platter is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Shoney's, at an estimated 15.0g 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 Shoney'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.