Uncle Julio's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Uncle Julio's cooks with: Soybean/corn blend (frying, chips); canola (grill/sauté); dairy/lard (refried beans, queso). Across the 82 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.1g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Uncle Julio'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: Pechuga de Pollo, 4.0g total
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Modelo Especial | 0.0g |
| Corona Extra | 0.0g |
| Sour Cream | 0.5g |
| Lime Crema | 3.5g |
| Hand Rolled Tamales | 4.0g |
What to Avoid at Uncle Julio's
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Supremo Nachos | 30.0g |
| Cowboy Queso | 22.5g |
| Chile Con Queso (Bowl) | 19.5g |
| Fajita Quesadillas | 18.0g |
| Baja Fish Tacos | 16.0g |
Frequently asked
Does Uncle Julio's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Uncle Julio's cooks with: Soybean/corn blend (frying, chips); canola (grill/sauté); dairy/lard (refried beans, queso). Across the 82 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.1g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Uncle Julio's cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean/corn blend (frying, chips); canola (grill/sauté); dairy/lard (refried beans, queso). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Uncle Julio's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Uncle Julio's cooks with Soybean/corn blend (frying, chips); canola (grill/sauté); dairy/lard (refried beans, queso), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Uncle Julio's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Uncle Julio's cooks with Soybean/corn blend (frying, chips); canola (grill/sauté); dairy/lard (refried beans, queso), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Uncle Julio's?
Modelo Especial is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Uncle Julio's, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Uncle Julio's?
Supremo Nachos is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Uncle Julio's, at an estimated 30.0g 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
Tubby's · Twin Peaks · Twistee Treat · Uno Pizzeria & Grill · Urbane Cafe · Velvet Taco
See where Uncle Julio'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.