Restaurant Oil History: Every Documented Fry-Oil Switch
A dated record of every time a restaurant chain changed what it cooks in: the 1990 beef tallow purge, the 2005-2008 trans-fat reformulations, and the 2024-2026 return to tallow, butter, and olive oil. Each event carries a date and a source. Chains that switch away from seed oils show it on their report cards too.
2026
March 2026
Steak 'n Shake: Steak 'n Shake rolls out tater tots cooked in beef tallow
100% beef tallow (tater tots)
On March 16, 2026 the chain launched tots fried in 100% beef tallow and pointed out that tots were made that way when they were invented in the 1950s. Source
100% beef tallow (tater tots)
On March 16, 2026 the chain launched tots fried in 100% beef tallow and pointed out that tots were made that way when they were invented in the 1950s. Source
February 2026
Wienerschnitzel: Wienerschnitzel starts a beef tallow test in Corpus Christi
vegetable oil → beef tallow (test only)
Six stores in Corpus Christi, Texas filled their fryers with beef tallow instead of vegetable oil in a three month test that started in late February 2026. Fries, corn dogs, chicken tenders and jalapeno poppers all go in the tallow, and the company said it may expand the test in Texas. Source
vegetable oil → beef tallow (test only)
Six stores in Corpus Christi, Texas filled their fryers with beef tallow instead of vegetable oil in a three month test that started in late February 2026. Fries, corn dogs, chicken tenders and jalapeno poppers all go in the tallow, and the company said it may expand the test in Texas. Source
January 2026
Wienerschnitzel: Wienerschnitzel tests beef tallow fryers in Corpus Christi
vegetable oil → beef tallow (test locations only)
Six stores in Corpus Christi, Texas ran a three month test with beef tallow in the fryers instead of vegetable oil, covering fries, corn dogs, chicken tenders and jalapeno poppers. The CEO said it was about the old fry flavor, and the company said it could spread across Texas if the test goes well. Source
vegetable oil → beef tallow (test locations only)
Six stores in Corpus Christi, Texas ran a three month test with beef tallow in the fryers instead of vegetable oil, covering fries, corn dogs, chicken tenders and jalapeno poppers. The CEO said it was about the old fry flavor, and the company said it could spread across Texas if the test goes well. Source
2025
October 2025
Steak 'n Shake: Steak 'n Shake says its fries are now completely seed oil free
trace seed oil from the supplier par fry → 100% beef tallow, no seed oil at all
In October 2025 the chain posted that fries with even a trace of seed oil would no longer be served. That closed out the supplier side of the change that started back in January. Source
trace seed oil from the supplier par fry → 100% beef tallow, no seed oil at all
In October 2025 the chain posted that fries with even a trace of seed oil would no longer be served. That closed out the supplier side of the change that started back in January. Source
September 2025
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill: Mezeh starts frying falafel in fruit oil instead of seed oil
fera fruit oil from Zero Acre for frying, extra virgin olive oil everywhere else
Mezeh already cooked with extra virgin olive oil, and in September 2025 it moved its fryer to Zero Acre fruit oil so the falafel is seed oil free too. The only source is the chain's own social post, so treat the exact date as approximate. Source
fera fruit oil from Zero Acre for frying, extra virgin olive oil everywhere else
Mezeh already cooked with extra virgin olive oil, and in September 2025 it moved its fryer to Zero Acre fruit oil so the falafel is seed oil free too. The only source is the chain's own social post, so treat the exact date as approximate. Source
August 2025
BOA Steakhouse: BOA Steakhouse drops seed oils at every location
seed oils (soybean and canola style blends) → avocado oil, pomace olive oil and beef tallow
The steakhouse group pulled seed oils out of all its kitchens and swapped in avocado oil, pomace olive oil and beef tallow. It covered every menu item, not just what goes in the fryer. Source
seed oils (soybean and canola style blends) → avocado oil, pomace olive oil and beef tallow
The steakhouse group pulled seed oils out of all its kitchens and swapped in avocado oil, pomace olive oil and beef tallow. It covered every menu item, not just what goes in the fryer. Source
May 2025
In-N-Out: In-N-Out says it is hunting for a better frying oil
sunflower oil → not named yet, still sunflower oil for now
In a May 2025 update, owner Lynsi Snyder said the chain is researching a better quality oil for its fries and has already pulled cottonseed oil out of its buns. No replacement fry oil has been named. Source
sunflower oil → not named yet, still sunflower oil for now
In a May 2025 update, owner Lynsi Snyder said the chain is researching a better quality oil for its fries and has already pulled cottonseed oil out of its buns. No replacement fry oil has been named. Source
April 2025
Steak 'n Shake: Steak 'n Shake swaps its buttery blend for real Wisconsin butter
buttery blend containing seed oils → 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter
The old buttery blend had seed oils in it. The chain posted in March 2025 that starting April 2 every restaurant would use 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter instead. Source
buttery blend containing seed oils → 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter
The old buttery blend had seed oils in it. The chain posted in March 2025 that starting April 2 every restaurant would use 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter instead. Source
March 2025
Steak 'n Shake: Steak 'n Shake finishes the beef tallow switch at every location
vegetable oil → 100% beef tallow (fries, tots, onion rings, chicken tenders)
The chain announced on February 24 that some stores were already running tallow, and by March 1, 2025 all of its restaurants had made the change. It also worked with its supplier to drop the vegetable oil used to par fry the fries before shipping. Source
vegetable oil → 100% beef tallow (fries, tots, onion rings, chicken tenders)
The chain announced on February 24 that some stores were already running tallow, and by March 1, 2025 all of its restaurants had made the change. It also worked with its supplier to drop the vegetable oil used to par fry the fries before shipping. Source
March 2025
Sweetgreen: Sweetgreen puts avocado oil Ripple Fries on menus nationwide
avocado oil (air fried fries)
Sweetgreen brought Ripple Fries to all its stores on March 4, 2025 after the Los Angeles test. They are russet potatoes tossed in avocado oil and air fried, with no seed oil and no deep fryer. Source
avocado oil (air fried fries)
Sweetgreen brought Ripple Fries to all its stores on March 4, 2025 after the Los Angeles test. They are russet potatoes tossed in avocado oil and air fried, with no seed oil and no deep fryer. Source
February 2025
True Food Kitchen: True Food Kitchen goes 100 percent seed oil free
remaining industrial seed oils in packaged and prepped ingredients → avocado oil and olive oil only (100 percent of menu)
On February 4, 2025 True Food Kitchen said it had finished the job and was fully seed oil free across all 46 restaurants in 18 states. Every one of its 100 plus menu items now uses only avocado and olive oil. Source
remaining industrial seed oils in packaged and prepped ingredients → avocado oil and olive oil only (100 percent of menu)
On February 4, 2025 True Food Kitchen said it had finished the job and was fully seed oil free across all 46 restaurants in 18 states. Every one of its 100 plus menu items now uses only avocado and olive oil. Source
January 2025
Steak 'n Shake: Steak 'n Shake says all its fries are going to 100% beef tallow
vegetable oil → 100% beef tallow (fries)
The chain put out a press release on January 16, 2025 saying every location would fry its shoestring fries in 100% all natural beef tallow instead of vegetable oil by the end of February. Source
vegetable oil → 100% beef tallow (fries)
The chain put out a press release on January 16, 2025 saying every location would fry its shoestring fries in 100% all natural beef tallow instead of vegetable oil by the end of February. Source
January 2025
Sweetgreen: Sweetgreen launches menu items made without seed oils
seed oils in dressings and sauces → avocado oil (Green Goddess Ranch and new menu items)
On January 7, 2025 Sweetgreen rolled out a lineup of menu items made without seed oils, built around a Green Goddess Ranch made in house daily with avocado oil. Sweetgreen called it its first seed oil free menu, though not every dressing on the wider menu changed. Source
seed oils in dressings and sauces → avocado oil (Green Goddess Ranch and new menu items)
On January 7, 2025 Sweetgreen rolled out a lineup of menu items made without seed oils, built around a Green Goddess Ranch made in house daily with avocado oil. Sweetgreen called it its first seed oil free menu, though not every dressing on the wider menu changed. Source
2024
November 2024
Sweetgreen: Sweetgreen tests air fried Ripple Fries in avocado oil in Los Angeles
avocado oil (air fried Ripple Fries)
Sweetgreen started testing Ripple Fries at some Los Angeles stores in November 2024. They are air fried with avocado oil instead of being deep fried in seed oil, and the test went viral fast. Source
avocado oil (air fried Ripple Fries)
Sweetgreen started testing Ripple Fries at some Los Angeles stores in November 2024. They are air fried with avocado oil instead of being deep fried in seed oil, and the test went viral fast. Source
July 2024
CAVA: Cava confirms it cooks with a sunflower and olive oil blend
pressed sunflower oil blended with extra virgin olive oil
After a customer video showed the label on a Cava oil can, the company said in July 2024 that it uses pressed sunflower oil blended with its extra virgin olive oil in many recipes for consistency. Nothing changed on the menu, this was Cava putting its blend on the record. Source
pressed sunflower oil blended with extra virgin olive oil
After a customer video showed the label on a Cava oil can, the company said in July 2024 that it uses pressed sunflower oil blended with its extra virgin olive oil in many recipes for consistency. Nothing changed on the menu, this was Cava putting its blend on the record. Source
2023
November 2023
True Food Kitchen: True Food Kitchen moves its cooking to avocado and olive oil
seed oils including canola, corn, sunflower, safflower and peanut → avocado oil and olive oil
On November 30, 2023 True Food Kitchen said it had taken seed oils out of its cooking and would use only avocado and olive oil. It named canola, corn, sunflower, safflower and peanut oil as the ones it dropped. Source
seed oils including canola, corn, sunflower, safflower and peanut → avocado oil and olive oil
On November 30, 2023 True Food Kitchen said it had taken seed oils out of its cooking and would use only avocado and olive oil. It named canola, corn, sunflower, safflower and peanut oil as the ones it dropped. Source
October 2023
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Hopdoddy swaps soybean oil for Zero Acre sugarcane oil
soybean oil → Zero Acre cultured oil (fermented sugarcane)
In October 2023 Hopdoddy pulled soybean oil out of every fryer at its 10 Texas locations and put in Zero Acre oil, which is made from fermented sugarcane. Fries, loaded brussels sprouts, chicken tenders and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich all moved over, and the chain said it planned to go seed oil free at all 47 locations. Source
soybean oil → Zero Acre cultured oil (fermented sugarcane)
In October 2023 Hopdoddy pulled soybean oil out of every fryer at its 10 Texas locations and put in Zero Acre oil, which is made from fermented sugarcane. Fries, loaded brussels sprouts, chicken tenders and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich all moved over, and the chain said it planned to go seed oil free at all 47 locations. Source
October 2023
Sweetgreen: Sweetgreen starts cooking everything in extra virgin olive oil
seed oils used for roasting (sunflower type cooking oil) → extra virgin olive oil (proteins, veggies, grains)
Sweetgreen said on October 18, 2023 that starting October 24 it would cook all its proteins, veggies and grains in extra virgin olive oil instead of seed oils. The olive oil comes from Bari Olive Oil Company in California, with Texas Olive Ranch supplying Texas stores. Source
seed oils used for roasting (sunflower type cooking oil) → extra virgin olive oil (proteins, veggies, grains)
Sweetgreen said on October 18, 2023 that starting October 24 it would cook all its proteins, veggies and grains in extra virgin olive oil instead of seed oils. The olive oil comes from Bari Olive Oil Company in California, with Texas Olive Ranch supplying Texas stores. Source
September 2023
Shake Shack: Shake Shack tests Zero Acre sugarcane oil at two NYC shops
soybean oil → Zero Acre cultured oil (fermented sugarcane)
Starting September 18, 2023 Shake Shack fried everything in Zero Acre oil instead of soybean oil at its Hudson Yards and Battery Park City locations. It was a two store test tied to NYC Climate Week and covered crinkle cut fries, the Chicken Shack, Chicken Bites and the fried veggie items. Source
soybean oil → Zero Acre cultured oil (fermented sugarcane)
Starting September 18, 2023 Shake Shack fried everything in Zero Acre oil instead of soybean oil at its Hudson Yards and Battery Park City locations. It was a two store test tied to NYC Climate Week and covered crinkle cut fries, the Chicken Shack, Chicken Bites and the fried veggie items. Source
2022
2022
True Food Kitchen: True Food Kitchen commits to only avocado and olive oil
industrial seed oils → avocado oil and olive oil
True Food Kitchen decided in 2022 to cook with avocado oil and olive oil only, and got seed oils out of about 98 percent of the menu. The company shared this timeline in its later 2025 announcement, so the month is not documented. Source
industrial seed oils → avocado oil and olive oil
True Food Kitchen decided in 2022 to cook with avocado oil and olive oil only, and got seed oils out of about 98 percent of the menu. The company shared this timeline in its later 2025 announcement, so the month is not documented. Source
2015
April 2015
Chipotle: Chipotle drops soybean oil for sunflower and rice bran oil
soybean oil → sunflower oil (chips and taco shells) and rice bran oil (grilling and sauteing)
Chipotle announced on April 27, 2015 that it had removed GMO ingredients from its food, and part of that was dropping soybean oil. Chips and taco shells moved to sunflower oil and the rest of the cooking moved to rice bran oil, both picked because there are no GMO versions of those crops. Source
soybean oil → sunflower oil (chips and taco shells) and rice bran oil (grilling and sauteing)
Chipotle announced on April 27, 2015 that it had removed GMO ingredients from its food, and part of that was dropping soybean oil. Chips and taco shells moved to sunflower oil and the rest of the cooking moved to rice bran oil, both picked because there are no GMO versions of those crops. Source
2008
October 2008
Burger King: Burger King finishes its trans fat free oil rollout
partially hydrogenated frying oil → two proprietary blends of three oils, zero grams trans fat
On October 2, 2008 Burger King said all of its US restaurants were cooking in trans fat free oil, using two proprietary three oil blends it never named publicly. Remaining menu ingredients were due to hit zero grams trans fat by November 1 that year. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → two proprietary blends of three oils, zero grams trans fat
On October 2, 2008 Burger King said all of its US restaurants were cooking in trans fat free oil, using two proprietary three oil blends it never named publicly. Remaining menu ingredients were due to hit zero grams trans fat by November 1 that year. Source
October 2008
Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A clears artificial trans fat off its whole menu
partially hydrogenated oils in fries, biscuits and desserts → peanut oil (chicken), trans fat free oils elsewhere
Chick-fil-A announced on October 9, 2008 that its entire menu was free of artificial trans fat, after two years of reworking the waffle fries, biscuits, desserts and sauces. The chicken itself was already pressure cooked in peanut oil, and the fries run in their own fryer. Source
partially hydrogenated oils in fries, biscuits and desserts → peanut oil (chicken), trans fat free oils elsewhere
Chick-fil-A announced on October 9, 2008 that its entire menu was free of artificial trans fat, after two years of reworking the waffle fries, biscuits, desserts and sauces. The chicken itself was already pressure cooked in peanut oil, and the fries run in their own fryer. Source
May 2008
McDonald's: McDonald's fries go trans fat free in the US and Canada
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → canola, corn and soy oil blend (zero grams trans fat)
By May 2008 every McDonald's in the US and Canada was frying in the new canola, corn and soy blend, covering fries, hash browns, chicken, fish and biscuits. Baked goods, pies and cookies were set to follow by the end of the year. Source
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → canola, corn and soy oil blend (zero grams trans fat)
By May 2008 every McDonald's in the US and Canada was frying in the new canola, corn and soy blend, covering fries, hash browns, chicken, fish and biscuits. Baked goods, pies and cookies were set to follow by the end of the year. Source
January 2008
Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme reformulates its doughnuts with a palm and vegetable oil mix
partially hydrogenated shortening → mix of palm and vegetable oil
Krispy Kreme said on January 7, 2008 that every product it sells in the US has zero grams trans fat. It had been piloting the new recipe around the country for several months, replacing the old shortening with a mix of palm and vegetable oil. Source
partially hydrogenated shortening → mix of palm and vegetable oil
Krispy Kreme said on January 7, 2008 that every product it sells in the US has zero grams trans fat. It had been piloting the new recipe around the country for several months, replacing the old shortening with a mix of palm and vegetable oil. Source
2007
October 2007
Dunkin' Donuts: Dunkin' Donuts goes zero trans fat with a palm, soybean and cottonseed blend
partially hydrogenated oils → blend of palm, soybean and cottonseed oils
Dunkin' announced on August 27, 2007 that its whole menu would be zero grams trans fat nationwide by October 15, 2007. About 400 stores had already run the new blend of palm, soybean and cottonseed oils through a four month test. Baskin-Robbins followed by January 1, 2008. Source
partially hydrogenated oils → blend of palm, soybean and cottonseed oils
Dunkin' announced on August 27, 2007 that its whole menu would be zero grams trans fat nationwide by October 15, 2007. About 400 stores had already run the new blend of palm, soybean and cottonseed oils through a four month test. Baskin-Robbins followed by January 1, 2008. Source
October 2007
IHOP: IHOP pulls trans fat frying oil from all its restaurants
frying oil containing artificial trans fat → trans fat free frying oil
IHOP said on October 1, 2007 that it would have artificial trans fat out of the frying oil at all 1,319 restaurants by the end of that year. It had been testing replacement oils with suppliers since 2006. Source
frying oil containing artificial trans fat → trans fat free frying oil
IHOP said on October 1, 2007 that it would have artificial trans fat out of the frying oil at all 1,319 restaurants by the end of that year. It had been testing replacement oils with suppliers since 2006. Source
July 2007
Burger King: Burger King sets a deadline to drop trans fat oil
partially hydrogenated frying oil → trans fat free frying oil, blend not named at the time
In July 2007 Burger King said every US restaurant would be frying in trans fat free oil by the end of 2008. The company did not say at the time which oils the new blends would be built from. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → trans fat free frying oil, blend not named at the time
In July 2007 Burger King said every US restaurant would be frying in trans fat free oil by the end of 2008. The company did not say at the time which oils the new blends would be built from. Source
July 2007
Whataburger: Whataburger starts moving off trans fat frying oils
partially hydrogenated frying oil → trans fat free cooking oils, soybean based
Whataburger said in July 2007 that after about 18 months of testing it would phase in trans fat free cooking oils as they became available. Burgers, breakfast items and taquitos were due to be trans fat free by that fall. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → trans fat free cooking oils, soybean based
Whataburger said in July 2007 that after about 18 months of testing it would phase in trans fat free cooking oils as they became available. Burgers, breakfast items and taquitos were due to be trans fat free by that fall. Source
June 2007
Arby's: Arby's fries move to non hydrogenated corn oil
partially hydrogenated oil → non hydrogenated corn oil
Arby's announced the change in late November 2006 and said in June 2007 that every US restaurant had made the switch. The frying oil went from partially hydrogenated to non hydrogenated corn oil, and its potato suppliers stopped using hydrogenated oil in the par fry step too. Source
partially hydrogenated oil → non hydrogenated corn oil
Arby's announced the change in late November 2006 and said in June 2007 that every US restaurant had made the switch. The frying oil went from partially hydrogenated to non hydrogenated corn oil, and its potato suppliers stopped using hydrogenated oil in the par fry step too. Source
May 2007
Applebee's: Applebee's moves its fryers to a zero trans fat soybean blend
partially hydrogenated frying oil → zero trans fat soybean oil blend
By mid May 2007 Applebee's had converted frying oil at more than 1,800 US restaurants to a soybean oil blend with no trans fat. Pan and grill oils were set to follow within weeks. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → zero trans fat soybean oil blend
By mid May 2007 Applebee's had converted frying oil at more than 1,800 US restaurants to a soybean oil blend with no trans fat. Pan and grill oils were set to follow within weeks. Source
May 2007
Church's Chicken: Church's Chicken promises to go trans fat free
partially hydrogenated frying oil → trans fat free frying oil (promised)
In May 2007 Church's told the Center for Science in the Public Interest it planned to move to trans fat free ingredients by the end of that year or early 2008. CSPI reported in September 2013 that the chainwide change still had not happened, and that trans fat free oil was only being used in places like California and New York City where the law required it. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → trans fat free frying oil (promised)
In May 2007 Church's told the Center for Science in the Public Interest it planned to move to trans fat free ingredients by the end of that year or early 2008. CSPI reported in September 2013 that the chainwide change still had not happened, and that trans fat free oil was only being used in places like California and New York City where the law required it. Source
May 2007
Cracker Barrel: Cracker Barrel sets a plan to drop artificial trans fat
oils and ingredients containing artificial trans fat → trans fat free oils and ingredients
On May 17, 2007 Cracker Barrel laid out a plan to take artificial trans fat out of every item on its menu by the middle of 2008. The company said it had been reworking recipes with suppliers since late 2006. Source
oils and ingredients containing artificial trans fat → trans fat free oils and ingredients
On May 17, 2007 Cracker Barrel laid out a plan to take artificial trans fat out of every item on its menu by the middle of 2008. The company said it had been reworking recipes with suppliers since late 2006. Source
May 2007
Popeyes: Popeyes finishes trans fat cuts on biscuits and fries
partially hydrogenated shortening → reduced trans fat shortening (biscuits and fries)
By May 2007 Popeyes had rolled out zero gram trans fat biscuits to all 1,878 of its US restaurants and brought its fries down to one gram per serving. The core fried chicken still carried up to 1.5 grams of artificial trans fat while the company kept testing a new shortening for it. Source
partially hydrogenated shortening → reduced trans fat shortening (biscuits and fries)
By May 2007 Popeyes had rolled out zero gram trans fat biscuits to all 1,878 of its US restaurants and brought its fries down to one gram per serving. The core fried chicken still carried up to 1.5 grams of artificial trans fat while the company kept testing a new shortening for it. Source
April 2007
KFC: KFC swaps partially hydrogenated soybean oil for low linolenic soybean oil
partially hydrogenated soybean oil → low linolenic soybean oil
KFC said in October 2006 it would drop partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and it finished converting all 5,500 US restaurants by the end of April 2007. The replacement was low linolenic soybean oil, which is still a seed oil, just one without the trans fat. Source
partially hydrogenated soybean oil → low linolenic soybean oil
KFC said in October 2006 it would drop partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and it finished converting all 5,500 US restaurants by the end of April 2007. The replacement was low linolenic soybean oil, which is still a seed oil, just one without the trans fat. Source
April 2007
Taco Bell: Taco Bell moves its fryers to zero trans fat canola oil
partially hydrogenated soybean oil → canola oil (low linolenic soybean oil at KFC co-branded stores)
Taco Bell announced the change in November 2006 and finished at its roughly 4,200 single brand US stores by April 2007. The new oil was a naturally stable canola oil developed by Dow AgroSciences. About 1,400 stores shared with KFC went to low linolenic soybean oil instead. Source
partially hydrogenated soybean oil → canola oil (low linolenic soybean oil at KFC co-branded stores)
Taco Bell announced the change in November 2006 and finished at its roughly 4,200 single brand US stores by April 2007. The new oil was a naturally stable canola oil developed by Dow AgroSciences. About 1,400 stores shared with KFC went to low linolenic soybean oil instead. Source
March 2007
Culver's: Culver's finishes its move to 100% canola oil
partially hydrogenated cooking oil (later a 20% reduced trans fat oil) → 100% canola oil
Culver's announced the plan in December 2006 and had every restaurant on 100 percent canola oil by March 1, 2007. It took about two years of testing with Cargill to land on the replacement. Source
partially hydrogenated cooking oil (later a 20% reduced trans fat oil) → 100% canola oil
Culver's announced the plan in December 2006 and had every restaurant on 100 percent canola oil by March 1, 2007. It took about two years of testing with Cargill to land on the replacement. Source
March 2007
Denny's: Denny's finishes its trans fat free oil rollout
oil containing trans fat → trans fat free cooking oil
A Denny's release from March 2007 said the chain had completed the switch to trans fat free cooking oil in all of its restaurants. Denny's also started testing trans fat free margarine and spreads at the same time. Source
oil containing trans fat → trans fat free cooking oil
A Denny's release from March 2007 said the chain had completed the switch to trans fat free cooking oil in all of its restaurants. Denny's also started testing trans fat free margarine and spreads at the same time. Source
January 2007
McDonald's: McDonald's settles on a canola based fry oil
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → canola based blend with corn and soy oil
On January 30, 2007 McDonald's confirmed it had finally picked a trans fat free oil, a canola based blend that also has corn and soy oil in it. The oil was already in more than 1,200 US restaurants and was being phased in everywhere else. Source
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → canola based blend with corn and soy oil
On January 30, 2007 McDonald's confirmed it had finally picked a trans fat free oil, a canola based blend that also has corn and soy oil in it. The oil was already in more than 1,200 US restaurants and was being phased in everywhere else. Source
2006
December 2006
Olive Garden: Olive Garden fryers switch to zero trans fat canola
partially hydrogenated frying oil → zero trans fat canola oil
The same Darden announcement on December 13, 2006 covered Olive Garden, with the full changeover due by the end of November 2007. Darden said the new canola oils came out of 18 months of testing and customer feedback. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → zero trans fat canola oil
The same Darden announcement on December 13, 2006 covered Olive Garden, with the full changeover due by the end of November 2007. Darden said the new canola oils came out of 18 months of testing and customer feedback. Source
December 2006
Red Lobster: Darden moves Red Lobster fryers to zero trans fat canola
partially hydrogenated frying oil → zero trans fat canola oil
On December 13, 2006 Darden said Red Lobster would finish switching to zero trans fat canola frying oil by the end of November 2007. More than 100 restaurants were already using it after about 18 months of testing. Source
partially hydrogenated frying oil → zero trans fat canola oil
On December 13, 2006 Darden said Red Lobster would finish switching to zero trans fat canola frying oil by the end of November 2007. More than 100 restaurants were already using it after about 18 months of testing. Source
October 2006
KFC: KFC says it will drop partially hydrogenated soybean oil
partially hydrogenated soybean oil → low linolenic soybean oil
On October 30, 2006 KFC announced it would start frying Original Recipe, Extra Crispy and potato wedges in low linolenic soybean oil instead of partially hydrogenated soybean oil. The point was to get to zero grams of trans fat per serving. Source
partially hydrogenated soybean oil → low linolenic soybean oil
On October 30, 2006 KFC announced it would start frying Original Recipe, Extra Crispy and potato wedges in low linolenic soybean oil instead of partially hydrogenated soybean oil. The point was to get to zero grams of trans fat per serving. Source
August 2006
Wendy's: Wendy's finishes its switch to a non hydrogenated soy and corn oil blend
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → non hydrogenated soy and corn oil blend
Wendy's said in June 2006 it would convert, and announced on August 24, 2006 that all of its US restaurants were done. Fries and breaded chicken went from partially hydrogenated oil to a soy and corn blend with zero grams of trans fat per serving. Source
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → non hydrogenated soy and corn oil blend
Wendy's said in June 2006 it would convert, and announced on August 24, 2006 that all of its US restaurants were done. Fries and breaded chicken went from partially hydrogenated oil to a soy and corn blend with zero grams of trans fat per serving. Source
June 2006
Wendy's: Wendy's switches fries and breaded chicken to a corn and soy blend
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → non hydrogenated corn and soy oil blend
Wendy's announced the change on June 8, 2006 after about a year of testing in Florida, North Carolina, West Virginia and Ontario. Rollout to all 6,300 US and Canadian restaurants started that August and cut trans fat in those items by about 95 percent. Source
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → non hydrogenated corn and soy oil blend
Wendy's announced the change on June 8, 2006 after about a year of testing in Florida, North Carolina, West Virginia and Ontario. Rollout to all 6,300 US and Canadian restaurants started that August and cut trans fat in those items by about 95 percent. Source
2005
September 2005
Elevation Burger: Elevation Burger opens frying its fries in olive oil
100% olive oil (fries)
Elevation Burger opened its first store in Falls Church, Virginia in September 2005 and cooked its fresh cut fries in 100 percent olive oil. Press coverage of the chain by 2010 already treats the olive oil fries as its signature, and the company still lists olive oil for fries today. Source
100% olive oil (fries)
Elevation Burger opened its first store in Falls Church, Virginia in September 2005 and cooked its fresh cut fries in 100 percent olive oil. Press coverage of the chain by 2010 already treats the olive oil fries as its signature, and the company still lists olive oil for fries today. Source
2002
September 2002
McDonald's: McDonald's promises a lower trans fat fry oil, then stalls
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → a lower trans fat oil that was promised but not delivered on time
McDonald's said in September 2002 it would move to a fry oil with much less trans fat by early 2003. The switch did not happen on that timeline, and in February 2005 the company paid 8.5 million dollars to settle lawsuits over how it handled the delay. Source
partially hydrogenated vegetable oil → a lower trans fat oil that was promised but not delivered on time
McDonald's said in September 2002 it would move to a fry oil with much less trans fat by early 2003. The switch did not happen on that timeline, and in February 2005 the company paid 8.5 million dollars to settle lawsuits over how it handled the delay. Source
1990
July 1990
McDonald's: McDonald's drops beef tallow from its fryers
93% beef tallow, 7% cottonseed oil blend → 100% vegetable oil with beef flavoring added
After eight years of study and a loud public campaign over saturated fat, McDonald's said on July 23, 1990 that it would cook fries in vegetable oil instead of beef tallow. The change was phased in across US stores by the end of that year. Source
93% beef tallow, 7% cottonseed oil blend → 100% vegetable oil with beef flavoring added
After eight years of study and a loud public campaign over saturated fat, McDonald's said on July 23, 1990 that it would cook fries in vegetable oil instead of beef tallow. The change was phased in across US stores by the end of that year. Source
1990
Burger King: Burger King follows McDonald's off beef tallow
beef tallow based frying fat → vegetable oil
Weeks after McDonald's made its move in July 1990, Burger King said its fries would be cooked in vegetable oil too, with the change finished chainwide that fall. Contemporary coverage is thin, so treat the exact month as approximate. Source
beef tallow based frying fat → vegetable oil
Weeks after McDonald's made its move in July 1990, Burger King said its fries would be cooked in vegetable oil too, with the change finished chainwide that fall. Contemporary coverage is thin, so treat the exact month as approximate. Source
1988
1988
Outback Steakhouse: Outback has fried in beef tallow since it opened in 1988
beef tallow (all fried items)
Outback never followed the industry over to vegetable oil. A company spokeswoman confirmed in 2025 that the Bloomin' Onion and the rest of the fried menu still go into beef tallow. Source
beef tallow (all fried items)
Outback never followed the industry over to vegetable oil. A company spokeswoman confirmed in 2025 that the Bloomin' Onion and the rest of the fried menu still go into beef tallow. Source
1986
1986
Five Guys: Five Guys has cooked fries in peanut oil since 1986
100% refined peanut oil (fries)
Five Guys opened in 1986 and its own food page still says the hand cut fries are cooked in 100 percent refined peanut oil. Peanut oil has been the only fryer oil the chain talks about since the first store. Source
100% refined peanut oil (fries)
Five Guys opened in 1986 and its own food page still says the hand cut fries are cooked in 100 percent refined peanut oil. Peanut oil has been the only fryer oil the chain talks about since the first store. Source
1964
1964
Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A starts frying its chicken in peanut oil
100% refined peanut oil (chicken)
Truett Cathy launched the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich in 1964 and pressure cooked it in peanut oil because he thought it did not overpower the taste of the chicken. The company still says it has cooked its hand breaded chicken in fully refined peanut oil ever since. Source
100% refined peanut oil (chicken)
Truett Cathy launched the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich in 1964 and pressure cooked it in peanut oil because he thought it did not overpower the taste of the chicken. The company still says it has cooked its hand breaded chicken in fully refined peanut oil ever since. Source
Why keep this history?
Oil switches are quiet. A chain reformulates, the press release fades, and a few years later nobody remembers what the fries used to cook in. This page keeps the receipts, in both directions: the chains that walked away from animal fats decades ago and the ones bringing them back now. Spot a switch we missed? Tell us through the app and we will verify and add it.