What oil does CAVA fry in?
CAVA cooks with Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips; the only oil CAVA names anywhere on its site is the olive oil in its Crazy Feta); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying (the June 2026 Nutrition and Allergen Guide prints 2 g saturated on 26 g fat for the falafel, a 7.7% canola signature, and 7.5% on the Garlic Dressing); tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and the lemon herb tahini dressing. The Greek Vinaigrette prints 2 g saturated on 14 g fat (14.3%), which fits olive oil rather than the grapeseed oil previously assumed. CAVA publishes no oil statement of its own..
The 5 cleanest things to order at CAVA
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.
| Item | PUFA |
|---|---|
| Greyston Blondie | 0.3g |
| Roasted Eggplant | 0.6g |
| Braised Lamb (protein) | 0.7g |
| Red Pepper Hummus | 0.7g |
| Steak (protein) | 0.8g |
Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.
Why the frying oil matters
Most fast-food chains fry in seed oils like soybean, canola, corn, or a blend of them, which are high in polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). A handful still use beef tallow or other stable fats, which are far lower in PUFA. The oil a kitchen fries in is the single biggest driver of how much seed oil ends up on your plate. See the full breakdown on the CAVA report card, or where it lands on the Seed Oil Index.
Frequently asked
Does CAVA use beef tallow?
No. CAVA cooks with Olive oil (primary cooking oil for proteins, vegetables, dips; the only oil CAVA names anywhere on its site is the olive oil in its Crazy Feta); canola/vegetable oil blend for falafel frying (the June 2026 Nutrition and Allergen Guide prints 2 g saturated on 26 g fat for the falafel, a 7.7% canola signature, and 7.5% on the Garlic Dressing); tahini (sesame) contributes PUFA in spreads and the lemon herb tahini dressing. The Greek Vinaigrette prints 2 g saturated on 14 g fat (14.3%), which fits olive oil rather than the grapeseed oil previously assumed. CAVA publishes no oil statement of its own., not beef tallow. See which chains fry in real fats on Tallow Watch.