What oil does KFC fry in?
KFC cooks with low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends.
The 5 cleanest things to order at KFC
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 |
|---|---|
| Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast | 2.0g |
| Kentucky Grilled Chicken Thigh | 3.0g |
| Mac & Cheese | 3.0g |
| Ruthye's Sweet Chili Revenge Sauce | 3.0g |
| Extra Crispy Drumstick | 5.0g |
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 KFC report card, or where it lands on the Seed Oil Index.
Frequently asked
Does KFC use beef tallow?
No. KFC cooks with low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends, not beef tallow. See which chains fry in real fats on Tallow Watch.