What oil does Nathan's Famous fry in?
Nathan's Famous fries in corn oil.
In detail: Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA).
Ordering at Nathan's Famous? Build your meal in the app and see its seed oil total before you pay.
Build my orderNathan's Famous at a glance
| Fry oil (US) | Corn oil |
| Seed oils | Yes |
| Beef tallow | No |
| Peanut oil | No |
| Seed oil grade | D (9.0 g average per item, 99 items) |
| Is it a seed oil? | Corn oil: Yes |
The 5 cleanest things to order at Nathan's Famous
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 |
|---|---|
| Hot Dog | 2.0g |
| Chili Dog | 3.0g |
| Bacon Cheddar Dog | 3.0g |
| Pretzel Dog | 3.0g |
| Hamburger | 3.0g |
Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.
Build your Nathan's Famous order
Pick your meal, sides, sauces and drink in the app and see your seed oil total before you order. It logs to your day in one tap. Free on iPhone and Android.
Build my orderWhy 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 Nathan's Famous report card, or where it lands on the Seed Oil Index. See which chains fry in real fats on Tallow Watch.
Frequently asked
What oil does Nathan's Famous fry in?
Nathan's Famous fries in corn oil. In detail: Famous crinkle-cut fries fried in 100% corn oil (very high PUFA, ~15-20g per order); hot dogs are all-beef (low PUFA).
Does Nathan's Famous use seed oils?
Yes. Nathan's Famous fries in corn oil. Its seed oil grade is D, about 9.0 g of polyunsaturated fat per menu item.
Does Nathan's Famous use beef tallow?
No. Nathan's Famous fries in corn oil, not beef tallow.
Does Nathan's Famous use peanut oil?
Not that we can find. Nathan's Famous fries in corn oil. If you have a peanut allergy, ask the restaurant directly, because oils and suppliers can vary by location.
What is the lowest seed oil order at Nathan's Famous?
Hot Dog (2.0 g of polyunsaturated fat). Next: Philly Cheesesteak (3.0 g) and Coney Island Clam Chowder Bowl (3.0 g).
Which Nathan's Famous item has the most seed oil?
Hot Honey Half Chicken, at about 38.9 g of polyunsaturated fat as listed.