What oil does PDQ fry in?
PDQ cooks with canola oil.
In detail: canola.
Ordering at PDQ? Build your meal in the app and see its seed oil total before you pay.
Build my orderPDQ at a glance
| Fry oil (US) | Canola oil |
| Seed oils | Yes |
| Beef tallow | No |
| Peanut oil | No |
| Seed oil grade | C (6.1 g average per item, 69 items) |
| Is it a seed oil? | Canola oil: Yes |
The 5 cleanest things to order at PDQ
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 |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Tenders 3 Piece | 0.3g |
| Grilled Chicken Tenders 4 Piece | 0.4g |
| Grilled Chicken Tenders 5 Piece | 0.5g |
| Grilled Chicken Nuggets 8 Piece | 2.0g |
| Grilled Chicken Nuggets 12 Piece | 3.0g |
Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.
Build your PDQ 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 PDQ 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 PDQ fry in?
PDQ cooks with canola oil. In detail: canola.
Does PDQ use seed oils?
Yes. PDQ cooks with canola oil. Its seed oil grade is C, about 6.1 g of polyunsaturated fat per menu item.
Does PDQ use beef tallow?
No. PDQ cooks with canola oil, not beef tallow.
Does PDQ use peanut oil?
Not that we can find. PDQ cooks with canola 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 PDQ?
Grilled Chicken Tenders 3 Piece (0.3 g of polyunsaturated fat). Next: Grilled Chicken Tenders 4 Piece (0.4 g) and Grilled Chicken Tenders 5 Piece (0.5 g).
Which PDQ item has the most seed oil?
Sauced Crispy Nuggets 12 Piece, at about 17.0 g of polyunsaturated fat as listed.