What oil does Pilot Flying J fry in?
Pilot Flying J fries in soybean oil.
In detail: Fryer is "Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ" per the chain's own ingredient statements (wings, tenders, chicken filets) - confirmed. Biscuits use hydrogenated palm kernel oil shortening. Tornados are soybean/canola/corn; tortillas are palm; the tater tots par-fry is canola/palm/soybean/sunflower. Ranch is soybean. Pizza dough uses a palm/soybean/canola blend.
Ordering at Pilot Flying J? Build your meal in the app and see its seed oil total before you pay.
Build my orderPilot Flying J at a glance
| Fry oil (US) | Soybean oil |
| Seed oils | Yes |
| Beef tallow | No |
| Peanut oil | No |
| Seed oil grade | C (7.1 g average per item, 34 items) |
| Is it a seed oil? | Soybean oil: Yes |
The 5 cleanest things to order at Pilot Flying J
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 |
|---|---|
| All-Beef Hot Dog w/ Bun | 1.7g |
| Buffalo Rollerbite | 2.1g |
| Cheesy Pepper Jack Tornado | 3.5g |
| Cheese Pizza (1 slice) | 4.4g |
| Cheesy Burger Tornado | 5.0g |
Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.
Build your Pilot Flying J 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 Pilot Flying J 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 Pilot Flying J fry in?
Pilot Flying J fries in soybean oil. In detail: Fryer is "Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ" per the chain's own ingredient statements (wings, tenders, chicken filets) - confirmed. Biscuits use hydrogenated palm kernel oil shortening. Tornados are soybean/canola/corn; tortillas are palm; the tater tots par-fry is canola/palm/soybean/sunflower. Ranch is soybean. Pizza dough uses a palm/soybean/canola blend.
Does Pilot Flying J use seed oils?
Yes. Pilot Flying J fries in soybean oil. Its seed oil grade is C, about 7.1 g of polyunsaturated fat per menu item.
Does Pilot Flying J use beef tallow?
No. Pilot Flying J fries in soybean oil, not beef tallow.
Does Pilot Flying J use peanut oil?
Not that we can find. Pilot Flying J fries in soybean 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 Pilot Flying J?
All-Beef Hot Dog w/ Bun (1.7 g of polyunsaturated fat). Next: Cheese Pizza (1 slice) (4.4 g) and Cheesy Burger Tornado (5.0 g).
Which Pilot Flying J item has the most seed oil?
Chicken Tenders (5 pc), at about 23.2 g of polyunsaturated fat as listed.