What oil does Portillo's fry in?
Portillo's fries in beef tallow and vegetable oil blend.
In detail: Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA).
Source: Portillo's FAQ, read October 18, 2026. Our French fries are not vegan, as they are cooked in a blend of vegetable oil and beef tallow.
Ordering at Portillo's? Build your meal in the app and see its seed oil total before you pay.
Build my orderPortillo's at a glance
| Fry oil (US) | Beef tallow and vegetable oil blend |
| Seed oils | Yes |
| Beef tallow | Yes |
| Peanut oil | No |
| Seed oil grade | C (7.5 g average per item, 163 items) |
| Last checked | October 18, 2026 |
| Is it a seed oil? | Beef tallow: No · Vegetable oil: Yes |
The 5 cleanest things to order at Portillo's
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 |
|---|---|
| Side Garden Salad (no dressing) | 0.4g |
| Classic Beef Bowl | 1.9g |
| Italian Beef (Regular Sandwich) | 2.0g |
| Chicago-Style Hot Dog | 2.8g |
| Chili Cheese Dog (Regular) | 2.8g |
Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.
Build your Portillo's 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 Portillo's 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 Portillo's fry in?
Portillo's fries in beef tallow and vegetable oil blend. In detail: Fries cooked in a beef tallow + vegetable oil blend (moderate PUFA); mayo, salad dressings and the chocolate cake use soybean oil (high PUFA).
Does Portillo's use seed oils?
Yes. Portillo's fries in beef tallow and vegetable oil blend. Its seed oil grade is C, about 7.5 g of polyunsaturated fat per menu item.
Does Portillo's use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Portillo's fries in beef tallow and vegetable oil blend.
Does Portillo's use peanut oil?
Not that we can find. Portillo's fries in beef tallow and vegetable oil blend. 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 Portillo's?
Classic Beef Bowl (1.9 g of polyunsaturated fat). Next: Italian Beef (Regular Sandwich) (2.0 g) and Chicago-Style Hot Dog (2.8 g).
Which Portillo's item has the most seed oil?
French Fries (Jumbo), at about 56.0 g of polyunsaturated fat as listed.