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What oil does TravelCenters of America fry in?

TravelCenters of America most likely fries in soybean and canola oil, but the chain has not confirmed it.

In detail: soybean/canola (assumed for fryer/roller-grill and grab-n-go items; TA's official nutrition pages list total fat and saturated fat but do not name the fry oil, so PUFA here is estimated from a soybean-oil-dominant blend, the common commodity fryer oil at US travel centers).

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TravelCenters of America at a glance

Fry oil (US)Soybean and canola oil (estimated)
Seed oilsYes
Beef tallowNo
Peanut oilNo
Seed oil gradeF (12.3 g average per item, 32 items)
Is it a seed oil?Soybean oil: Yes · Canola oil: Yes
FExtreme Risk: 12.3g avg PUFA/item across 32 items

The 5 cleanest things to order at TravelCenters of America

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.

ItemPUFA
Grilled Chicken Dinner4.0g
Pork Chop Dinner4.7g
French Toast Combo5.0g
Caesar Salad5.0g
Chicken Club Lite Salad7.9g

Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.

Build your TravelCenters of America 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.

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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 TravelCenters of America 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 TravelCenters of America fry in?

TravelCenters of America most likely fries in soybean and canola oil, but the chain has not confirmed it. In detail: soybean/canola (assumed for fryer/roller-grill and grab-n-go items; TA's official nutrition pages list total fat and saturated fat but do not name the fry oil, so PUFA here is estimated from a soybean-oil-dominant blend, the common commodity fryer oil at US travel centers).

Does TravelCenters of America use seed oils?

Yes. TravelCenters of America most likely fries in soybean and canola oil. The chain has not confirmed it. Its seed oil grade is F, about 12.3 g of polyunsaturated fat per menu item.

Does TravelCenters of America use beef tallow?

No. TravelCenters of America most likely fries in soybean and canola oil, not beef tallow. The chain has not confirmed it.

Does TravelCenters of America use peanut oil?

Not that we can find. TravelCenters of America most likely fries in soybean and canola oil. The chain has not confirmed it. 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 TravelCenters of America?

Caesar Salad (5.0 g of polyunsaturated fat). Next: Chicken Club Lite Salad (7.9 g) and Chicken Tenders (8.0 g).

Which TravelCenters of America item has the most seed oil?

Onion Rings, at about 39.0 g of polyunsaturated fat as listed.

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