If you are trying to eat cleaner and avoid inflammatory oils, you have probably wondered about the cooking oils used at your favorite restaurants. CAVA is a popular spot, but is it safe for those avoiding seed oils? We did the research so you do not have to. For instant ratings on thousands of restaurants, download the Seed Oil Scout app.

Does CAVA Use Seed Oils?

Virtually everything is cooked in a sunflower-olive blend, all frying is done in canola oil. The braised lamb is not cooked in any oil, but all carb-bases contain oil. See Nutrition info for a list of safe ingredients.

Based on user reports, here is what the community has found: the chain actually uses olive oil and a few of their sauces are made without any oils at all.

CAVA receives a 2/5 Seed Oil Scout rating, which reflects how easy (or difficult) it is to avoid seed oils when ordering here.

What Oils Does CAVA Cook With?

Like many chain restaurants, CAVA relies on common cooking oils for food preparation. Based on our research and community reports, seed oils such as soybean oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil blends are used in various menu items.

These oils show up in fryers, on grills, in dressings, and in pre-made sauces. Even items that seem healthy can contain seed oils as hidden ingredients. If you want to learn more about healthier oil alternatives, check out our article on whether beef tallow is a healthy option.

What Can You Order at CAVA to Avoid Seed Oils?

Community members on Seed Oil Scout have shared some helpful tips for ordering at CAVA:

• emailed them about seed oils

These tips come from real users who have navigated the menu at CAVA while trying to avoid seed oils. You can find more tips like these on the Seed Oil Scout app.

For more strategies on dining out while avoiding seed oils, read our guide on how to avoid seed oils at restaurants.

How Does CAVA Compare to Other Fast Food Chains?

With a 2/5 rating on Seed Oil Scout, CAVA falls in line with most chain restaurants that rely heavily on seed oils. Most fast food and fast casual restaurants score between 1 and 2.5 out of 5 on our scale.

Chains that score higher typically offer more transparency about their ingredients or use alternatives like butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. If seed oil avoidance is a priority for you, the Seed Oil Scout app lets you compare thousands of restaurants side by side.

The Bottom Line

CAVA earns a 2/5 on Seed Oil Scout. This means avoiding seed oils here takes some effort and careful ordering.

The best way to stay informed is to check the Seed Oil Scout app before you eat out. Our community of health-conscious diners is constantly updating restaurant ratings and sharing tips on what to order and what to skip.

Download Seed Oil Scout today and take the guesswork out of dining out.