Does Chick-Fil-A Use Seed Oils?

Chick-fil-a has become the go-to restaurant for many Americans who are looking for a quick and delicious meal. However, lurking within this beloved restaurant chain are some troubling ingredients - seed oils.

Yes, Chick-fil-a uses seed oils.

When it comes to fast-food restaurant chains, Chick-fil-A has become one of the most popular in recent years. You can't even say "chicken sandwich" without people thinking of Chick-fil-A. 

And part of the reason for their success is that they offer a variety of menu items that appeal to a wide range of people. They have salads and wraps for those looking for something lighter and burgers and chicken nuggets for those who want something more filling.

But one thing that Chick-fil-A is known for is their use of seed oils in their products. Seed oils, made from plants' seeds like sunflowers and canola, are often used in processed foods as a cheaper alternative to other oils. But they're also high in unhealthy fats, and some studies have linked them to health problems like obesity and heart disease.

The Problem with Seed Oils

Seed oils sound healthy, right? They're made from plants, after all. But the problem is that they're highly processed. Manufacturers use a process that involves harsh chemicals and high temperatures to extract the oil from the seeds. This processing can damage the healthy fats in the oil, making them less healthy for you to consume.

And seed oils are also high in unhealthy fats. They're high in omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked to inflammation and other health problems. Seed oils are also often highly refined, meaning they've been stripped of many healthy antioxidants and other nutrients.

So why do restaurants like Chick-fil-A use seed oils? Part of the reason is that they're cheaper than other oils. But seed oils are also used because they can help extend food's shelf life and make it less likely to spoil. But even in the most healthy menu options, high levels of unhealthy fats can lead to health problems down the road.

How Chick-fil-A Uses Seed Oils

The Chick-fil-a menu features items such as salads, wraps, burgers, and chicken nuggets. But many of these items contain seed oils. For example, the grilled chicken patty and bun both contain soybean oil. The chicken nuggets are also coated in a mixture of soybean and peanut oils. And their buttered biscuit uses seed oils as well.

And it's not just the chicken that contains seed oils. The sauces served at Chick-fil-A - one of their most iconic offerings - also contain soybean oil. This includes the BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, and ranch dressing. The sweet and spicy sriracha sauce and the vinaigrette dressings are the only sauces that don't contain soybean oil.

The fryer oil doesn't offer much more hope. According to research, the chain uses peanut oils to fry its foods. Peanut oil is high in unhealthy fats and has been linked to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and many other chronic conditions.

So, if you're looking for a healthier option at Chick-fil-A, you might want to steer clear of the chicken and opt for one of their salads instead. But even the salads come with a caveat - many of the dressings contain seed oils. So, if you're looking for a truly healthy meal, you might want to bring your own dressing or order the salad without dressing.

The Seed Oil Scout Verdict: Assume The Worst

Chick-fil-a has quickly risen to become a powerhouse in the fast food industry. But their use of seed oils in many of their products is cause for concern. Building a meal at Chick-fil-a that doesn't contain seed oils is difficult, if not impossible.

So, our advice is to assume the worst and steer clear of this restaurant if you're looking for a healthy option. There are better choices out there for those who want to eat healthy. Chick-fil-a may be convenient, but it's not worth sacrificing your health for.

Check out the Seed Oil Scout app to find potential alternatives to Chick-fil-a. With a few clicks, you can find a healthier option near you and avoid seed oils altogether. So, download the app today and start eating healthier. We are on a mission to make eating healthy easier for everyone - so download the app and join us!