Does Shake Shack Use Seed Oils?

Shake Shack has become iconic in recent years for their delicious burgers, fries, and shakes. But with all this success, one question remains: does Shake Shack use seed oils in their food?

Yes, Shake Shack uses seed oils.

Shake Shack is one of the most popular fast food chains in the United States - and, increasingly, the world. The chain's first location opened in New York City's Madison Square Park in 2001 as a humble hotdog stand. 

Since then, the chain has expanded to more states and even outside the US. The primary focus of the menu is burgers and shakes, but they also serve hot dogs, fries, and a variety of other fast food staples.

However, those looking to avoid seed oils might want to think twice before chowing down at Shake Shack. The chain uses soybean and canola oil in their food, both of which are seed oils. As we'll explore below, seed oils are not the healthiest choice - in fact, they can be downright dangerous.

What are Seed Oils?

Seed oils are a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of plants. There are many different seed oils, but some of the most common ones include soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil.

All seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids. This means they contain a high level of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that our bodies need to function properly. 

However, the problem with seed oils is that they also contain a high level of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is a pro-inflammatory fatty acid that can lead to all sorts of health problems when consumed in excess.

Are Seed Oils Dangerous?

The main reason why seed oils are dangerous is that they contribute to inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Another issue with seed oils is that they are unstable. This means that they tend to go rancid easily, which can lead to the formation of harmful compounds called lipid peroxides. Lipid peroxides can damage cells and DNA and may even increase cancer risk.

How Does Shake Shack Use Seed Oils?

Shake Shack uses soybean, canola oil and sunflower oil in their food. Soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and contains a high level of linoleic acid. Canola oil is also high in omega-6 fatty acids but has a lower level of linoleic acid than soybean oil.

The fries are cooked in soybean oil, the ShakeSauce and herb mayo use canola oil. Their honey mustard uses soybean oil.

The regular bun contains sunflower oil and the gluten free bun contains canola oil.

Burgers, hot dogs and bacon are cooked without additional oil, if you want to avoid seed oils entirely you can order them with a lettuce wrapped bun and ketchup or mustard.

The Seed Oil Scout Verdict: Dine Shamefully

At Seed Oil Scout, we are on a mission to help you become aware of the seed oils in your food so that you can make informed decisions about what you eat. 

With that said, we understand that sometimes you just want to enjoy a delicious burger or fry without worrying about the ingredients.

When it comes to seed oils, Shake Shack falls under the "Dine Shamefully" category. This means that while the food may be delicious, it's not exactly healthy - and it's certainly not seed oil free. In fact, it may be nearly impossible to avoid seed oils at Shake Shack unless you're willing to forgo some of their signature menu items.

So, if you're looking to avoid seed oils, we recommend that you steer clear of Shake Shack.

To discover alternative options where you can dine seed oil-free, be sure to check out the Seed Oil Scout app! We'll help you find restaurants and fast food chains that use healthier oils in their food - and with a localized search, it's easy to find options near you. Download the app today and start eating seed oil-free!