Abuelo's Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Abuelo's cooks with: Soybean/canola blend (deep frying); dairy fat (queso, cheese); avocado (guacamole); minimal grilling oil (fajitas). Across the 89 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Abuelo's
| El Jefe Margarita | 0.0g PUFA |
| La Grandeza Margarita | 0.0g PUFA |
| The Original Margarita | 0.0g PUFA |
| Raspberry Hibiscus Margarita | 0.0g PUFA |
| Skinny Margarita | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Abuelo's
| Nachos Grande | 19.0g PUFA |
| Fajita Chimichanga | 17.0g PUFA |
| Chile Rellenos | 14.0g PUFA |
| The Grande | 14.0g PUFA |
| Los Mejores de la Casa | 14.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Abuelo's use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Abuelo's cooks with: Soybean/canola blend (deep frying); dairy fat (queso, cheese); avocado (guacamole); minimal grilling oil (fajitas). Across the 89 menu items we analyzed, it averages 5.6g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Abuelo's cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean/canola blend (deep frying); dairy fat (queso, cheese); avocado (guacamole); minimal grilling oil (fajitas). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Abuelo's use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Abuelo's cooks with Soybean/canola blend (deep frying); dairy fat (queso, cheese); avocado (guacamole); minimal grilling oil (fajitas), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Abuelo's seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Abuelo's cooks with Soybean/canola blend (deep frying); dairy fat (queso, cheese); avocado (guacamole); minimal grilling oil (fajitas), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Abuelo's?
El Jefe Margarita is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Abuelo's, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Abuelo's?
Nachos Grande is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Abuelo's, at an estimated 19.0g PUFA. Fried items and creamy, mayo-based sauces are usually the heaviest.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and similar vegetable oils — are extracted from seeds using high heat and chemical solvents. They are very high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which are unstable at cooking temperatures and can oxidize easily. Many health-conscious eaters choose to minimize seed oils and prefer foods cooked in beef tallow, butter, coconut oil, or olive oil instead. This page shows estimated PUFA grams per menu item to help you make more informed choices. These are estimates — actual values vary by preparation and location. Curious why people avoid them? Read the evidence.
Compare other chains
4 Rivers Smokehouse · 85C Bakery Cafe · A&W · Alberto's Mexican Food · Aloha Poke Co · Andy's Frozen Custard
See where Abuelo's lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.