Cafe Rio Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Cafe Rio cooks with: soybean/canola blend (tortillas: soybean oil; cooking: soybean-canola blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base). Across the 95 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Cafe Rio
| Mint Limeade | 0.0g PUFA |
| Blueberry Mint Limeade | 0.0g PUFA |
| Fountain Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Original Black Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Bottled Water | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Cafe Rio
| Chicken Burrito | 14.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Quesadilla | 14.0g PUFA |
| Creamy Tomatillo Dressing | 14.0g PUFA |
| Shrimp Burrito | 13.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Enchiladas | 13.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Cafe Rio use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Cafe Rio cooks with: soybean/canola blend (tortillas: soybean oil; cooking: soybean-canola blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base). Across the 95 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Cafe Rio cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean/canola blend (tortillas: soybean oil; cooking: soybean-canola blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Cafe Rio use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Cafe Rio cooks with soybean/canola blend (tortillas: soybean oil; cooking: soybean-canola blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Cafe Rio seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Cafe Rio cooks with soybean/canola blend (tortillas: soybean oil; cooking: soybean-canola blend; creamy dressings: soybean-oil mayo base), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Cafe Rio?
Mint Limeade is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cafe Rio, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Cafe Rio?
Chicken Burrito is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cafe Rio, at an estimated 14.0g 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
Burgerville · Bush's Chicken · CAVA · Cafe Zupas · California Fish Grill · California Pizza Kitchen
See where Cafe Rio lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.