Cafe Zupas Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Cafe Zupas cooks with: Canola/soybean oil blend used in soups and dressings; sandwiches contain mayo (soybean-based); olive oil used in some salads. Across the 75 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Cafe Zupas
| Fresh Fruit Cup | 0.0g PUFA |
| Fountain Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Smartwater | 0.0g PUFA |
| Vitamin Water | 0.0g PUFA |
| Spindrift Raspberry Lime | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Cafe Zupas
| California Cobb Salad | 11.0g PUFA |
| Thai Steak Noodle Salad | 10.0g PUFA |
| Chinese Chicken Salad | 10.0g PUFA |
| Avocado Caesar Salad | 10.0g PUFA |
| Chipotle Glazed Salad | 10.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Cafe Zupas use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Cafe Zupas cooks with: Canola/soybean oil blend used in soups and dressings; sandwiches contain mayo (soybean-based); olive oil used in some salads. Across the 75 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Cafe Zupas cook with?
Our research indicates: Canola/soybean oil blend used in soups and dressings; sandwiches contain mayo (soybean-based); olive oil used in some salads. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Cafe Zupas use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Cafe Zupas cooks with Canola/soybean oil blend used in soups and dressings; sandwiches contain mayo (soybean-based); olive oil used in some salads, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Cafe Zupas seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Cafe Zupas cooks with Canola/soybean oil blend used in soups and dressings; sandwiches contain mayo (soybean-based); olive oil used in some salads, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Cafe Zupas?
Fresh Fruit Cup is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cafe Zupas, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Cafe Zupas?
California Cobb Salad is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Cafe Zupas, at an estimated 11.0g 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
Bush's Chicken · CAVA · Cafe Rio · California Fish Grill · California Pizza Kitchen · Capital Tacos
See where Cafe Zupas lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.