California Pizza Kitchen Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, California Pizza Kitchen cooks with: soybean oil (primary cooking/frying), olive oil (pizza dough, select dishes), butter (pastas). Across the 102 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at California Pizza Kitchen
| Soft Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Lemonade | 0.0g PUFA |
| Strawberry Lemonade | 0.0g PUFA |
| Iced Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Sparkling Berry-Lemon | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at California Pizza Kitchen
| Avocado Club Egg Rolls | 18.0g PUFA |
| Kung Pao Spaghetti | 16.0g PUFA |
| The Original Chopped Salad | 14.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Tenders & Fries | 13.0g PUFA |
| California Club Pizza (half pizza, ~5 slices) | 12.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does California Pizza Kitchen use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, California Pizza Kitchen cooks with: soybean oil (primary cooking/frying), olive oil (pizza dough, select dishes), butter (pastas). Across the 102 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does California Pizza Kitchen cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean oil (primary cooking/frying), olive oil (pizza dough, select dishes), butter (pastas). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does California Pizza Kitchen use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates California Pizza Kitchen cooks with soybean oil (primary cooking/frying), olive oil (pizza dough, select dishes), butter (pastas), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is California Pizza Kitchen seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates California Pizza Kitchen cooks with soybean oil (primary cooking/frying), olive oil (pizza dough, select dishes), butter (pastas), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at California Pizza Kitchen?
Soft Drink is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at California Pizza Kitchen, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at California Pizza Kitchen?
Avocado Club Egg Rolls is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at California Pizza Kitchen, at an estimated 18.0g 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
Domino's · Pizza Hut · Little Caesars · Papa John's · Marco's Pizza · MOD Pizza
See where California Pizza Kitchen lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.