IHOP Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, IHOP cooks with: Soybean oil (primary griddle and fryer oil per IHOP allergen guide); canola/soy blend used in some batter items; PUFA fraction 0.55 for fried/griddle items, 0.50 blended for batter items. Across the 155 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at IHOP
| Coffee | 0.0g PUFA |
| Iced Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Hot Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Cold Brew Coffee | 0.0g PUFA |
| Orange Juice | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at IHOP
| Crispy Chicken & Waffles | 23.0g PUFA |
| Avocado Bacon & Cheese Omelette | 20.0g PUFA |
| Ultimate Steakburger | 20.0g PUFA |
| Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Strips and Fries | 20.0g PUFA |
| Fishermans Platter | 20.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does IHOP use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, IHOP cooks with: Soybean oil (primary griddle and fryer oil per IHOP allergen guide); canola/soy blend used in some batter items; PUFA fraction 0.55 for fried/griddle items, 0.50 blended for batter items. Across the 155 menu items we analyzed, it averages 6.0g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does IHOP cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil (primary griddle and fryer oil per IHOP allergen guide); canola/soy blend used in some batter items; PUFA fraction 0.55 for fried/griddle items, 0.50 blended for batter items. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does IHOP use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates IHOP cooks with Soybean oil (primary griddle and fryer oil per IHOP allergen guide); canola/soy blend used in some batter items; PUFA fraction 0.55 for fried/griddle items, 0.50 blended for batter items, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is IHOP seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates IHOP cooks with Soybean oil (primary griddle and fryer oil per IHOP allergen guide); canola/soy blend used in some batter items; PUFA fraction 0.55 for fried/griddle items, 0.50 blended for batter items, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at IHOP?
Coffee is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at IHOP, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at IHOP?
Crispy Chicken & Waffles is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at IHOP, at an estimated 23.0g 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
Denny's · Waffle House · Cracker Barrel · First Watch · Bob Evans · Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
See where IHOP lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.