KFC Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, KFC cooks with: low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends. Across the 59 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.7g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at KFC
| Green Beans | 0.0g PUFA |
| Pepsi | 0.0g PUFA |
| Diet Pepsi | 0.0g PUFA |
| Mountain Dew | 0.0g PUFA |
| Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at KFC
| 12-Piece Chicken Bucket | 56.0g PUFA |
| 8-Piece Chicken Bucket | 38.0g PUFA |
| Nuggets (24 pc) | 36.0g PUFA |
| 5-Piece Tenders Big Box Meal | 22.0g PUFA |
| Nuggets (12 pc) | 18.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does KFC use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, KFC cooks with: low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends. Across the 59 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.7g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does KFC cook with?
Our research indicates: low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does KFC use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates KFC cooks with low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is KFC seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates KFC cooks with low-linolenic and refined soybean oil (fried chicken); some items in canola/soybean oil blends, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at KFC?
Green Beans is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at KFC, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at KFC?
12-Piece Chicken Bucket is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at KFC, at an estimated 56.0g 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
Chick-fil-A · Popeyes · Raising Cane's · Wingstop · Zaxby's · Bojangles
See where KFC lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.