PDQ Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, PDQ cooks with: canola. Across the 70 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at PDQ
| Lemonade | 0.0g PUFA |
| Iced Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Fountain Soda | 0.0g PUFA |
| Garden Salad | 1.0g PUFA |
| Kids Grilled Chicken Tenders 2 Piece | 1.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at PDQ
| Sauced Crispy Nuggets 12 Piece | 17.0g PUFA |
| Sauced Crispy Tenders 5 Piece | 16.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Chicken Nuggets 12 Piece | 16.0g PUFA |
| Spicy Chicken Nuggets 12 Piece | 16.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Chicken Tenders 5 Piece | 15.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does PDQ use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, PDQ cooks with: canola. Across the 70 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.3g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does PDQ cook with?
Our research indicates: canola. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does PDQ use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates PDQ cooks with canola, not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is PDQ seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates PDQ cooks with canola, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at PDQ?
Lemonade is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at PDQ, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at PDQ?
Sauced Crispy Nuggets 12 Piece is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at PDQ, at an estimated 17.0g 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
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See where PDQ lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.