Pei Wei Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Pei Wei cooks with: Soybean oil (standard wok/frying oil for Asian fast-casual; PUFA fraction 0.55). Across the 57 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.9g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Pei Wei
| Fountain Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Mandarin Orange Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Bottled Water | 0.0g PUFA |
| Hot Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Freshly Brewed Iced Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Pei Wei
| Spicy Korean BBQ Steak | 17.0g PUFA |
| Signature Chicken Lettuce Wraps | 17.0g PUFA |
| Beef & Broccoli | 16.0g PUFA |
| Honey-Seared Chicken | 16.0g PUFA |
| Sesame Chicken | 15.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Pei Wei use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Pei Wei cooks with: Soybean oil (standard wok/frying oil for Asian fast-casual; PUFA fraction 0.55). Across the 57 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.9g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Pei Wei cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil (standard wok/frying oil for Asian fast-casual; PUFA fraction 0.55). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Pei Wei use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Pei Wei cooks with Soybean oil (standard wok/frying oil for Asian fast-casual; PUFA fraction 0.55), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Pei Wei seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Pei Wei cooks with Soybean oil (standard wok/frying oil for Asian fast-casual; PUFA fraction 0.55), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Pei Wei?
Fountain Drink is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Pei Wei, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Pei Wei?
Spicy Korean BBQ Steak is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Pei Wei, 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 Pei Wei lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.