Ponderosa Steakhouse Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Ponderosa Steakhouse cooks with: soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates). Across the 84 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Ponderosa Steakhouse
| Soft Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Sweet Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Unsweet Tea | 0.0g PUFA |
| Milk | 0.0g PUFA |
| Coffee | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Ponderosa Steakhouse
| Fish Fillet (fried) | 20.0g PUFA |
| 14 Piece Fried Shrimp | 16.0g PUFA |
| Fried Shrimp (21 pc / Shrimp Roundup) | 15.0g PUFA |
| French Fries | 14.0g PUFA |
| Buffet - Fried Fish | 13.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Ponderosa Steakhouse use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Ponderosa Steakhouse cooks with: soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates). Across the 84 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.5g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Ponderosa Steakhouse cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Ponderosa Steakhouse use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Our research indicates: soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates). Beef tallow is far lower in PUFA than seed oils.
Is Ponderosa Steakhouse seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Ponderosa Steakhouse cooks with soybean/corn blend for frying (industry-standard; no official chain-level disclosure found); beef tallow for grilled steaks (standard steakhouse practice, consistent with PUFA estimates), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Ponderosa Steakhouse?
Soft Drink is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Ponderosa Steakhouse, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Ponderosa Steakhouse?
Fish Fillet (fried) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Ponderosa Steakhouse, at an estimated 20.0g 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
Texas Roadhouse · Outback Steakhouse · LongHorn Steakhouse · Logan's Roadhouse · Golden Corral · Smokey Mo's BBQ
See where Ponderosa Steakhouse lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.