Sonic Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Sonic cooks with: Fries, tots, onion rings and all fried items cooked in soy-based fryer shortening (high PUFA); mayo-dressed burgers add soybean-oil mayo.. Across the 52 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Sonic
| Ice Cream Cone | 1.0g PUFA |
| Vanilla Shake (Medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Classic Shake (vanilla, medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Classic Shake (chocolate, medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Strawberry Shake (medium) | 1.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Sonic
| SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger | 16.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 15.0g PUFA |
| Handmade Onion Rings (large) | 15.0g PUFA |
| Crispy Tenders (5 pc) | 14.0g PUFA |
| SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger | 13.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Sonic use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Sonic cooks with: Fries, tots, onion rings and all fried items cooked in soy-based fryer shortening (high PUFA); mayo-dressed burgers add soybean-oil mayo.. Across the 52 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Sonic cook with?
Our research indicates: Fries, tots, onion rings and all fried items cooked in soy-based fryer shortening (high PUFA); mayo-dressed burgers add soybean-oil mayo.. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Sonic use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Sonic cooks with Fries, tots, onion rings and all fried items cooked in soy-based fryer shortening (high PUFA); mayo-dressed burgers add soybean-oil mayo., not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Sonic seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Sonic cooks with Fries, tots, onion rings and all fried items cooked in soy-based fryer shortening (high PUFA); mayo-dressed burgers add soybean-oil mayo., which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Sonic?
Ice Cream Cone is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Sonic, at an estimated 1.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Sonic?
SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Sonic, at an estimated 16.0g 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
McDonald's · Burger King · Wendy's · Five Guys · In-N-Out · Whataburger
See where Sonic lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.