Steak 'n Shake Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Steak 'n Shake cooks with: Beef tallow for fries (publicly switched to 100% beef tallow in 2025, confirmed on official site); soybean oil for chicken fingers and breaded items. Across the 69 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
Safest Orders at Steak 'n Shake
| Applesauce | 0.0g PUFA |
| BBQ Dipping Sauce | 0.0g PUFA |
| Famous Fries (regular) | 1.0g PUFA |
| Cheese Fries | 1.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Fingers (4 pc) | 1.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Steak 'n Shake
| Frisco Melt | 11.0g PUFA |
| Ranch Dipping Sauce | 10.0g PUFA |
| Triple Steakburger w/ Cheese | 9.0g PUFA |
| Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce | 9.0g PUFA |
| Bacon Lettuce 'n Tomato Sandwich | 8.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Steak 'n Shake use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Steak 'n Shake cooks with: Beef tallow for fries (publicly switched to 100% beef tallow in 2025, confirmed on official site); soybean oil for chicken fingers and breaded items. Across the 69 menu items we analyzed, it averages 3.2g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of A (Low Risk).
What oil does Steak 'n Shake cook with?
Our research indicates: Beef tallow for fries (publicly switched to 100% beef tallow in 2025, confirmed on official site); soybean oil for chicken fingers and breaded items. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Steak 'n Shake use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Our research indicates: Beef tallow for fries (publicly switched to 100% beef tallow in 2025, confirmed on official site); soybean oil for chicken fingers and breaded items. Beef tallow is far lower in PUFA than seed oils.
Is Steak 'n Shake seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Steak 'n Shake cooks with Beef tallow for fries (publicly switched to 100% beef tallow in 2025, confirmed on official site); soybean oil for chicken fingers and breaded items, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Steak 'n Shake?
Applesauce is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Steak 'n Shake, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Steak 'n Shake?
Frisco Melt is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Steak 'n Shake, at an estimated 11.0g 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 Steak 'n Shake lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.