Taco Tico Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Taco Tico cooks with: Soybean oil for all fried items (crispy taco shells, sanchos, taco burgers, tostada shells, cinnamon crustos, nachos chips); beef tallow trace in taco meat only. Across the 78 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.1g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Taco Tico
| Medium Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Large Drink | 0.0g PUFA |
| Bottled Water | 0.0g PUFA |
| Topo Chico | 0.0g PUFA |
| Refried Beans | 2.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Taco Tico
| Taco Salad | 20.0g PUFA |
| 6 Pack Hard Tacos | 18.0g PUFA |
| 6 Pack Soft Tacos | 18.0g PUFA |
| Combo Plate (taco + burrito + rice + beans) | 16.0g PUFA |
| Nachos | 12.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Taco Tico use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Taco Tico cooks with: Soybean oil for all fried items (crispy taco shells, sanchos, taco burgers, tostada shells, cinnamon crustos, nachos chips); beef tallow trace in taco meat only. Across the 78 menu items we analyzed, it averages 7.1g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Taco Tico cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil for all fried items (crispy taco shells, sanchos, taco burgers, tostada shells, cinnamon crustos, nachos chips); beef tallow trace in taco meat only. Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Taco Tico use beef tallow?
Yes, at least for some items. Our research indicates: Soybean oil for all fried items (crispy taco shells, sanchos, taco burgers, tostada shells, cinnamon crustos, nachos chips); beef tallow trace in taco meat only. Beef tallow is far lower in PUFA than seed oils.
Is Taco Tico seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Taco Tico cooks with Soybean oil for all fried items (crispy taco shells, sanchos, taco burgers, tostada shells, cinnamon crustos, nachos chips); beef tallow trace in taco meat only, which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Taco Tico?
Medium Drink is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Taco Tico, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Taco Tico?
Taco Salad is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Taco Tico, 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
Taco Bell · Chipotle · Qdoba · Moe's Southwest Grill · Del Taco · Taco John's
See where Taco Tico lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.