Thanksgiving with less seed oil: the easy swaps and what to order out. See the guide
← All chains

What oil does H-E-B fry in?

H-E-B most likely fries in canola oil, but the chain has not confirmed it.

In detail: Canola oil in the fryer for the wedge fries; soybean oil on the breaded chicken tenders and the wings. H-E-B's own Meal Simple product pages (heb.com, read 2026-10-21 as Internet Archive copies dated 2026-09-17 to 2026-09-29, because the live site blocks automated reading) list "Canola Clear Fry Oil (Canola Oil, TBHQ (Preservative), ...)" on the Seasoned Wedge Fries (Sold Hot), "Breading Set In: Vegetable Oil (Soybean Oil)" on the Chicken Tenders (Sold Hot), and "blanched in, vegetable oil (soybean oil)" on the Seasoned Chicken Wings (Sold Hot). Soybean oil and canola oil also run through most deli, sushi and hot bar ingredient statements (mayonnaise, sauces, dressings). H-E-B does not say in words which oil its store fryers or hot bar use for everything else, so the other fried items are estimated from their own ingredient statements.

Ordering at H-E-B? Build your meal in the app and see its seed oil total before you pay.

Build my order

H-E-B at a glance

Fry oil (US)Canola oil (estimated)
Seed oilsYes
Beef tallowNo
Peanut oilNo
Seed oil gradeD (9.9 g average per item, 156 items)
Is it a seed oil?Canola oil: Yes
DVery High Risk: 9.9g avg PUFA/item across 156 items

The 5 cleanest things to order at H-E-B

Learn this once: a salad with grilled protein and the dressing left off is nearly always the lowest seed oil order anywhere. So the list below sticks to real meals, salads included, never just a water.

ItemPUFA
Sushiya Tuna Nigiri Sushi0.0g
Sushiya Chicken Teriyaki & Rice Bowl (Sold Hot)0.8g
Ancho Butter Shrimp Fajita & Cilantro Lime Rice0.9g
Sushiya Shrimp Teriyaki & Rice Bowl (Sold Hot)1.0g
Sushiya Shrimp Fried Rice Bowl (Sold Hot)1.1g

Lower PUFA is cleaner. These are estimates from published nutrition data and disclosed oils; preparation varies by location.

Build your H-E-B order

Pick your meal, sides, sauces and drink in the app and see your seed oil total before you order. It logs to your day in one tap. Free on iPhone and Android.

Build my order

Why the frying oil matters

Most fast-food chains fry in seed oils like soybean, canola, corn, or a blend of them, which are high in polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). A handful still use beef tallow or other stable fats, which are far lower in PUFA. The oil a kitchen fries in is the single biggest driver of how much seed oil ends up on your plate. See the full breakdown on the H-E-B report card, or where it lands on the Seed Oil Index. See which chains fry in real fats on Tallow Watch.

Frequently asked

What oil does H-E-B fry in?

H-E-B most likely fries in canola oil, but the chain has not confirmed it. In detail: Canola oil in the fryer for the wedge fries; soybean oil on the breaded chicken tenders and the wings. H-E-B's own Meal Simple product pages (heb.com, read 2026-10-21 as Internet Archive copies dated 2026-09-17 to 2026-09-29, because the live site blocks automated reading) list "Canola Clear Fry Oil (Canola Oil, TBHQ (Preservative), ...)" on the Seasoned Wedge Fries (Sold Hot), "Breading Set In: Vegetable Oil (Soybean Oil)" on the Chicken Tenders (Sold Hot), and "blanched in, vegetable oil (soybean oil)" on the Seasoned Chicken Wings (Sold Hot). Soybean oil and canola oil also run through most deli, sushi and hot bar ingredient statements (mayonnaise, sauces, dressings). H-E-B does not say in words which oil its store fryers or hot bar use for everything else, so the other fried items are estimated from their own ingredient statements.

Does H-E-B use seed oils?

Yes. H-E-B most likely fries in canola oil. The chain has not confirmed it. Its seed oil grade is D, about 9.9 g of polyunsaturated fat per menu item.

Does H-E-B use beef tallow?

No. H-E-B most likely fries in canola oil, not beef tallow. The chain has not confirmed it.

Does H-E-B use peanut oil?

Not that we can find. H-E-B most likely fries in canola oil. The chain has not confirmed it. If you have a peanut allergy, ask the restaurant directly, because oils and suppliers can vary by location.

What is the lowest seed oil order at H-E-B?

Sushiya Tuna Nigiri Sushi (0.0 g of polyunsaturated fat). Next: Sushiya Shrimp Lo Mein Noodle Bowl (Served Hot) (1.3 g) and Artisan Focaccia Pizza - Tomato & Mozzarella (1.4 g).

Which H-E-B item has the most seed oil?

True Texas Potato Salad, at about 250.6 g of polyunsaturated fat as listed.

Check your own order free: get Seed Oil Tracker
Join the movement. 2,600+ chains graded. Build a H-E-B order