Five Guys’ Fryer: The Case of the Peanut Oil
The most straightforward answer to whether Five Guys uses seed oils comes from their fries. The company explicitly states that their boardwalk-style fries are cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. This has been a long-standing practice since their founding and is a key part of their brand identity. While peanut oil technically falls under the umbrella of 'seed oils' because it is extracted from a seed-like legume, it's important to distinguish it from more commonly cited 'industrial seed oils' like soybean, canola, or corn oil. Refined peanut oil has a high smoke point, which is ideal for deep-frying, and a neutral flavor that allows the taste of the potato to shine through.
Burger Cooking Method: Avoiding Added Oils
For those concerned about minimizing seed oil intake, the burgers at Five Guys are a much safer bet. Five Guys burgers are grilled on a flat-top without any added oil. The patties are cooked in their own natural fat and juices, a practice confirmed by the company itself. This means the burger patty itself, when served without a bun or toppings containing other oils, is effectively free of seed oils added during the cooking process.
Other Menu Items Containing Seed Oils
While the fries and burgers offer a relatively clear picture, other menu components introduce industrial seed oils. According to Five Guys' ingredient guides, several other items contain sources of seed oil that can be easily overlooked:
- Buns: The proprietary buns used for burgers and hot dogs contain vegetable shortening, which is typically a blend of industrial seed oils, including soy.
- Mayonnaise: Standard mayonnaise, such as that served at Five Guys, is made with soybean or rapeseed oil.
- Peanut Butter: While the peanut butter shake ingredient is primarily peanuts and peanut oil, it can also contain hydrogenated vegetable oil to prevent separation.
- Cajun Seasoning: The seasoning used on the Cajun fries contains rapeseed oil.
- Chocolate Topping: The chocolate topping for milkshakes lists coconut oil as an ingredient.
How to Navigate a Seed Oil-Free Order
For diners aiming to avoid seed oils, careful ordering is necessary. Here's how to build a meal with minimal to zero seed oil content:
- Choose a Bunless Burger: Order a 'Little Burger' or 'Hamburger' and request it in a lettuce wrap or a bowl. This eliminates the vegetable shortening in the bun.
- Skip the Mayo: Mayonnaise is a source of soybean or rapeseed oil, so omit it entirely from your order.
- Hold the Fries: The fries, while cooked in peanut oil, should be avoided if you are trying to minimize all seed oil consumption.
- Stick to Whole-Food Toppings: Many of the standard vegetable toppings like grilled onions, mushrooms, lettuce, and tomatoes are a safe bet.
Five Guys vs. Other Fast Food Oils: A Comparison
| Feature | Five Guys | Standard Fast Food |
|---|---|---|
| Fries Oil | Refined Peanut Oil | Industrial Seed Oils (Canola, Soybean, etc.) |
| Burger Oil | None added; cooked in natural fat | Often cooked with industrial seed oils |
| Bun Oil | Contains vegetable shortening (soy) | Common to contain hydrogenated industrial seed oils |
| Mayo Oil | Rapeseed or Soybean oil | Typically soybean or other industrial seed oils |
| Omega-6 Content | Varies, but fries contribute polyunsaturated fats | Generally high due to widespread use of industrial seed oils |
The Peanut Oil Debate: Is it Different?
For many seed oil avoiders, the distinction between peanut oil and industrial seed oils is important. Critics of industrial seed oils often point to the high omega-6 fatty acid content and the potential for harmful trans fats created during high-heat processing. Peanut oil does contain polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6s, but its proponents argue that it is a better choice due to its high smoke point and flavor profile. Furthermore, Five Guys' use of refined peanut oil is considered safer for many with peanut allergies, though cross-contamination risk is still significant. The debate continues, but for those seeking to eliminate all seed oils, peanut oil would need to be avoided along with others.
Conclusion: Navigating the Five Guys Menu
So, does Five Guys use seed oils? The answer is nuanced. While their signature fries are cooked in refined peanut oil, a technically classified seed oil that is distinct from industrial alternatives, several other ingredients, including the buns, mayonnaise, and certain toppings, do contain industrial seed oils. The burgers themselves are cooked without added oil, making them the safest bet for those minimizing seed oil intake. For complete avoidance, a customized, bunless, and mayo-free meal is the best strategy. The presence of these other ingredients means that ordering a standard Five Guys meal, including fries and a bun, will include sources of seed oils beyond the peanut oil used for frying.
For more detailed information on ingredients and nutritional facts, check the official Five Guys FAQ page.
