Does Chick-fil-A use soybean oil? Unpacking their dietary and ingredient details

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

While Chick-fil-A proudly states that their famous fried chicken is cooked exclusively in 100% refined peanut oil, the answer to whether they use soybean oil is more nuanced. In fact, soybean oil is a common ingredient found in many of their non-fried menu components, such as sandwich buns, dressings, and tortillas.

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A fries its chicken in refined peanut oil and its waffle fries in canola oil, but uses soybean oil in ingredients for items like buns, tortillas, and some sauces. Individuals with soy sensitivities should be cautious due to potential cross-contamination.

Key Points

No Soybean Oil for Frying Chicken: Chick-fil-A exclusively uses 100% refined peanut oil to pressure-cook all their breaded chicken products.
Canola Oil for Waffle Fries: The brand's Waffle Fries are cooked separately in canola oil, not soybean oil.
Soybean Oil in Other Items: Soybean oil is found in the buns for sandwiches, the tortillas for wraps, and many of the sauces and dressings.
Allergen Risk Exists: Despite using different frying oils, Chick-fil-A warns of potential cross-contamination from shared kitchen spaces, so those with soy allergies should be cautious.
Refined Oil is Different: The refined peanut oil used by Chick-fil-A has the protein stripped out, so the FDA does not classify it as a major allergen, but it does not make the food entirely allergen-free.
Grilled Options as an Alternative: For those avoiding soybean oil, opting for grilled chicken is a better choice, but be mindful of the buns or dressings, which may contain soy.

Does Chick-fil-A Fry in Soybean Oil?

For those primarily concerned about their fried chicken and nuggets, the answer is no. Chick-fil-A has consistently stated that they use 100% refined peanut oil for all of their hand-breaded, pressure-cooked chicken products. This tradition dates back to the company's founder, Truett Cathy, who chose the oil for its clean flavor and high smoke point, which helps create the signature crispy texture. Similarly, the brand's popular Waffle Fries are cooked in a separate fryer using canola oil, not soybean oil. The use of different oils prevents the transfer of flavor between the chicken and fries, a key component of their quality control.

Where Soybean Oil Appears on the Chick-fil-A Menu

While the main frying oils are peanut and canola, soybean oil is present in a surprising number of other Chick-fil-A menu items. This is important information for anyone with a soy allergy or those actively trying to avoid seed oils in their diet. Checking the official allergen and ingredient lists is crucial for making an informed decision. Here are some examples of where soybean oil can be found:

Buns and Wraps: Both the standard and multigrain buns, as well as the flaxseed tortilla used for the Cool Wrap, list soybean oil among their ingredients. The butter-flavored oil used on some toasted buns also contains partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
Breakfast Items: The tortillas used for breakfast burritos and the vegetable oil component in the butter-flavored oil on the biscuits contain soybean oil.
Sauces and Dressings: Many of Chick-fil-A's beloved sauces and dressings, including their signature Chick-fil-A Sauce, Barbeque Sauce, Honey Mustard, and Ranch, contain soybean oil as a primary ingredient.

A Deeper Look at Different Cooking Oils at Chick-fil-A

The different oils used by Chick-fil-A serve specific purposes. Understanding their properties can provide clarity for those making dietary choices. Here’s a breakdown:

Refined Peanut Oil

High Smoke Point: Allows for high-temperature frying without the oil breaking down or imparting a burnt flavor.
Flavor Profile: Has a very mild, almost neutral flavor, which allows the chicken's seasoning to be the star.
Refined vs. Unrefined: Chick-fil-A uses highly refined peanut oil. The refining process removes the proteins that trigger allergic reactions, which is why the FDA does not classify highly refined peanut oil as a major allergen. However, Chick-fil-A still warns that due to shared kitchen spaces, they cannot guarantee food is free from allergens.

Canola Oil

Neutral Flavor: Canola oil's neutral taste ensures that the Waffle Fries retain their potato flavor without being influenced by the chicken fryer.
High Smoke Point: Like peanut oil, canola oil performs well under the high heat required for deep-frying.

Soybean Oil

Ingredient Inclusion: Soybean oil is used as an ingredient in other menu items, rather than for the primary deep-frying process. It provides texture and moisture in baked goods like buns and acts as the base for many dressings and sauces.

Navigating the Menu: A Comparison of Items and Their Oils

Here is a quick reference table to help you identify which items contain soybean oil and which oils are used for cooking.


Menu Item	Primary Cooking Oil	Contains Soybean Oil?	Notes
Fried Chicken (Sandwiches, Nuggets, Strips)	Refined Peanut Oil	No, but potential for cross-contamination	Used for pressure-cooking all breaded chicken.
Waffle Fries	Canola Oil	No	Cooked in a separate fryer from the chicken.
Standard Buns	N/A	Yes	Found in the bun ingredient list.
Multigrain Brioche Bun	N/A	Yes	Found in the bun ingredient list.
Cool Wrap Tortilla	N/A	Yes	Used for the flaxseed tortilla.
Sauces	N/A	Varies (often yes)	Many sauces (e.g., Chick-fil-A Sauce, Ranch, BBQ) contain soybean oil. Always check.
Grilled Chicken	Canola Oil (for grill)	Varies (No in chicken itself)	The grilled chicken itself does not, but the multigrain bun does. The grill is coated with canola oil.

Making Informed Dietary Choices at Chick-fil-A

For individuals with a soy allergy or those avoiding seed oils, eating at Chick-fil-A requires careful consideration. While the fried chicken and fries are made without soybean oil, many other components are not. The company's official allergy statement advises that because of shared cooking and preparation areas, they cannot guarantee that any item is free from allergens. This is a standard disclaimer, but it is important to take seriously if you have a severe allergy.

Here are some strategies for making a more informed choice:

Focus on Grilled Items: Grilled chicken options (sandwiches or nuggets) are generally safer if avoiding soybean oil in the cooking process. However, if you choose a grilled chicken sandwich, remember the bun likely contains soy. Ordering the grilled chicken wrapped in lettuce is a better option. You can request specific preparations to minimize risk.
Choose Sauces Carefully: Many dressings and sauces contain soybean oil. The vinaigrette dressings are a notable exception. Alternatively, consider bringing your own dressing or condiment.
Stay Informed: For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Chick-fil-A website's nutrition and allergens page, which is regularly updated with ingredient information. This is the most reliable source for making dietary decisions.

Conclusion

In summary, does Chick-fil-A use soybean oil? The answer is yes, but not for frying their chicken or waffle fries. Their signature fried chicken is cooked exclusively in refined peanut oil, and their fries are cooked in canola oil. However, many other ingredients, including their buns, tortillas, and most sauces, contain soybean oil. This distinction is crucial for consumers managing allergies or specific dietary restrictions. While the fried chicken is free from soybean oil in its frying medium, the presence of soy in other menu items and the potential for cross-contamination means that those with allergies must remain vigilant and review the official ingredient list before ordering.

For more detailed information, consult the official Chick-fil-A Nutrition and Allergens page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Chick-fil-A cooks all of its fried chicken, including sandwiches, nuggets, and strips, in 100% refined peanut oil.

No, Chick-fil-A cooks its Waffle Fries in canola oil. They are also cooked in a separate fryer from the chicken.

Soybean oil can be found in the ingredients for the buns used for sandwiches, the tortillas for wraps and burritos, and many of the sauces, including the signature Chick-fil-A Sauce.

Chick-fil-A advises caution for customers with any food allergies, including soy, because products containing soy are prepared in the same kitchen areas as other menu items, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

According to the FDA, highly refined oils like the one Chick-fil-A uses are not considered major food allergens because the allergenic proteins have been removed during processing. However, individuals with severe peanut allergies should always consult their doctor and exercise extreme caution when dining out.

The grilled chicken itself is not fried. The chicken is cooked on a grill coated with canola oil. The bun for the grilled chicken sandwich, however, does contain soybean oil.

To avoid soybean oil, you can opt for grilled chicken nuggets or a grilled chicken fillet wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. You should also avoid most sauces and check the ingredient list for any other menu items you choose.