Sweetgreen’s Pivot to Seed Oil-Free Dressings
In a move that caught the attention of health-conscious diners, Sweetgreen transitioned away from seed oils across many of its menu items and dressings, including the beloved Green Goddess Ranch. The company's press release in early 2025 highlighted its new 'All About Ranch' menu, which featured this revamped, seed oil-free dressing. For the Green Goddess Ranch, the formulation was changed to use avocado oil as the primary fat source. This was a direct response to consumer trends and concerns regarding industrial seed oils like canola, soy, and sunflower oil, which have become a point of discussion in the wellness community.
The Ingredient Evolution: Old vs. New
Prior to this change, some older copycat recipes or potentially unconfirmed reports suggested the ranch might have included seed oils through ingredients like mayonnaise. However, the official update in 2025 clarifies the current formulation. For customers who have been cautious about seed oils, the definitive switch provides clarity and confidence in their order. The new recipe still includes the classic herbaceous blend of dill, basil, and cilantro, but it now rests on an avocado oil and mayonnaise base, which may or may not include avocado oil mayonnaise. The company's emphasis on using avocado oil for its dressings and extra virgin olive oil for cooked ingredients reinforces its commitment to using transparently-sourced fats.
Beyond the Ranch: Not All Dressings Are Equal
While the Green Goddess Ranch is now seed oil-free, it's important to note that this does not apply to every dressing on Sweetgreen’s menu. Some dressings or components may still contain seed oils. For example, some Reddit discussions indicate that the Lime Cilantro Jalapeno Vinaigrette contains sunflower oil. Customers with strict seed oil avoidance goals should always verify the ingredients of specific dressings and menu items. Sweetgreen's website provides ingredient details for all its menu offerings, empowering customers to make informed choices.
Comparing Sweetgreen Oils: A Quick Guide
To simplify your choices, consider this comparison table of oil usage across various parts of the Sweetgreen menu:
| Application | Old Oil Type (Pre-2025) | New Oil Type (Post-2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Goddess Ranch | May contain seed oils | Avocado oil | Now explicitly seed oil-free. |
| Cooked Items (Veggies & Proteins) | Seed oils (e.g., canola) | Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Avocado Oil | Switched in late 2023, expanded in 2025. |
| Red Wine Vinaigrette | May contain seed oils | Olive oil | Changed in 2023 to be olive oil-based. |
| Lime Cilantro Jalapeno Vinaigrette | Sunflower oil | Sunflower oil | Reportedly still contains seed oil. |
Consumer Considerations and Company Reputation
Sweetgreen's public move to embrace seed oil-free options like the Green Goddess Ranch solidifies its reputation as a company that listens to its customers and adapts to evolving health trends. This change, along with its existing commitments to sustainable and high-quality ingredients, can attract and retain a specific audience. For customers, this means they no longer need to worry about the specific oil in the Green Goddess Ranch, but it reinforces the need to pay attention to ingredient lists for all other menu choices. This shift represents a proactive approach to addressing a market that is increasingly focused on ingredient quality over mass-produced alternatives.
Conclusion
In summary, the Sweetgreen Green Goddess Ranch does not have seed oil. Since early 2025, the popular dressing has been reformulated to use avocado oil, a key part of the restaurant's wider effort to offer seed oil-free options across its menu. This change means customers can enjoy the creamy, flavorful ranch without concern for processed seed oils. However, customers should be aware that this policy does not apply to all dressings, and checking the ingredient list for specific items remains the best practice for those with dietary restrictions. The move underscores Sweetgreen's responsiveness to consumer health concerns and its strategy of transparency in ingredient sourcing.
