Sweetgreen’s Oil Transformation: A Deep Dive into EVOO and Avocado Oil
In a significant move that resonated across the fast-casual dining industry, Sweetgreen announced a pivotal change to its ingredient sourcing in late 2023. The mission-driven restaurant brand, known for its healthy, made-to-order salads and bowls, transitioned to exclusively using extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for cooking all of its proteins, vegetables, and grains. This change was a direct response to growing consumer demand for greater ingredient transparency and minimally processed options. By abandoning the conventional use of seed oils, Sweetgreen cemented its commitment to providing its customers with higher quality, more nutritious food. The company's cooking oil policy is now a cornerstone of its ethos, ensuring that the preparation of its main ingredients aligns with its health-conscious brand identity.
The Major Shift from Seed Oils to EVOO
For years, many fast-casual restaurants have relied on inexpensive seed oils, such as sunflower or canola oil, for cooking due to their neutral flavor and cost-effectiveness. However, these refined oils became a point of contention for some health-conscious consumers and food advocates who raised concerns about their processing methods. Sweetgreen took note of this feedback and made the bold decision to completely overhaul its cooking fat strategy.
The switch to extra virgin olive oil marked a significant financial and operational investment for the company. Extra virgin olive oil is mechanically extracted without the use of high heat or chemicals, which helps it retain a richer profile of nutrients, including antioxidants. This commitment to minimally processed ingredients strengthened Sweetgreen's position as a leader in the healthy food space.
Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil? The Health Benefits
Sweetgreen's decision to use EVOO was not just about pleasing customers; it was also about embracing a cooking fat with a stronger nutritional profile. Extra virgin olive oil offers several key health benefits that align perfectly with the company's mission:
- Heart-Healthy Fats: EVOO is predominantly made up of monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid, which is known for its positive effects on heart health. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and maintain good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Extra virgin olive oil is packed with powerful antioxidants, including Vitamin E and polyphenols. These compounds help protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to overall health.
- Thermal Stability: Contrary to a common misconception, high-quality extra virgin olive oil is quite stable when heated. Its high antioxidant content helps prevent it from breaking down and creating harmful compounds, even in commercial kitchen settings.
- Enhanced Flavor: Beyond health, EVOO also provides a distinct, robust flavor that can elevate the taste of Sweetgreen's ingredients. It adds a premium taste profile to the cooked proteins and roasted vegetables that seed oils simply cannot match.
Sourcing and Supply Chain Transparency
Sweetgreen has been transparent about its sourcing of extra virgin olive oil, highlighting its partnerships with trusted and reputable suppliers. For its national supply, the company has partnered with the family-owned Bari Olive Oil Company, an established producer operating since 1936. In specific regions, Sweetgreen also makes an effort to support local producers, as seen with its collaboration with Texas Olive Ranch for its locations in that state. This regional approach further underscores Sweetgreen's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and sustainable farming practices.
A Look at Other Oils: Avocado Oil in Dressings
While extra virgin olive oil is the primary cooking oil, it is not the only oil used across the entire menu. Sweetgreen has also been exploring the use of avocado oil in certain applications, particularly in some of its dressings. For example, the red wine vinaigrette was famously switched to an avocado oil base and became a permanent fixture on the menu due to its popularity.
Avocado oil is another healthy, minimally processed alternative known for its mild flavor and high smoke point. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, providing a nutritional boost similar to EVOO. The strategic use of both EVOO and avocado oil allows Sweetgreen to craft a diverse range of menu items while adhering to its strict standards for ingredient quality.
Comparison: Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs. Seed Oils
| Feature | Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) | Refined Seed Oils (e.g., Sunflower) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Profile | Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols, Vitamin E) and monounsaturated fats. | Low in antioxidants and high in polyunsaturated fats (Omega-6), especially after processing. |
| Processing Method | Minimally processed; mechanically extracted and cold-pressed to preserve nutrients. | Highly refined using chemical solvents and high heat, which can strip nutrients. |
| Flavor Profile | Robust, fruity, and distinct flavor that enhances the taste of food. | Neutral, bland flavor designed to not interfere with other ingredients. |
| Source | Produced from olives. Sweetgreen sources from family-owned and regional farms. | Extracted from seeds like sunflower or canola. Commonly used in industrial food production. |
| Cost | More expensive due to higher quality, processing methods, and sourcing standards. | Less expensive, which is why they are common in conventional fast food. |
| Smoke Point | High enough for most commercial cooking applications despite being unrefined. | Can have a high smoke point depending on the specific oil and refining process. |
The Impact on the Fast-Casual Industry
Sweetgreen's decision has made waves throughout the fast-casual dining landscape. As the first national chain to make such a widespread commitment to cooking with extra virgin olive oil, it has set a new benchmark for ingredient quality and transparency. This move pressures other industry players to reconsider their ingredient sourcing, especially as health-conscious consumer trends continue to gain momentum. The market has proven that there is a demand for higher quality food, even at a "fast-casual" level, and Sweetgreen has demonstrated that it is possible to scale this commitment effectively.
Conclusion
To summarize, Sweetgreen cooks with extra virgin olive oil for all of its hot, cooked ingredients, including proteins, grains, and vegetables. This change, implemented in late 2023, was a major commitment to higher quality, less processed ingredients, and a direct response to customer preferences. Additionally, avocado oil is used in some of its dressings, including the popular red wine vinaigrette. By strategically using these two premium, health-focused oils, Sweetgreen has elevated its menu offerings and reinforced its mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food.
For more information on the health benefits and proper use of olive oil, an authoritative resource can be found on the About Olive Oil website.
This article is based on information publicly available as of October 2025. Sweetgreen's menu and ingredient sourcing can change over time.
