The deliciousness of a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is well-known, but did you know that the secret to their amazing taste lies in the oil they use?
You’ve probably heard the whispers about its peanut oil, but what is the truth? Does Chick-fil-A use peanut oil for their chicken and fries?
We look at the type of oil the fast food chain uses and how this affects those with peanut allergies.
Now, let’s get into the details.
Does Chick-fil-A Use Peanut Oil?
Yes, Chick-fil-A uses peanut oil in their cooking. The fast food chain has been using peanut oil since 1986 when it first started operations.
According to Chick-fil-A’s official website, they choose to use peanut oil because of its high smoke point, neutral flavor, and ability to cook food evenly.
Jodie Worrell, Chick-fil-A’s senior culinary lead for menu and packaging, explained that the use of peanut oil in frying the chicken is a major contributing factor to its delicious taste.
“Compared to other oils, peanut oil contains a similar profile of healthy unsaturated fats but performs better in frying,” she says. This results in evenly cooked chicken with a moist interior and a crispy exterior.
But what If you have concerns about peanut allergies? Don’t worry, we cover that in the next section.
Is Chick-fil-A Safe for Peanut Allergy?
According to the Anaphylaxis UK, a UK-based charity for people with severe allergies, “Research has shown that refined peanut oil will not cause allergic reactions for the overwhelming majority of people who are allergic to peanuts”
Many people on Twitter are surprised to find they have a peanut allergy but are still able to eat at Chick-fil-A.
This reinforces the fact that refined peanut oil used by the chain typically does not cause allergic reactions, with any reactions being mild according to Anaphylaxis UK
Chik-fil-a’s Chicken & Peanut Oil: A Reddit POV?
A Reddit post from the “Explain Like I’m Five” subreddit discussed the use of peanut oil in Chick-fil-A’s cooking and how it wouldn’t cause a peanut allergy reaction.
User Slash178 explained that “Peanut allergies are triggered by a protein that is not present in refined peanut oil. The oil is pure fat and contains no proteins.”
Slash178’s answer cleared up the confusion for the original poster, who now knew that refined peanut oil is safe for those with peanut allergies.
What Oil Does Chick-fil-A Use for Fries?
For their famous waffle fries, Chick-fil-A uses canola oil. In the past the waffle fries were done in peanut oil, but after testing various options, Chick-fil-A to using canola oil.
Canola oil has a neutral flavor, a high smoke point, and fries well. This allows the sweet taste of the potatoes to take the spotlight with every bite.
Does Chick-fil-A Use Seed Oils?
Well, now you know Chick-fil-A uses peanut and canola oil, but are other seed oils used?
In a Youtube video, Dr. Paul Saladino, also known as “Carnivore MD,” visited a Chick-fil-A restaurant and asked workers about the oils used in their cooking process.
If you want to learn more about the oils used by Chick-fil-A, check it out below.
Chick-fil-A’s Allergen Menu
Chick-fil-A also provides allergen information for menu items on their website and lists menu items that are free of peanuts and tree nuts.
The fast food chain recommends that customers with severe allergies inform the restaurant before placing an order, and they will make every effort to accommodate special requests.
Wrapping it up
Well, there you have it. Now you know that Chick-fil-A uses peanut oil for their chicken and canola oil for their fries.
If you have a peanut allergy, you don’t have to worry as the chain uses refined peanut oil that will not trigger a peanut allergy in most people.
However, it’s important to note that this information is not medical advice. Individuals with peanut allergies should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming Chick-fil-A menu items.
With this knowledge, hopefully you can make the most informed decision when it comes to enjoying a Chick-fil-A meal.
