KFC is popular for its fried chicken and sides. But if you’ve ever thought about the oil in which they fry their food, you might have wondered: “What kind of oil is this? Is it good for me?”
We’re here to tell you that KFC doesn’t use peanut oil because it’s not the best for frying chicken. Peanut oil is great for cooking and other cosmetic uses, but it’s not a good choice for deep frying because it has a low smoke point and will burn quickly.
So, what does KFC use instead?
KFC uses soybean oil instead, which has a higher smoke point and can maintain its temperature at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit during the frying process.
Does KFC Use Peanut Oil? – A Definitive Answer
Many people speculate if KFC uses peanut oil in their fried chicken, so we’re here to set the record straight.
We reached out to KFC USA, and the company’s employees said they don’t use peanut oil in their frying process. They said that the Kentucky fried chicken they produce at their locations has vegetable oil, a good source of healthy fats.
Instead, it’s a blend of soybean and canola oil.
While KFC doesn’t use peanut oil for frying, it does use soybean oil and canola oil.
Soybean oil is a better alternative to peanut oil because it’s lower in saturated fats and more stable than peanut oil (which can oxidize when heated). It also has a higher smoke point—meaning that if you fry food at high temperatures, soybean won’t burn as easily as other oils.
Canola oil also has a neutral flavor and higher smoke point, making it a good choice for deep frying chicken.
Why Doesn’t KFC Use Peanut Oil?
KFC might be a fast food staple for many people, but it’s not for everyone.
It’s a fried chicken joint that uses vegetable oils to keep the breading on the chicken in place. KFC has been criticized for this choice of ingredients since the chicken is deep-fried at a high temperature, which makes it more likely to absorb the oil and become greasy.
But KFC doesn’t use any oil with a high saturated fat content in their fried chicken. Their signature blend of soybean and canola oils helps keep the breading on their chicken in place so it doesn’t break down as easily as it would with other oils.
Is this healthier than using peanut oil? It’s hard to say exactly how much better off you are by not eating fried chicken at all than by eating it with canola oil instead of peanut oil—but I think there are worse things than eating fast food every once in a while (like getting food-poisoning from contaminated food).
Why Peanut Oil Is Bad For You
No major health risks are associated with consuming peanut oil as part of a balanced diet in moderation. However, here are a few reasons you might consider peanut oil to be “bad” for your health.
Allergic reactions
Some people are severely allergic to peanuts, and consuming chicken fried in peanut oil can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. If you have a peanut allergy, you should avoid peanut oil and products made with peanut oil.
High-calorie content
Peanut oil is quite high in calories, with approximately 120 calories per tablespoon. Consuming too much peanut oil or other high-calorie food can contribute to weight gain and obesity if not balanced with regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
Deep-frying
When oil is heated to high temperatures, such as deep frying chicken, it can break down and produce harmful compounds that may increase the risk of health problems. To reduce the potential negative effects of cooking with oil, it’s best to choose a high-quality oil suitable for cooking.
Other dietary restrictions
Some people may need to avoid peanut oil for dietary reasons, such as following a low-fat or low-cholesterol diet. In these cases, alternative cooking oils, such as olive oil or canola oil, maybe a better choice.
It’s important to keep in mind that the health effects of any food depend on a variety of factors, including how it is consumed and the overall balance of the diet. For example, peanut oil can be a healthy choice when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What Oil Does KFC Use In the USA?
Here is a list of oils that KFC uses to fry its chicken:
- Soybean oil
- Hydrogenated soybean oil
- Canola oil
KFC uses a blend of these oils to fry its chicken. The oils are chosen for their neutral flavor and high smoke point, which allows the fried chicken to be cooked at high temperatures without burning or imparting off flavors. KFC also has a proprietary seasoning blend, which includes a variety of herbs and spices, to give its fried chicken its signature flavor.
KFC’s Allergen Free Menu
KFC is the best place to go for a fast, delicious meal. But did you know that they also have an allergen-free menu?
KFC’s Allergen Free Menu is a good option if you want something different from your typical chicken dinner. The new menu has many options, including gluten-free and vegan options, so there’s no need to pick between quality food and health when eating at KFC.
So if you’re looking for something more unique, check out the Allergen Free Menu today!
Vegan Options At KFC
When it comes to KFC, you can find many options that will fit your lifestyle and dietary needs.
There are vegan options at almost every single restaurant in the chain, and they’re not just for vegans—they’re also for people who want to explore their food choices or have intolerances to specific ingredients.
While some people may be turned off by the idea of eating at a fast-food chain, the truth is that there are lots of ways to enjoy KFC without having to worry about what’s going into your body.
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a fast food chain that primarily serves chicken-based dishes. But KFC does offer some vegetarian options, such as green beans and corn on the cob.
Some KFC locations may also offer plant-based options made with alternative proteins, such as Beyond Meat or the Impossible Burger. These options are not available at all KFC locations, so it’s best to check with your local restaurant to see if they offer any plant-based options.
If you are vegan and looking for fast food options, several other fast food chains offer vegan options on their menus, such as Subway, Chipotle, and Taco Bell. It’s always a good idea to check the menu to confirm the availability of vegan options at any restaurant.
Does Beyond Meat Use the Same Oil As Regular KFC Chicken?
KFC uses a blend of oils to cook its Original Recipe chicken, including vegetable oil (soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, and TBHQ). Beyond Meat products are usually made from plant-based ingredients and are cooked using a different type of oil, such as canola oil. It is always a good idea to check with the restaurant or refer to the allergen info provided by the restaurant.
Ordering Vegan Options At KFC
The first thing you should do if you’re looking for vegan options at KFC is checking out their website. They have a section devoted to vegetarian items, which includes most of their vegan meals. If you want something more creative, try ordering one of their salads or wraps with no chicken or fish included. The good news is that these are often fairly inexpensive!
If you aren’t feeling like eating food off a menu, another option is going through your local KFC franchise’s website and making a special request for non-meat items (or even other non-meat items). This is usually easy enough—you can usually find out what ingredients are used in particular dishes by looking up those ingredients online.
Gluten-Free Options At KFC
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, has no gluten-free options on its menu. Many of their menu items contain gluten, including their fried chicken and various sandwiches and sides.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it is present in many types of bread, pasta, and baked goods. People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance must avoid gluten to prevent digestive issues and other health problems.
If you’re looking for tasty, gluten-free fast food, you can try gluten-free options at Chipotle and Subway.
Dairy-Free Options At KFC
It is important to note that menu items and ingredients can vary by location, and it is always a good idea to check with the restaurant or refer to the allergen information provided by the restaurant to determine whether a particular menu item is dairy-free.
With that being said, here is a list of menu items that may be dairy-free at KFC, although it is always best to check with the restaurant or refer to the allergen information provided by the restaurant to confirm:
- Original Recipe Chicken
- Extra Crispy Chicken
- Grilled Chicken
- Crispy Caesar Salad (without dressing)
- House Side Salad (without dressing)
- Green Beans
- Sweet Kernel Corn
- Mashed Potatoes (without gravy)
- Cole Slaw
- Biscuit
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and that KFC’s menu and ingredients may change over time. It is always a good idea to check with the restaurant or refer to the allergen information provided by the restaurant to confirm the ingredients in a particular menu item.
Soy-Free Options At KFC
Yes, KFC does offer soy-free options on its menu. However, it is important to note that KFC restaurants may not have strict allergen controls in place, and there may be a risk of cross-contamination with soy and other allergens.
If you have a soy allergy or sensitivity, always inform the staff of your allergy and ask about the available options. It is also good to check the allergen information for specific menu items before ordering, as ingredients and menu offerings may vary by location.
Keep in mind that soy is what is most commonly used in KFC’s frying oil, which the Food & Drug Administration does not count as an allergen. Some studies also show that not all people who are allergic to soybeans do not react to soybean oil.
That being said, there are some foods on KFC’s menu that you will still need to avoid if you’re allergic to soybeans.
- Avoid Kentucky fried wings, popcorn nuggets, rice bowls, and chicken pot pies because they are cooked with soybean-based ingredients.
Here are a few soy-free options available at KFC:
- Chicken tenders
- Chicken wings
- Boneless chicken pieces (such as the Original Recipe )
- Most side dishes, including coleslaw, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn
- Some sauces and seasonings, including BBQ sauce and Ranch dressing
A Word About MSG
MSG is a flavor enhancer used for meats, vegetables, and soups.
Those allergic to MSG experience headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, and chest pains.
Most of KFC’s menu has MSG, but luckily, some MSG-free options are available for people with this allergy.
Almost every type of chicken that KFC offers has monosodium glutamate, with the only exception being the Kentucky fried wings.
Here are a few other options that are MSG-free:
- The side menu is a safe bet for those with MSG allergies. Just avoid Secret Recipe fries and gravy that goes with mashed potatoes.
- Mashed potatoes without gravy are MSG-free.
- Both Caesar and house salads are safe options. You can pair salads with almost any dressings, except for fat-free ranch from Hidden Valley.
- All KFC desserts are free of MSG, so you can safely enjoy them.
Final Thoughts
While not using peanut oil makes KFC more accessible for those with peanut allergies, they still have a long way to go before they create a healthy menu for everyone.
Living with a food allergy is difficult, especially when you’re looking for a quick bite to eat.
Hopefully, as fast food joints see how great the need is for a place that can serve everyone, they will begin changing their recipes to suit the needs of people with common allergies.
