While eating out is something most people enjoy, it can make people with food allergies anxious to choose a restaurant and food that wouldn’t give them any allergic reactions. Trusting someone else on their knowledge of the ingredients they use when preparing your food is a cause of concern because it can mean life and death for some. Still, dining out is a pleasurable activity when you know you’re going to have your favorite chicken burger without any problems. The question is, does Chick-fil-A use peanut oil or any ingredients that could cause allergic reactions?
If you want to enjoy fast food on a normal day without the anxiety of checking everything they use to prepare your food, then we can help you. We have looked into their food ingredients and other helpful information for people with food allergies. So, if you want to learn more about Chick-fi-A’s food, then please keep scrolling.
In A Nutshell, Chick-fil-A Does Use Peanut Oil
We will go straight to the point and answer the burning question, “Does Chick-fi-A use peanut oil?” Chick-fil-A has been using refined peanut oil for decades to make their food. The company has claimed that they are using “100% refined peanut oil”, at least according to their website. While this discovery may sound like bad news for many, you have to wait because there’s some good news, too.
Chick-fil-A has also claimed that refined soybean and peanut oil are generally safe even for people with peanut allergies. Refined peanut oil is ideal for making crunchy meals at high temperatures without sacrificing the food’s flavors. Because of this, many restaurants around the world use refined peanut oil in their ingredients and even highly refined peanut oil for frying.
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What’s The Difference Between Unrefined And Refined Peanut Oil?
Now, if it’s the first time you hear about refined peanut oil or if you don’t know the difference between refined and unrefined, then that’s okay because we can’t know everything all the time. To better understand the difference between the two, it’s crucial to know various forms of peanut oil. Gourmet peanut oil, for instance, is also known as unrefined peanut oil, and it contains the protein that can cause allergic reactions to people with a nut allergy. So, if you see this in the ingredients and have an allergy, then it’s best to avoid consuming it.
The good news is that refined peanut oil, on the other hand, has been processed to remove the proteins that cause the allergic responses of people with a nut allergy. In reality, the FDA specifically exempts refined oils, along with refined peanut oil from the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, ensuring that highly refined peanut oils are not an allergen. So, yes, anyone with a nut allergy can eat any food with refined peanut oil without worrying about an allergic reaction.
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You Should Still Be Cautious When Eating Out
When you’re dining out, and you’re allergic to a particular food, it’s always best to research first and always ask Chick-fil-A or any other restaurants about the food they serve and what’s in them. Of course, there’s more than just your allergy that you should be concerned about, as you also need to consider the food’s nutritional value – or the lack thereof.
For example, Chick-fil-A’s small mac and cheese calories are 260 Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets’ calories is 200. Compared to their other food, whether you would get any allergic reaction or not, then it would still be bad for your health unless you consume them moderately. Of course, you don’t have to be a vegan or completely give up eating fast food overnight and switch to tofu if you’re health-conscious. Just be mindful of what you allow yourself to consume.
Good news: Chick-fil-A has vegetarian and vegan options on their menu! Source: beautyandthebeets.com
Now, if you’re asking yourself, “Does chick fil have fish or vegan options? Yes, they have cod fillets, vegetarian, vegan, and keto options. With the changing times and the rise in alternative diets, of course, you can expect a fast-food giant to keep up with the trends.
Refined vs. Unrefined – Oils & Butters!
It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry
Another good news: Chick-fil-A uses refined peanut oil making their food safe for people with allergies! Source: eatthis.com
You should know that restaurants’ menus and the ingredients they use are constantly changing. While you think you know your favorite restaurant’s menu like the back of your hand, you should still be extra cautious, and you can do this by researching and asking them about their food. Don’t wait until you start to itch or have difficulty in breathing.
If you don’t have any food allergies or don’t know anyone suffering from it, then you may not know that many fast-food restaurants have items on their menus that contain peanuts or peanut products. Besides Chick-fil-A, two other fast-food restaurants use peanut oil. Five Guys and Jimmy John’s use peanut oil when preparing their food, and surely, others also use the same oil. So, you have to know if what they’re using is a refined or unrefined version of it.
Take Care Of Yourself
Chick-fil-A is delicious, and although it’s unhealthy, at least you won’t get any allergic reactions. Source: delish.com
As much as it sucks, people with allergies enjoy their food differently compared to other people who don’t have to ask themselves questions like, “Does Chick-fi-A use peanut oil?” or “Will this meal make me sick or have allergic reactions?” But speaking to your doctor, the restaurant crew, and other people you’re dining out with about your case would make a difference. But, as of now, you know you can enjoy Chick-fi-A’s food even if you have a nut allergy.
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