For customers with food allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply curiosity about how restaurant food is prepared, one of the most common questions about Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is:
What type of oil does Freddy’s use to fry its onion rings, cheese curds, fries, and other fried foods?
According to Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Nutrition & Allergen Info, Freddy’s cooks its fried menu items in highly refined soybean oil. The company specifically states that all fried items are cooked in the same highly refined soybean oil.
This information is especially important for diners concerned about allergens, cross-contact, and ingredient transparency.
Why Diners Want to Know the Frying Oil
The type of oil a restaurant uses can affect several things:
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Dietary preferences
- Flavor
- Texture and crispness
- Nutritional considerations
For many guests, particularly those with soy allergies or specific dietary requirements, understanding the frying oil is just as important as knowing the ingredients in the food itself.
Freddy’s Uses Highly Refined Soybean Oil
Freddy’s states that its restaurants cook with highly refined soybean oil.
Unlike unrefined soybean products, highly refined soybean oil undergoes extensive processing that removes most of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions.
The company notes that the FDA does not consider highly refined soybean oil to be a major food allergen.
This distinction is why soybean oil may be treated differently from other soy-containing ingredients on allergen charts.
Does This Apply to Onion Rings?
Yes.
Freddy’s Onion Rings are cooked in the same highly refined soybean oil used for the chain’s other fried foods. The company specifically states that all fried items share the same frying oil.
The frying process helps create the crispy golden coating that onion ring fans enjoy while maintaining the tender onion inside.
Does This Apply to Cheese Curds?
Yes.
Freddy’s Cheese Curds are also fried in the same highly refined soybean oil.
Because cheese curds rely heavily on achieving the right combination of melted cheese and crispy breading, the consistency of the frying process plays a major role in the final product.
Customers choosing between fries, onion rings, and cheese curds should know that the cooking oil remains the same across the fried side menu.
What Other Foods Share the Same Frying Oil?
Freddy’s indicates that all fried items are cooked in the same highly refined soybean oil.
This includes menu favorites such as:
- Fries
- Tots
- Onion Rings
- Cheese Curds
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Other fried side items
Because the fryer oil is shared, cross-contact between fried products is possible.
Why Restaurants Commonly Use Soybean Oil
Many restaurant chains choose highly refined soybean oil because it performs well in commercial kitchens.
Benefits include:
High Heat Stability
The oil can withstand the temperatures needed for deep frying.
Consistent Results
Restaurants can maintain uniform cooking quality across locations.
Neutral Flavor
Soybean oil generally does not overpower the taste of foods being fried.
Crispy Texture
The oil helps produce the crunchy exterior customers expect from fried items such as onion rings and cheese curds.
What About Soy Allergies?
This is often the biggest concern for customers reading ingredient information.
Freddy’s allergen guide explains that highly refined soybean oil is not considered a major food allergen by the FDA.
However, the company also acknowledges that its restaurants handle products containing numerous allergens, including:
- Wheat
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Sesame
- Fish
and states that it cannot guarantee any product is completely free of allergens.
For guests with severe allergies, speaking with a medical professional and reviewing the latest allergen information is always recommended.
Understanding Cross-Contact Risks
One important detail that many diners overlook is fryer sharing.
Freddy’s notes that fried foods share cooking equipment and frying oil.
This means:
- Onion rings may be cooked in the same oil as other fried products.
- Cheese curds share fryer space with other menu items.
- Allergen cross-contact remains possible.
For customers with celiac disease, severe food allergies, or strict dietary requirements, this information can be an important factor when choosing menu items.
Does the Oil Affect Flavor?
Most customers won’t specifically taste soybean oil.
Instead, they’ll notice its impact through:
- Golden-brown color
- Crispy texture
- Consistent crunch
The seasoning, breading, cheese, onion, or potato generally contributes far more flavor than the oil itself.
The oil’s primary role is to create the texture customers expect.
Is Soybean Oil Used in Every Freddy’s Location?
Freddy’s published allergen information states that its restaurants cook with highly refined soybean oil.
However, ingredient sourcing and operational practices can occasionally change over time. Guests with medical concerns should consult the most recent allergen information or contact their local restaurant directly.
What Does This Mean for Allergen-Conscious Diners?
If you are evaluating Freddy’s Onion Rings or Cheese Curds, here are the most important takeaways:
✅ Freddy’s uses highly refined soybean oil for fried foods.
✅ Onion Rings and Cheese Curds are fried in this oil.
✅ All fried items share the same fryer oil.
✅ The FDA does not classify highly refined soybean oil as a major allergen.
✅ Freddy’s cannot guarantee products are free from allergen cross-contact.
Final Verdict
For diners seeking a clear answer, Freddy’s states that its Onion Rings, Cheese Curds, Fries, Tots, and other fried menu items are cooked in highly refined soybean oil. The company also notes that all fried products share the same oil and that highly refined soybean oil is not considered a major allergen by the FDA.
While this information reassures many guests, those with severe allergies should still review Freddy’s allergen guidance and be aware of potential cross-contact in shared fryers. For most customers, however, knowing the oil type provides valuable insight into both the flavor and preparation of some of Freddy’s most popular side dishes.
See More: Why Are Freddy’s Steakburgers So Thin? The Physics Behind the Crispy Edges