The Healthier Oil KFC Uses to Fry Its Famous Chicken, Explained

KFC made a significant change in 2007 by switching to low-linolenic soybean oil for all its frying. This healthier alternative, free of trans fats, offers benefits for both taste and health, setting a precedent for other fast-food chains to follow.

KFC Switches to Low-Linolenic Soybean Oil, Offering a Healthier Alternative for Fried Chicken

When selecting a type of cooking oil, several factors need to be considered, including the oil's smoke point and its impact on health. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) thought the latter when deciding which oil to use for frying its famous chicken. Since 2007, KFC has used low-linolenic soybean oil for all its frying needs.

Unlike traditional hydrogenated soybean oil, low-linolenic soybean oil is a healthier alternative. It contains less linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. While linolenic acid is essential, excessive consumption can contribute to high cholesterol, inflammation, obesity, and heart disease. Hydrogenated oils, often used to extend shelf life, are trans fats. A 2006 study suggested that switching to low-linolenic soybean oil could reduce trans-fat consumption by 45%. According to Mashed, this makes checking food labels for hydrogenated oils essential when avoiding trans fats.

KFC’s Move to Eliminate Trans Fats Set a New Standard for Healthier Fast-Food Menus

Before switching, KFC, like many fast-food chains, used hydrogenated vegetable oil to fry its chicken. However, as consumer awareness grew about the health risks of trans fats, public pressure mounted. In response, and following a lawsuit from a nutrition advocacy group, KFC committed in 2006 to removing trans fats from its fried foods. This was a significant step, and it set a precedent for other major chains, including Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks, to follow suit by reducing trans fats in their menus.

Although KFC announced its transition from hydrogenated oil, the company initially acknowledged that some menu items, like biscuits, still contained trans fats. However, KFC's commitment to health and nutrition was evident. While there was no formal announcement about addressing those items, as of 2024, KFC's nutrition calculator shows that even its buttermilk biscuits are now trans-fat-free. This success story inspires hope for a healthier future in the fast-food industry.