Brian Nagele
Do you enjoy the burgers and fries at Five Guys? Ever questioned what type of oil they use to prepare their delectable food? You need not search any further since we have the solution. All of the food prepared by Five Guys, including their renowned fries, is fried exclusively with peanut oil.
Jerry Murrell, the founder’s son, claims that using peanut oil makes the fries taste and feel considerably better.
While other eateries have experimented with alternative oils, such canola or coconut, Five Guys has remained steadfast in their commitment to using peanut oil as a key component in their time-honored recipe.
Because it contains a lot of monounsaturated fats, which are recognized to be healthful, peanut oil is a widely used cooking oil.
Five Guys has been devoted to using natural ingredients since the company’s founding in 1986, and their peanut oil is no exception.
What distinguishes Five Guys from other fast-food franchises is their dedication to taste and quality.
Type of Oil Used by Five Guys
The easy answer to the question of what kind of oil Five Guys uses is that they only use peanut oil.
Since they have been committed to employing natural components since their beginning in 1986, the company is not afraid to mention this fact.
Because it contains a lot of monounsaturated fats, which are recognized to be healthful, peanut oil is a widely used cooking oil.
This kind of oil is ideal for frying because it is also stable at high temperatures. It’s also important to point out that Five Guys only uses vegetable oil to fry their meals, including their famous fries.
When the business first started, Five Guys fried their burgers in vegetable oil. They later switched to peanut oil, though, since they discovered that it improved the flavor and texture of their meals.
Since then, they have continued to only use peanut oil, and this has come to represent one of their brands’ defining qualities.
It is significant to remember that you should avoid dining at Five Guys if you have a peanut allergy.
All of the company’s food products that include peanuts or peanut oil are properly labeled because they take this allergy very seriously.
You may always ask a member of their staff for further information about the ingredients used in their food if you have any worries or queries.
Reasons for Using Specific Oil
All of the food prepared by Five Guys, including their renowned fries and burgers, is cooked in 100% peanut oil.
For the following reasons, they utilize this particular oil:
- Flavorful taste: Peanut oil has a distinctive flavor that adds a nutty taste to the food. This is one of the reasons why Five Guys’ fries are so popular. The oil enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior, and a soft, fluffy interior.
- High smoke point: Peanut oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and burning. This makes it ideal for deep-frying, as it prevents the food from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- Healthy option: Peanut oil is a healthier alternative to other oils used in fast-food chains. It is low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Allergen-friendly: Five Guys is transparent about using peanut oil, which makes it easier for people with allergies to avoid their food. They also offer alternative options for those who cannot consume peanut oil.
Overall, Five Guys bases its choice to use peanut oil on factors like flavor, health advantages, and allergic concerns.
It’s a wise decision that has helped the restaurant maintain its standing as a provider of tasty, premium fast food.
Comparison with Other Fast Food Chains
Five Guys differentiates apart from other fast food franchises when it comes to cooking oil. Five Guys only utilizes peanut oil; many other shops use vegetable oil or a combination of oils.
As a result, their food has a distinct flavor and texture that sets them apart from the competition.
The “canola-blend oil” used by McDonald’s, for instance, is used to fry the meal. Rapeseed is used to make the vegetable oil known as canola oil.
Due to its high monounsaturated fat content and low saturated fat content, it is frequently used in cooking.
Canola oil, on the other hand, has a neutral flavor and doesn’t give food a particularly unique flavor.
The food at Wendy’s is fried in a combination of oils as well. Corn oil, soybean oil, and hydrogenated soybean oil are all included in their mixture.
Because they have a longer shelf life and can survive high temperatures without degrading, hydrogenated oils are frequently used in cooking.
However, trans fats, which can elevate cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease, are also abundant in hydrogenated oils.
In contrast, there are benefits and drawbacks to Five Guys’ use of peanut oil. Due to the high smoke point of peanut oil, it can withstand high temperatures without burning.
This makes it perfect for frying food since it produces a crispy surface while maintaining a moist, juicy within. Additionally, peanut oil has a particular flavor that gives meals more depth.
But because peanut oil is also a typical allergy, some people might not be able to dine at Five Guys because of the possibility of cross-contamination.
Furthermore, peanut oil has a lot of calories and fat, which could be problematic for anyone trying to lose weight or lower their cholesterol.
Overall, Five Guys distinguishes themselves from other fast food companies because to the usage of peanut oil.
While there are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing this kind of oil, it is obvious that Five Guys has made a conscious decision to put flavor and texture before health considerations.
Impact on Allergies
Given that Five Guys uses peanut oil, you might be hesitant to eat there if you have a peanut allergy.
It’s crucial to remember that Five Guys uses highly refined peanut oil, which means that throughout the refining process, the peanut proteins that trigger allergic responses are eliminated.
The majority of persons with a peanut allergy can eat meals cooked in highly refined peanut oil without experiencing any harm, according to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
It’s usually a good idea to consult your doctor first, though.
Despite the precautions Five Guys takes to prevent cross-contamination, it is still possible to be exposed to peanuts or other allergens.
Customers who are concerned about food allergies should be informed of this danger.
When a customer eats at any Five Guys restaurant, Five Guys Enterprises and their franchisees will not be held responsible for any negative reactions the customer may have to the food or other materials they may come into contact with.
When dining out, it’s crucial to be cautious and alert if you have a food allergy. Here are some pointers to keep you secure:
- Always inform the staff of your food allergy and ask if they have any allergen-free options.
- Ask to speak with the manager or chef to ensure that they understand the severity of your allergy.
- Check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to see if they have an allergen menu or policy in place.
- Consider bringing your own food or snacks to avoid any potential exposure to allergens.
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times in case of an emergency.
You can still eat at Five Guys if you follow these safety instructions and are aware of the potential risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of oil does Five Guys use?
Five Guys uses 100% refined peanut oil to cook their food. This oil is known for its high smoke point, which means it can be heated to high temperatures without burning. This allows Five Guys to achieve the perfect level of crispiness in their fries and other fried foods.
Is Five Guys oil safe for people with peanut allergies?
While Five Guys uses peanut oil to cook their food, they take precautions to ensure that customers with peanut allergies can still enjoy their food safely. For example, they have signs in their restaurants warning customers about the use of peanut oil, and they also offer alternative cooking methods for customers with allergies.
Is Five Guys oil gluten-free?
Yes, Five Guys oil is gluten-free. However, some of their menu items may contain gluten, so if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, be sure to check the ingredients of each item before ordering.
Why does Five Guys use peanut oil?
Five Guys uses peanut oil because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which allows the natural flavors of the food to shine through. Additionally, peanut oil is a healthier option than some other oils, as it is low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats.
Can you buy Five Guys peanut oil?
Yes, Five Guys sells their peanut oil in-store and online for customers who want to cook with it at home. However, be aware that the oil may not be suitable for people with peanut allergies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Five Guys only cooks their food, including their renowned burgers and fries, in peanut oil.
Deep frying is a great use for peanut oil because of its high smoke point. Additionally, because it has less saturated fat than other oils, it is a healthier choice.
Five Guys uses peanut oil to make sure that their food is uniformly cooked and has a delectable, buttery flavor.
This explains why their fries are so well-liked and have gained popularity. They distinguish themselves from other fast-food companies that use canola or vegetable oil by using peanut oil.
It’s crucial to remember that Five Guys may not be your best option if you have a peanut allergy because their food is prepared in peanut oil.
For people with dietary requirements, they do have alternatives like lettuce wraps and burgers without buns.
