Help keep Salon independent

Sweetgreen ditches seed oils, launches seed oil-free menu

"Extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are key to this shift," CEO Jonathan Neman

Deputy Food Editor

Published

Variation of cooking oils (Getty Images/peter bocklandt)
Variation of cooking oils (Getty Images/peter bocklandt)

On Jan. 7, Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO Jonathan Neman announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the salad chain has removed seed oils from its menu, replacing them with extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil for roasting vegetables and proteins.

Neman explained the change as part of the company’s commitment to using thoughtfully chosen ingredients that align with both its values and evolving customer preferences. He added that, starting in January, Sweetgreen would offer its "first-ever seed oil-free menu," featuring options crafted without seed oils.

"Extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil are key to this shift — not just for their flavor, but for their health benefits and alignment with our values," Neman wrote. "These oils are minimally processed, rich in healthy fats and free from the high-heat extraction methods used for seed oils like sunflower oil."

Neman also shared that health-focused changes have been a "calling" at Sweetgreen "from day one," concluding, "Change is within reach. Let's choose a future where food serves us all. It's possible if we do it together."

In a separate post, Neman shared a photo of himself wearing a "Make America Healthy Again" hat, noting the hats were made in 2016. He expressed his satisfaction with the growing public conversation about food and health, especially in light of the FDA’s recent ban on Red Dye No. 3.

The seed oil-free menu is now available at Sweetgreen locations.

By Michael La Corte

Michael is a food writer, recipe editor and educator based in his beloved New Jersey. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he worked in restaurants, catering and supper clubs before pivoting to food journalism and recipe development. He also holds a BA in psychology and literature from Pace University.


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Related Articles