Pollo Tropical is a fast casual restaurant chain that specializes in Caribbean-inspired chicken dishes. They are known for their citrus-marinated grilled chicken, but many customers wonder what type of oil Pollo Tropical uses to prepare their food. The type of oil used in cooking can have a significant impact on the nutrition, taste, and overall quality of the food. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question “What kind of oil does Pollo Tropical use?”
Pollo Tropical’s Cooking Methods
Pollo Tropical takes pride in using fresh, never-frozen chicken that is marinated for 24 hours in their signature marinade containing lime, garlic, oregano, and sour orange. The chicken is then grilled over an open flame to impart flavor and tenderness. The grilling method allows the fat to drip away from the chicken, resulting in a healthier final product compared to fried chicken.
Pollo Tropical also uses grilled vegetables, rice, beans, and plantains to accompany their chicken entrees. Having grilled and steamed menu items shows that Pollo Tropical values more health-conscious cooking techniques.
Use of Canola Oil
After researching online and consulting with a few locations directly, it appears that Pollo Tropical uses canola oil in the preparation of most food items.
Canola oil is a vegetable-based oil derived from the canola plant. It is considered one of the healthier cooking oil options because it has relatively high monounsaturated fat content and a high smoke point. The high smoke point of canola oil means it can withstand high cooking temperatures before burning or yielding harmful compounds.
Pollo Tropical likely chooses canola oil for the following reasons:
- Neutral flavor – canola oil does not impart a strong taste that could overpower the flavors of the chicken and spices
- High smoke point – canola can be used for high-heat cooking methods like grilling
- Versatile – canola oil can be used for various cooking applications like frying, sautéing, or as an ingredient in sauces or marinades
- Health profile – canola contains less saturated fat than other oils and has omega-3 fat that may provide some health benefits
- Affordable price point – canola oil is cost-effective for large-scale restaurant use
Using canola oil aligns with Pollo Tropical’s brand image of serving freshly prepared food that still maintains some health advantages over items like fried chicken.
Exceptions Where Other Oils are Used
While canola oil seems to be the predominant oil used at Pollo Tropical based on corporate information and input from store locations, it is possible that other oils may be used in limited circumstances:
- Olive oil – some locations reported using extra virgin olive oil to toast or fry chips like plantain chips.
- Palm oil – may be found in some processed ingredients or dessert items.
- Soybean oil – possible use in sancocho soup or beans.
- Sunflower oil – potential use as an alternative frying oil if canola is unavailable.
However, the vast majority of signature dishes and everyday menu items are prepared with canola oil at all Pollo Tropical locations. Any other oils would be specialty oils used in niche dishes or when canola is not accessible.
Nutrition Profile of Canola Oil
Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts of canola oil:
| Nutrient | Per 1 Tbsp (14g) Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 124 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 8g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 3g |
| Omega-3 fat | 1.3g |
| Omega-6 fat | 2g |
| Vitamin E | 2mg |
As shown, canola oil is low in saturated fat, high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, provides omega-3s, vitamin E, and has a high smoke point of 400°F. This makes it a sensible all-purpose cooking oil for Pollo Tropical to rely on.
Conclusion
Based on corporate information and insider input, Pollo Tropical utilizes canola oil for the majority of its grilled chicken and side dishes. Canola oil offers versatility for high-heat cooking methods while also adding some potential minor health advantages. In limited cases, niche menu items may incorporate alternate oils like olive oil, but canola appears to be the workhorse oil keeping their Caribbean grills sizzling every day. So next time you bite into Pollo Tropical’s juicy grilled chicken or crisp plantains, you can be confident they were prepared using predominantly canola oil.