Does Cookout Use Peanut Oil? A Comprehensive Guide to Allergen Safety

Q: 10. Do Peanut Allergies Fade Over Time?

About 20% of children outgrow peanut allergies , but most persist into adulthood. Regular follow-ups with an allergist can monitor tolerance changes through blood tests or oral food challenges. Adults with lifelong peanut allergies are less likely to outgrow them.

If you or a loved one lives with a peanut allergy, dining out can be a real concern—especially when it comes to fried foods. Many popular fast food chains, like Chick-fil-A and Five Guys, openly use peanut oil in their kitchens, which raises immediate red flags for allergy-sensitive individuals. So what about Cook Out?

Good news: Based on currently available information, Cook Out does not appear to use peanut oil in its food preparation. Their allergen statements focus on major allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, but do not list peanut oil as a concern. While Cook Out hasn’t publicly specified the exact type of oil used in all locations, most sources suggest they rely on vegetable oils like soybean oil.

Understanding Peanut Oil in Restaurant Cooking

Before diving into Cookout’s specific practices, it’s important to understand the different types of peanut oil and their implications for allergy sufferers:

Highly refined peanut oil: Goes through extensive processing that removes nearly all peanut protein, making it generally safe for most people with peanut allergies . This is the type typically used in commercial deep fryers.
Unrefined (cold-pressed) peanut oil: Contains peanut protein and should be avoided by those with peanut allergies .

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically exempts highly refined peanut oil from allergen labeling requirements because the refining process removes the proteins that trigger allergic reactions .

Infographics showing peanut allergies at Cook Out.

Does Cookout Use Peanut Oil?

After thorough examination of multiple sources, there is no direct evidence that Cookout uses peanut oil in their cooking processes. Unlike some fast food chains like Five Guys and Chick-fil-A that explicitly state they use peanut oil , Cookout’s allergen information and menu details do not mention peanut oil as an ingredient.

Key points about Cookout’s oil usage:

Frying practices: While Cookout doesn’t specify what oil they use for frying, they do warn about potential cross-contamination in shared fryers for other allergens like gluten .
Allergen menu: Cookout’s detailed allergen information highlights 14 major allergens but doesn’t list peanut oil as a concern .
Milkshake caution: The primary peanut allergy risk at Cookout comes from certain milkshake flavors that contain peanuts or tree nuts, not from cooking oil .

Navigating Peanut Allergies at Cookout

For those with peanut allergies, here’s how to safely dine at Cookout:

Safe Choices

Grilled items: Burgers and chicken without buns have no peanut-related risks
Basic sides: Options like coleslaw or garden salad (with safe dressing)
Beverages: Sodas, iced tea, and bottled water are always safe

Items to Avoid

Peanut-containing milkshakes: Flavors like peanut butter, banana nut, or Reese’s cup
Desserts: Some may contain nuts or risk cross-contamination

Important Precautions

Always inform staff about your peanut allergy when ordering
Ask about frying oil – while peanut oil isn’t mentioned, policies can vary by location
Check allergen menus available in-store or online for updates
Be cautious with fried foods due to potential cross-contact in shared fryers

Comparing Cookout to Other Fast Food Chains

Unlike some competitors, Cookout doesn’t prominently feature peanuts in their restaurants or use them as a signature ingredient:

Five Guys: Known for open peanut boxes and peanut oil frying
Chick-fil-A: Uses refined peanut oil for frying
Cookout: No evidence of peanut oil use; primary risk is specific menu items containing nuts

What to Do If You Have a Reaction

While the risk at Cookout appears low, it’s important to be prepared:

Recognize symptoms: Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal distress
Use emergency medication if prescribed (like epinephrine auto-injectors)
Seek medical attention immediately for severe reactions

Conclusion

Based on available allergen information, Cookout does not appear to use peanut oil in their food preparation. The primary peanut-related risks come from specific menu items like certain milkshake flavors rather than cooking oil. However, as with any food allergy, caution is advised:

Always verify with staff about current cooking practices
Consult the most recent allergen information
Be mindful of cross-contamination risks
Avoid obvious peanut-containing items

By taking these precautions, most people with peanut allergies can safely enjoy Cookout’s menu options. When in doubt, choosing simple, unprocessed items and communicating clearly with staff provides the safest dining experience.

For the most current information, check Cookout’s official allergen resources or contact your local restaurant directly .

Currently, there is no cure for peanut allergies, but some treatments may help reduce sensitivity. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an emerging treatment where small, controlled amounts of peanut protein are gradually introduced under medical supervision. While this doesn’t cure the allergy, it can increase tolerance and reduce the severity of reactions. However, strict avoidance of peanuts remains the primary safety measure for most individuals.

Arachis oil is another term for peanut oil, derived from the scientific name Arachis hypogaea. Highly refined arachis oil is often safe for those with peanut allergies because the refining process removes allergenic proteins. However, cold-pressed or unrefined peanut oil can still trigger allergic reactions. Always check food labels and consult with an allergist before consuming products containing arachis oil.

Food manufacturers are required to clearly label peanuts as an allergen in ingredient lists. Look for warnings such as:

“Processed in a facility that handles peanuts”
Hidden sources of peanuts can include baked goods, sauces, and ethnic dishes (e.g., Thai or African cuisine). Always read labels carefully, even on familiar products.

“Contains peanuts”

“May contain peanuts” (risk of cross-contamination)

Pecans are tree nuts, not legumes like peanuts, but many people with peanut allergies also react to tree nuts due to cross-reactivity. A pecan allergy triggers similar symptoms (hives, swelling, anaphylaxis) and requires the same precautions—strict avoidance and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. However, having a peanut allergy doesn’t automatically mean you’re allergic to pecans; an allergist can confirm with testing.

Genetics play a role in food allergies, including peanut allergies. If one or both parents have allergies (peanut or otherwise), their children are at a higher risk. However, environmental factors, such as early exposure (or lack thereof), diet, and gut microbiome health, also influence allergy development. Research suggests that introducing peanuts early (under medical guidance) may reduce allergy risk in high-risk infants.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may help relieve mild symptoms like itching or hives, but it is not a substitute for epinephrine in severe reactions. Anaphylaxis—marked by throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure—requires immediate epinephrine injection (EpiPen) and emergency medical care. Always follow an allergist’s action plan for allergic reactions.

Peanut allergies have risen dramatically in recent decades, particularly in Western countries. Possible explanations include:

Delayed Introduction: Past guidelines advised avoiding peanuts in infancy, which may have increased allergy rates. New recommendations now promote early, controlled exposure.

Hygiene Hypothesis: Reduced early exposure to germs may overstimulate the immune system toward harmless proteins.

Roasting Process: Dry-roasted peanuts (common in the U.S.) may make proteins more allergenic than boiled peanuts (common in Asia, where allergies are rarer).

“Peanut butter cough” refers to a throat irritation or mild choking sensation some people experience when eating thick, sticky peanut butter. While not necessarily an allergy, it can be confused with an allergic reaction. True allergic reactions involve immune responses (itching, swelling, wheezing), whereas peanut butter cough is usually a mechanical issue from texture.

Research shows that early introduction of peanut products (around 4–6 months for high-risk infants, under medical supervision) may reduce allergy development by up to 80%. The LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut Allergy) study supports this approach. Breastfeeding and a diverse diet during pregnancy may also play protective roles.

About 20% of children outgrow peanut allergies, but most persist into adulthood. Regular follow-ups with an allergist can monitor tolerance changes through blood tests or oral food challenges. Adults with lifelong peanut allergies are less likely to outgrow them.

Tree nut allergies (e.g., almonds, walnuts) are less likely to be outgrown than peanut allergies. Only 9% of children with tree nut allergies see resolution over time. Like peanut allergies, immunotherapy research is ongoing, but avoidance remains key for safety.

Cook Out primarily uses vegetable oils like soybean oil for frying. However, some locations may use peanut oil, so it’s essential to confirm with the specific restaurant you plan to visit.

While many menu items do not contain peanuts, certain milkshake flavors and condiments may include peanuts or tree nuts. Always check the allergen information and consult with staff before ordering

Inform the staff about your peanut allergy when ordering.

Avoid milkshakes and desserts that may contain nuts.

Opt for grilled items without buns or sauces that might contain allergens.

Be cautious with fried foods, as cross-contamination can occur in shared fryers.

David – Cookout Recipe Enthusiast & Food Blogger

Hi, I’m David, the writer behind this blog dedicated to uncovering the best cookout recipes across the United States. With a deep passion for great food, outdoor gatherings, and the unique flavors each region offers, I’ve made it my mission to explore cookout traditions from coast to coast and share the delicious recipes I encounter along the way. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ or looking for new dishes to impress your guests, I hope this blog will inspire your next outdoor feast!

Does Cookout Use Peanut Oil? A Comprehensive Guide to Allergen Safety

Understanding Peanut Oil in Restaurant Cooking

Does Cookout Use Peanut Oil?