How to Avoid Seed Oils When Dining at Mediterranean Restaurants

Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its fresh ingredients and health-conscious dishes, but hidden seed oils (like sunflower, soybean, or canola oil) can still sneak into restaurant meals. Here’s how to enjoy authentic flavors while staying seed oil-free:

1. Ask About Cooking Oils: Politely inquire if the restaurant uses olive oil for cooking. Many traditional Mediterranean spots prioritize olive oil, but fried items or dressings may still contain seed oils.
2. Focus on Grilled & Roasted Dishes: Choose grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables, which are less likely to use seed oils compared to fried options like falafel or stuffed pastries.
3. Request Dressings on the Side: Salads often come pre-dressed. Ask for olive oil and lemon instead of house dressings, which may contain soybean or canola oil.
4. Avoid Processed Sauces: Dishes with tahini, hummus, or tzatziki are usually safe, but check for seed oils in flavored sauces or dips.
5. Use MM Food’s AI Scan: Upload the restaurant menu into the app, set your dietary restriction to Avoid Seed Oils, and let AI highlight safe dishes and flag potential risks.

With MM Food, you can savor the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean—minus the unwanted oils.