Thorntons is now offering better value fuel to its Chicagoland consumers.

All 43 of Thorntons Chicago area stores are now offering Unleaded15. Unleaded15 is Thorntons’ branded E15 fueling option that typically offers lower cost, improved engine performance and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“Unleaded15 offers a great value to our Chicago guests, and supports our desire to provide the best possible fuel options,” stated Jeff Gallic, vice president of fuel supply. “Thorntons has offered E85 for years and given the market demand for higher ethanol blends, we feel Unleaded15 is the next logical step for our fuel portfolio.”

Unleaded15 (up to 15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) provides an octane rating of 88, and is the most widely-tested fuel ever introduced to consumers. It contains approximately 15% ethanol, and is approved by the EPA for use in model year 2001 or newer cars, light duty trucks, SUV’s and Flex Fuel vehicles. This fuel typically costs less than regular Unleaded, and is believed to deliver better performance and fewer harmful emissions.

“We are very excited about the expansion of Unleaded15 fuel in our Chicagoland stores,” said Matt Thornton, CEO of Thorntons. “We support the use of ethanol, wherever it is economically available.”

Unleaded15 differs from E85, in that E85 is a Flex Fuel that is a mixture of up to 85% ethanol and 15% petroleum. Ethanol is a renewable fuel source that reduces harmful environmental emissions and provides multiple economic benefits. Today, the vast majority of domestic ethanol is produced from corn, an abundant and renewable grain. This renewable fuel source helps to reduce carbon emissions, helps promote cleaner air, boosts the U.S. economy, creates jobs and reduces foreign oil imports.