Beef tallow: What is it, and why are french fry fans, health food experts and popular restaurant chains talking about this long-debated cooking method?
The conversation quickly gained steam in recent weeks after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized seed oil while publicly praising tallow and its use by Indianapolis-based Steak ‘n Shake. The chain’s Melbourne locations in Brevard were the first to start cooking their french fries in beef tallow at the end of January.
While some restaurants have been cooking with beef tallow for decades, Steak ‘n Shake is now touting their “healthier fries,” proclaiming their shoestring french fries — cooked in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil — are better for customers.
For background on the buzz: McDonald’s originally cooked its fries mainly in beef tallow but switched to vegetable oil in the 1990s. This decision was influenced by health concerns over the saturated fat content in beef tallow.
What is beef tallow?
Beef tallow comes from cows and is also known as beef fat or drippings. It is made by simmering and clarifying the fatty tissue of the animal.
Tallow is whitish or cream-colored, solid at room temperature and is considered a saturated fat.
In contrast, seed oils are derived from plant seeds and also are known as vegetable oils, which are considered an unsaturated fat.
Which restaurant chains are using beef tallow?
To date, the following chains in Florida have said they use beef tallow:
Steak ‘n Shake: Started using beef tallow for french fries in all locations in March.Popeye’s: Website states “Beef tallow is used for frying our products.”Outback Steakhouse: Uses beef fat with fried foods, including their Syndney ‘Shrooms and Bloomin’ Onion.Buffalo Wild Wings: Chicken wings and cauliflower wings are fried in beef shortening.Make America Healthy Again campaign
Kennedy, who was confirmed for the HHS post in early February, has spoken out against seed oils and claims that beef tallow is a healthier alternative.
In an October 2024 post on social media platform X, Kennedy wrote that “saturated animal fats were thought to be unhealthy, but we have since discovered that seed oils are one of the driving causes of the obesity epidemic.”
This year, Kennedy launched the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. In early March, Steak ‘n Shake posted their support for Kennedy and their tallow-cooked fries on X, and Kennedy and FOX News host Sean Hannity visited a Florida location of the chain.
“Steak ’n Shake has been great,” Kennedy said. “We’re very grateful to them for RFK’ing the french fries.”
Steak ‘n Shake is proud to support MAHA and Secretary Kennedy! Your days are numbered seed oil. We want to lead the way and make a difference! #MAHA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/oGo5xNLQEe
— Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) March 7, 2025What’s healthy when it comes to cooking oil? Opinions vary
Beef tallow and seed oils have similar calorie counts.
Beef tallow contains saturated fats, rich in cholesterol, that can contribute to clogged arteries and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. It also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K and has a high smoke point, making it a reasonable choice for frying foods.
Studies have shown that seed oils, such as canola, avocado or olive oil, are associated with lower cholesterol levels, contain heart-healthy fats and have been shown to reduce inflammation. In 2018, the FDA stated consuming such oils, including high oleic oil, may reduce the risk of heart disease when used in place of sources of saturated fat.
Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Nutrition Now Counseling states, “While a return to tallow could be seen as aligning with Kennedy’s ideals and potentially offering taste improvements, the underlying health concerns with deep-fried foods would remain.”
The American Heart Association has said there is “no reason” to avoid seed oils, saying the concern should be overeating ultra-processed foods. According to most health scientists, limited amounts of all oils are the key to better health.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.