"Tallow Fries now in Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma - By March 1, ALL locations. Fries will be RFK’d!" (on X)
Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has advocated for using beef tallow as a cooking fat and has claimed it's healthier than seed oils. He's also encouraged people to make better food choices.
In January, Steak 'N Shake announced they would be switching from seed oils to fry food using beef tallow instead. That is now taking place.
"Steak n Shake announced today that it is moving forward with the use of 100% all-natural beef tallow in all its restaurants. Steak n Shake has long been famous for its shoestring fries – and it will now fry them in the best way possible.
When fries were created centuries ago, they were made with tallow. "Our fries will now be cooked in an authentic way, 100% beef tallow, in order to achieve the highest quality and best taste," said Chris Ward, chief supply chain officer for Steak n Shake.
Chief global development officer for Steak n Shake, Kristen Briede, stated: "The consumer wants the best and deserves the best. By adopting 100% beef tallow, Steak n Shake is delivering the best fries possible."
By the end of February 2025, all locations will use 100% all-natural beef tallow." - PR Newswire, Jan 16, 2025
So what is beef tallow?
The Mayo Clinic shares: "Tallow is a whiteish substance that is solid at room temperature. It’s made by removing, simmering and clarifying the fatty tissue that surrounds the organs of ruminant animals. Ruminant animals chew their cud and include cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats and deer. Beef tallow is commonly made from cows and is sometimes called “beef drippings.”
Beef tallow is typically used for cooking at high temperatures such as deep frying and roasting. Tallow also has many nonfood uses and can be an ingredient in candles, soaps and topical skincare — it can even be used to season cast-iron pans."
"While saturated fats have been demonized in the past, eating certain kinds or small amounts might not be as harmful as previously thought. In tallow, some of the saturated fat is a specific type known as stearic acid. Stearic acid appears to not raise cholesterol in the same way as other saturated fats.
Tallow also contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered healthier. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is one polyunsaturated omega-6 fat found in animal fats and linked to potential health benefits such as preventing plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis). However, more research is needed about the effects of conjugated linoleic acid.
In addition to fat, beef tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins that are vital for various bodily functions, including immune support, bone health, cellular function and skin health. Animal varities that are 100% grass fed will provide a more expensive nutrient profile."