Steak ‘n Shake To Bring Back Beef Tallow Fries

Fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake is ditching seed oils and bringing back beef tallow to fry their iconic french fries. Starting February 2025, every Steak ‘n Shake location across the country will be cooking fries in 100% beef tallow to bring back its authentic flavor. On January 16, the brand posted on X, “Steak ‘n Shake to Use 100% Beef Tallow. No Cap.” One user celebrated the news, saying, “Thank you. As someone who warned against toxic seed oils and promoted the vitamin-rich beef tallow…I applaud you. Kids can now eat delicious food at your place without being poisoned. Historic!” Another chimed in with, “Your move, @McDonalds.” A few bold ones even dared McDonald’s to resurrect their pre-1990 fries. (Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but…please?) For decades, fast food chains used beef tallow to fry their fries. But in the 1990s, many made the switch to seed oils, bowing to the narrative that saturated fats were the villain of the food pyramid. However, over the years, seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower have been scrutinized for being highly processed and potentially linked to health issues like inflammation and obesity. On the other hand, beef tallow – rich in saturated fats and natural – is healthier, cleaner, and tastier. Kristen Briede, the chain’s chief global development officer, said, “The consumer wants the best and deserves the best. By adopting 100% beef tallow, Steak ‘n Shake is delivering the best fries possible.” Health Is Back Steak ‘n Shake isn’t alone in rethinking cooking fats. Sweetgreen, the fast-casual salad chain, recently announced a shift to using extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil in place of seed oils. According to co-founder Jonathan Neman, the move reflects the company’s mission to prioritize “real ingredients that fuel your body and inspire a healthier food system.” The million-dollar question: Will other chains follow suit? If the overwhelmingly positive response to Steak ‘n Shake’s beef tallow fries is any indication, it’s only a matter of time. Will popular fast food brands finally cave? Subscribe today to get unlimited access to all of Evie’s premium content.