Steak ‘n Shake has announced that all its branches in five states will now use beef tallow to cook their fries, a move that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pushed for. The burger chain said “100% beef tallow” fries are now available in Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The health impact of cooking with vegetable oils is a contentious issue. While the American Heart Association says there’s no reason to avoid them, some experts argue that seed oils can promote inflammation if consumed in excess and become unstable at high heat. Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. has been critical of seed oils in recent months, advocating for beef tallow as a healthier alternative.
Steak ‘n Shake plans to roll out 100% beef tallow fries to all its locations across the US by March 1. This move comes after the restaurant chain announced earlier that it would start using beef tallow to cook its fries. Other chains like Sweetgreen and Blue Collar Restaurant Group are also switching away from seed oils and towards healthier options.
Kennedy’s advocacy for beef tallow has led some to praise Steak ‘n Shake as a leader in making better choices. However, others point out that the decision is nuanced and dependent on individual circumstances. With this move, Steak ‘n Shake joins a growing trend of restaurants opting for beef tallow over vegetable oil.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/steak-n-shake-beef-tallow-fries-five-states-robert-f-kennedy-jr-2035884