Beef tallow, a rich flavor once associated with family roasts and classic comfort food, has seen a resurgence in popularity as concerns over plant-based oils grow. The renewed interest is largely driven by the advocacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., newly confirmed head of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
In a video posted last November, Kennedy highlighted beef tallow’s benefits, saying it’s “how we cook the MAHA way” – a nod to his Trump administration slogan “Make America Healthy Again.” The former health secretary now calls for McDonald’s to use beef tallow in its iconic Big Macs.
Other fast-food chains have already followed suit. Steak n Shake has switched to 100% all-natural beef tallow, while Sweetgreen and True Food Kitchen have eliminated seed oils from their menus. Los Angeles-based salad chain Sweetgreen offers new “protein-packed, seed oil-free” menu items, while the True Food Kitchen group boasts 46 locations with seed-oil-free menus.
Health experts are divided on the issue, but most agree that plant-based oils can be detrimental to health due to inflammation and other concerns. In contrast, beef tallow contains stearic acid, a saturated fat type that may not raise cholesterol levels in the same way as other fats.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that seed-oils are often highly processed, while the Mayo Clinic highlights the benefits of tallow’s unique fatty acid composition. Meanwhile, the Center for Science in the Public Interest argues that opponents overstate risks associated with seed oils and that a diet rich in saturated fats poses greater health threats.
Despite this debate, data suggests beef tallow demand is on the rise, coinciding with Kennedy’s outspoken advocacy. The USDA-reported price chart indicates a growing trend since early 2024, hinting at a potential shift towards animal-based diets with notable benefits.
Source: https://www.beefcentral.com/news/beef-tallow-is-staging-a-comeback