Burger chain says its 'fries will be RFK'd' as it joins 'Make America Healthy Again' effort
Burger chain says its 'fries will be RFK'd' as it joins 'Make America Healthy Again' effort
With a new spin on cooking french fries, Steak 'n Shake is joining the campaign "Make America Healthy Again," made popular by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The company recently made a change and now is cooking shoestring fries in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil. Some Florida locations were the first to start cooking their french fries in beef tallow at the end of January.
But on March 1, the company posted on the social media platform X that all locations nationwide now serve fries cooked in "100% beef tallow... No preservatives, chemicals or additives."
But what is beef tallow? Is it a healthier option? Here's what you need to know.
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.
Much of the public's knowledge about saturated fat is that it increases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') and the likelihood of heart disease. But some recent studies challenge current guidelines and suggest there is less of a link between saturated fat and increased risk of cardiovascular disease than previously thought.
In contrast, seed oils are derived from plant seeds and also are known as vegetable oils, which are considered an unsaturated fat. There are two major types of unsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, A heart-healthier option compared that increases "good" cholesterol levels, and polyunsaturated fat, which contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids.
RFK Jr. praises beef tallow
Steak 'n Shake, owned by Biglari Holdings, posted, "Fries will be RFK'd," and regularly tags and shares pictures of Kennedy and top Trump ally Elon Musk, as well as Tesla vehicles.
Kennedy and Fox News host Sean Hannity traveled to a Florida Steak 'n Shake this past weekend to sample the fries.
Kennedy has spoken out against seed oils and claims that beef tallow is a healthier alternative.
In an October 2024 post on X, Kennedy wrote, "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."
Is beef tallow a healthier alternative to seed oils?
Emma Laing, a University of Georgia nutritional scientist, told health.com that choosing vegetable oil over beef tallow depends on the person's lifestyle and preference.
Both oils have similar calorie counts. Beef oil has more saturated fats, while seed oils have higher polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids.
According to the American Heart Association, omega-6 fatty acids are part of a healthy diet and can help the body reduce bad cholesterol, lowering the risk for stroke and heart disease.
Most health experts agree that higher intake of saturated fats will lead to cholesterol buildup in arteries, causing heart disease.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY's food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.
Contributing: Clare Mulroy
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