Why Restaurants Are Switching to Beef Tallow: A Growing Trend in 2025
In 2025, a significant shift is occurring in the restaurant industry as beef restaurants are increasingly switching to beef tallow for cooking, particularly for fries, wings, and other fried delights. This traditional cooking fat, derived from rendered beef fat, is making a comeback due to its rich flavor, high smoke point, and perceived health benefits, especially among keto and paleo diet enthusiasts. With growing concerns over seed oils—often criticized for their omega-6 content and potential health risks—restaurants are revisiting beef tallow as a natural alternative. From fast-food chains to steakhouses, this trend is gaining momentum, driven by consumer demand for authentic, high-quality ingredients. In this post, we’ll explore the reasons behind this switch, its impact on taste and health, and provide a comprehensive list of restaurants adopting beef tallow. Ready to learn more about this keto cooking fat revolution? Let’s dive in!
The Health Benefits of Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is emerging as a preferred cooking fat due to its nutritional profile, appealing to health-conscious diners. Unlike seed oils like canola or soybean, which are high in polyunsaturated fats and may oxidize at high temperatures, beef tallow offers a stable option with a smoke point of around 400°F. This makes it ideal for frying without producing harmful compounds. Rich in saturated fats, including stearic acid, beef tallow doesn’t significantly raise cholesterol levels, according to some nutrition experts. It also contains monounsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K, which support overall wellness.
The keto diet community praises beef tallow for its low-carb compatibility, providing energy without spiking blood sugar. Recent sentiment on social platforms highlights a backlash against seed oils, with many advocating for tallow as a healthier alternative. While debates persist—some argue saturated fats contribute to heart disease—others point to emerging research suggesting moderation, not elimination, is key. For beef restaurants, this shift aligns with a “clean eating” trend, offering a natural fat source free from industrial processing. Weldon Family Farms, for instance, produces grass-fed beef tallow, emphasizing purity and quality, which resonates with this movement. Whether you’re frying keto-friendly fries or roasting vegetables, beef tallow’s health benefits make it a standout choice in modern cuisine.
Enhanced Flavor and Texture with Beef Tallow
One of the primary reasons beef restaurants are switching to beef tallow is the unparalleled flavor it imparts. Tallow lends a subtle umami richness to fried foods, enhancing the taste of fries, wings, and even onion rings. This distinct flavor harks back to the golden era of fast food, when chains like McDonald’s used tallow before switching to vegetable oils in the 1990s. Customers today crave that nostalgic taste, and restaurants are responding by reintroducing this traditional fat.
Beyond flavor, beef tallow improves texture. Foods fried in tallow achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior, a combination hard to replicate with seed oils. This textural superiority is evident in dishes like tallow-fried scallops or keto tortilla chips, where the fat’s stability prevents sogginess. Chefs also note that tallow’s high smoke point ensures consistent results, even during busy service hours. For beef-centric establishments, using tallow aligns with their brand identity, offering a cohesive menu experience. The growing popularity of keto recipes further boosts demand, as tallow’s compatibility with low-carb diets makes it a go-to for innovative dishes. Restaurants leveraging this trend, like those sourcing from Weldon Family Farms’ grass-fed tallow, are tapping into a market that values authenticity and quality, setting themselves apart in a competitive industry.
The Shift Away from Seed Oils
The move to beef tallow is largely a reaction to growing skepticism about seed oils. These vegetable oils, including canola, sunflower, and soybean, dominate modern kitchens but face criticism for their high omega-6 fatty acid content. Excessive omega-6 intake is linked to inflammation, a concern fueling the anti-seed oil movement championed by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2025. Restaurants are responding to consumer demand for healthier alternatives, with many ditching seed oils for beef tallow.
Historically, seed oils replaced tallow in the late 20th century due to health campaigns against saturated fats. However, recent studies and online discussions suggest seed oils may pose risks when heated, producing potentially harmful byproducts. This has prompted a reevaluation, with beef tallow emerging as a natural, minimally processed option. The switch also aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, influencing chains to adopt tallow for frying. For beef restaurants, this transition reinforces their commitment to quality ingredients, appealing to patrons seeking unprocessed foods. The trend is evident in the rapid adoption by major chains, reflecting a broader culinary shift toward traditional fats. Weldon Family Farms’ grass-fed tallow, for example, offers a premium alternative, supporting restaurants in this health-focused pivot.
List of Restaurants Switching to Beef Tallow
The beef tallow movement is gaining traction across the U.S., with numerous restaurants embracing this cooking fat. Below is a detailed list of establishments known to use or switch to beef tallow, based on recent industry trends and reports:
Steak ‘n Shake: This iconic burger chain made headlines in January 2025 by announcing a full switch to 100% beef tallow for its shoestring fries, completing the transition by March 1. The move, supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to deliver “the highest quality and best taste,” extending to onion rings and chicken tenders.
Popeyes: Known for its Cajun fries, Popeyes uses a blend of 75% beef shortening and 25% vegetable oil, as reported by SeedOilScout.com. This hybrid approach balances tradition with modern frying needs, appealing to fans of its crispy chicken and sides.
Outback Steakhouse: A pioneer since 1988, Outback has long used beef tallow to fry its signature Bloomin’ Onion, fries, and other items. This steakhouse chain leverages tallow to enhance the beefy flavor profile, aligning with its menu focus.
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW): BWW fries its wings, fries, potato wedges, tots, and tortilla chips in beef shortening, according to its allergen guide. This widespread use across menu items highlights tallow’s versatility, even extending to cauliflower wings.
Smashburger: This fast-casual chain fries its fries, tots, and sweet potato waffle fries in a blend of beef tallow and canola oil. The combination enhances the umami taste of its smashburgers, offering a nostalgic twist since its 2007 founding.
Portillo’s: Based in Chicago, Portillo’s uses a beef tallow and vegetable oil blend for its crinkle-cut fries, onion rings, and chili cheese fries. This local tradition complements its Italian beef sandwiches, reinforcing its beef-centric identity.
Fry the Coop: This smaller chain markets its use of beef tallow heavily, frying chicken and other items to differentiate itself. Its transparent approach resonates with health-conscious consumers.
These restaurants reflect a mix of fast-food and casual dining, with some like Steak ‘n Shake leading the charge and others like Outback maintaining long-standing practices. The trend is supported by resources like LocalFats.com, which maps tallow-using eateries, indicating a growing network. This shift not only caters to keto diets but also taps into a broader desire for authentic, flavorful dining experiences.
Impact on the Keto and Paleo Communities
The switch to beef tallow is a boon for keto and paleo communities, who prioritize low-carb, high-fat diets. Tallow’s compatibility with these lifestyles makes it a staple for recipes like keto fries and paleo roasted vegetables. Its natural fat content supports ketosis, providing energy without carbs, while its nutrient profile aligns with paleo’s focus on whole foods. Restaurants adopting tallow cater to this audience, offering menu items that fit their dietary needs. The trend also boosts home cooking, with brands like Weldon Family Farms supplying tallow for keto enthusiasts. This synergy between restaurant innovation and consumer demand is driving tallow’s resurgence, making it a key player in the health food movement.
Conclusion
Beef restaurants are switching to beef tallow for its health benefits, superior taste, and response to seed oil concerns. With chains like Steak ‘n Shake and Outback leading the way, this trend is reshaping dining. Explore tallow’s potential and try Weldon Family Farms’ tallow for your keto recipes!