Fast Food Chain Ditches Seed Oils, Embraces Health Crusade

March 15, 2025 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Steak ‘n Shake, the iconic burger chain founded in 1934, has officially gone all-in on the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, announcing that its signature shoestring fries are now cooked exclusively in 100% beef tallow across all locations. The move, completed earlier this month, marks a bold shift away from vegetable seed oils, aligning the chain with a growing health-conscious trend championed by figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The transition, first teased in January, positions Steak ‘n Shake as a pioneer among major fast food chains in rejecting seed oils—such as soybean and canola—which critics link to inflammation and chronic diseases. Beef tallow, a rendered fat from cattle, was once the standard for frying in American eateries, famously used by McDonald’s until 1990. Now, Steak ‘n Shake is betting on its return, touting both superior taste and a nod to traditional cooking methods.

“We’re not just making fries; we’re making a statement,” said Chris Ward, Steak ‘n Shake’s chief supply chain officer. “By going full MAHA with 100% beef tallow, we’re giving customers the best flavor and a healthier option. This is how fries were meant to be cooked.”

A Health Revolution or Savvy Marketing?

The switch has sparked buzz among MAHA advocates, who see it as a victory in the fight against ultra-processed foods. Kennedy, a vocal critic of seed oils, praised the chain last month, calling it “leadership in the crusade to Make America Healthy Again.” On social media, the company has leaned into the movement, posting slogans like “Make Frying Oil Tallow Again” and sharing images of red hats reminiscent of political campaign gear.

Nutritionists note that beef tallow offers stability at high cooking temperatures, reducing the harmful compounds formed in overheated seed oils. It’s also rich in fat-soluble vitamins like E and K2, though its saturated fat content has raised eyebrows among traditional health experts. “It’s a trade-off,” says Dr. Laura Benson, a dietitian based in Indianapolis. “Tallow avoids the omega-6 overload of seed oils, but moderation is still key—fries aren’t a health food either way.”

From Decline to Revival

Steak ‘n Shake’s embrace of tallow comes at a pivotal moment. The chain, once a dine-in staple, has faced declining revenue and shuttered locations in recent years. Under owner Sardar Biglari, it pivoted to a fast-food model with self-service kiosks, but the tallow move may be its boldest gamble yet. Executives say the decision was inspired by Biglari’s memory of tallow-cooked fries in Belgium, paired with a desire to tap into the MAHA zeitgeist.

“We’ve RFK’d our fries,” COO Dan Edwards told Fox News in February, referencing Kennedy’s influence. The chain completed the rollout by March 1, overcoming supplier pushback to secure enough tallow for its 436 locations. Customers have noticed—sales of fries are up, and social media is abuzz with praise for their crisp, beefy flavor.

Challenges and Controversy

Not everyone’s sold. Some MAHA influencers recently questioned whether Steak ‘n Shake’s fries are pre-cooked in seed oils before being finished in tallow at restaurants—a common practice in the industry. The company responded with a statement: “We’re working with suppliers to eliminate all seed oils from our process. Tallow is step one, and we’re committed to full transparency.”

Critics also point to the cost: tallow is pricier than seed oils, potentially squeezing margins or raising prices. Yet Steak ‘n Shake seems unfazed, doubling down with combative posts like “Zealots can’t stop us!” and forging symbolic ties with Tesla, hinting at future collaborations.

A Tallow-Fueled Future?

As the MAHA movement gains traction, Steak ‘n Shake’s tallow fries could set a precedent. Other chains, like Popeyes and Buffalo Wild Wings, are reportedly exploring similar shifts. For now, the Indianapolis-born brand is reveling in its moment, blending nostalgia, health rhetoric, and a dash of rebellion. Whether it’s a lasting revolution or a fleeting stunt, one thing’s clear: the fries taste better—and that might just be enough.