Unsuspecting, well-intentioned consumers may be inadvertently subjecting themselves to an abhorrent, unnecessary and unhealthy animal product that is unfortunately making a comeback, largely in part due to uneducated influencers and fad diet trends which are rooted in pure fiction. We’re referring to the recent rise in the use of beef tallow as a cooking oil.

In a yet-to-be vegan world, we sometimes have to go with the “best option” when looking for a snack to-go, and sometimes that best option is a simple side dish like French fries. Many of us already know that the fries at McDonalds aren’t vegan, and many of us take pride in staying far away from that place. But that’s beside the point. French fries from anywhere else are typically fair game (or at least they were), and honestly, are a beloved snack.

But now, there is a lingering concern that French fries from any establishment may be cooked in beef tallow, rendering them non-vegan. The issue goes beyond fries: an ethical eater who wanted to get cauliflower wings at a restaurant like Buffalo Wild Wings would be unable to do so since they are fried in beef tallow as well. The product is even making its way into the beauty industry.

Beef tallow is the fat found underneath the flesh and around the internal organs of ruminants, typically cows. This inhumane/unethical product was once popularly used as cooking oil in the United States. That was, until we discovered that saturated fats greatly increased our risk of heart disease. And beef tallow is chock full of saturated fats, which raise LDL cholesterol. This is the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to clogged arteries and an increased risk of heart disease.

RFK junior, misinformed health commentator, has consistently placed the blame for obesity on seed oils. These claims are unbased, untrue and highly disputed by nutrition experts. In fact, many studies find that seed oils are superior to beef tallow for overall health.

Still, misguided minions who follow RFK and his “make America healthy again” (MAHA) ideology are going to extreme lengths to sabotage themselves, the environment, and of course, animals –- influencers are going as far as rubbing beef tallow on their faces in an attempt to legitimize it’s use and benefits.

That’s right, eager to capitalize on this odd trend, skincare peddlers are also getting involved by pushing tallow based skin“care” products that do far more harm than good. And impressionable consumers are none the wiser. A Vogue writer tried using tallow-based skin moisturizer for a week and found herself walking away with a ton of acne thanks to the

experiment, feeling like she engaged with her own personal hell. Not to mention, the stench prompted her wife (and probably everyone on the subway) to “recoil in horror”.

Kennedy and MAHA supporters point out that seed oils are higher in omega-6 fatty acids than beef tallow is. They also claim that omega-6 fatty acids cause inflammation, but this is NOT proven. A review paper from 2008 found that people who consume the most linoleic acid tend to have the lowest levels of inflammation.

Omega-6 fatty acids actually appear to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. A review paper from 2020 found that higher levels of linoleic acid—one of the most common omega-6 sources—in the diet or blood are linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

It’s ironic that a movement claiming to make America healthy again is touting such a regressive and unhealthy concept. According to the American Heart Association, there is “no reason” to avoid seed oils. Instead, we should be concerned by the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods.

The anti-seed oil propaganda does not stem singularly from RFK Jr.’s mind, though.

Apparently, a study back in 2002 was performed in question of whether or not omega-6 rich foods might increase inflammation. Of course, after going through all of these papers, Dr. Walter C. Willet, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard University, was unable to find a “single shred” of evidence affirming the studies initial question. “This is all theoretical” he said. (New York Times, 3/21/2025)

And of course, there is the parasitic sect of influencers who swear by their coveted products of animal exploitation. They’ll also say and do whatever it takes to get a few clicks or likes. Whether they have 500 or 500,000 viewers/followers, their role in spreading this misinformation is not to be overlooked.

These restaurants have committed to using beef tallow to cook their French fries, and they should be avoided at all costs, even if for just their fries! When in doubt, ask kitchen staff to confirm.

– Buffalo Wild Wings (including their cauliflower wings).

– Popeyes

– Outback Steakhouse

– Portillos

– Steak n Shake

– Bojangles

– McDonalds

– Potentially others, ask kitchen staff to confirm