A Popular Food Chain Is Making The Full Switch To Beef Tallow Fries

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Right now, the restaurant chain cooks its potatoes in vegetable oil, but they plan to switch by February.

Similar to how lard comes from pigs, beef fat (tallow) is the rendered fat of a cow that can be used for any cooking application that calls for other solid fats. Its high smoke point also makes it an excellent option for deep frying. Contrary to what the name may suggest, tallow does not taste strongly of beef, so don't expect steakhouse fries to become especially meaty -- though there may be a hint of it.

The change comes in response to some consumer complaints about the perceived harm of vegetable oil and other seed oils. Although seed oils can be unhealthy due to added salts and sugars - which are the primary cause of related health issues like heart disease - there is no evidence to support the idea that the oil itself is toxic.

The Quality of Meat at 8 Fast-Food Chains, Ranked from Worst to Best

Beef Fat Fries Were a Staple in Fast Food Staples.

Some of the contaminant is likely of animal origin, as opposed to being plant-based.

In the past, traditional fats like beef tallow were more commonly used for cooking, rather than modern processed oils. In the 18th century, people in France or Belgium typically made use of all parts of the animal carcass, including tallow, for frying.

McDonald's might not be ready to go back to its old ways, but Steak 'n Shake is ready to meet consumer wishes.

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