by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
It looks like diet recommendation goes backwards and forwards with every passing yr. Now, beef tallow is making a comeback.
The newest information is that corporations like Steak ‘n Shake, Outback Steakhouse, Popeye’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings (amongst others) are switching again to utilizing beef tallow as a substitute of seed oils.
Moreover, you’ve in all probability seen it trending on social media (particularly folks speaking about it on TikTok). There have even been some well being consultants and cooks speaking about it.
However the query comes all the way down to: What’s so nice about beef tallow? Why are extra eating places switching to it? And is that this one thing you need to really care about?
On this article, we’re going to dive deeper into beef tallow and get a greater understanding of what it’s, why it’s getting used, and if it’s one thing you need to make the change to.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It’s endorsed that you simply converse along with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making modifications to your diet plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
What’s Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is a rendered type of beef fats. While you cook dinner down beef fats, pressure it, and let it solidify, you get tallow. It’s possible you’ll be saying, “That doesn’t sound wholesome.” However it really is — most animal fat are.
Beef tallow is stable at room temperature, shelf-stable, and has been used for hundreds of years in cooking, skincare, and even candle-making.
Again within the day, McDonald’s used beef tallow to fry their fries. Individuals nonetheless discuss how significantly better these fries used to style. At present, those self same fries are loaded with a bunch of pointless substances.
After beef tallow got here the surge of vegetable oils. Everybody thought they have been “more healthy.” So, beef tallow took a backseat, and a bunch of hydrogenated oils got here in to make us fats and unhealthy.
Now, as with most diet developments, beef tallow is again — and for good motive.
Why the Sudden Push for Beef Tallow (Once more)?
Persons are beginning to get up (or not less than they’re following social media developments).
They’re realizing that the so-called “heart-healthy” vegetable oils (like canola, soybean, and sunflower — substances utilized in your McDonald’s fries) aren’t precisely doing us any favors in relation to our well being and waistline.
These seed oils are extremely processed, oxidize simply beneath warmth, and may result in irritation when consumed commonly.
Beef tallow, alternatively, is a pure fats. No chemical extraction. No industrial processing. Simply rendered animal fats.
It’s easy. It’s conventional. And our ancestors thrived on it.
Is it simply me, or does it look like our ancestors had issues proper, after which huge corporations got here in to chop prices and decrease the standard of meals, which basically makes us sick and massive pharma wealthy? Am I the one one seeing this pattern?
It’s already been confirmed that manufacturers put sure issues of their meals that trick the mind into pondering you’re hungry, so that you proceed consuming their meals/snacks. I feel these folks needs to be put in jail.
The Dietary Profile of Beef Tallow
Beef tallow isn’t nearly style — it has some stable diet behind it.
It’s wealthy in:
- Saturated fat (which aren’t the enemy, regardless of old-school recommendation)
- Monounsaturated fat (like the sort in olive oil)
- Nutritional vitamins A, D, E, and Okay (all fat-soluble)
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which can assist fats loss and general well being
It additionally has a excessive smoke level (round 400°F) making it good for high-heat cooking.
Additionally, beef tallow doesn’t oxidize or break down simply like seed oils do after they’re heated. Meaning much less irritation in your physique, which is an efficient factor as our our bodies are already infected to the max.
Why Are Eating places Making the Swap?
The reply is straightforward. Beef tallow makes meals style higher.
It delivers a wealthy, savory taste that’s onerous to beat. Fries style crispier. Burgers have extra depth. Even greens roasted in beef tallow get a taste increase.
However style isn’t the one motive eating places are making the change again to beef tallow.
Eating places are additionally seeing the health-conscious crowd push again towards seed oils. Extra prospects are asking, “What are you cooking in?”
Cooks and restaurant house owners are paying consideration.
They’re realizing that switching to beef tallow isn’t simply more healthy — it’s additionally a branding benefit. It units them aside.
And sure, it may be costlier. However prospects who care about high quality are keen to pay a bit extra for it.
Beef Tallow and Clear Consuming
Should you’re making an attempt to eat clear and persist with entire meals, beef tallow is the best way to go.
It’s not ultra-processed. It doesn’t come from genetically modified crops. And it’s as pure because it will get.
Some persons are even utilizing beef tallow rather than butter or coconut oil. They cook dinner their eggs in it, roast veggies in it, and even use it to season forged iron skillets.
It’s keto-friendly. Paleo-approved. Carnivore-loved.
Should you’re staying away from seed oils, beef tallow is likely one of the greatest swaps you can also make.
However is Beef Tallow Really Wholesome?
That’s the large query.
For years, saturated fats bought a foul rap. However now, extra analysis is exhibiting that not all saturated fat are created equal.
Beef tallow is a naturally occurring fats. It doesn’t come from a lab. It doesn’t should be bleached or deodorized.
Some research counsel that animal fat like beef tallow could assist hormone manufacturing, mind operate, and general power.
And in relation to coronary heart well being, the actual enemy won’t be saturated fats — however somewhat the processed junk we’ve been advised is nice for us.
How you can Use Beef Tallow at House
If you wish to strive beef tallow your self, it’s simple to get began.
Yow will discover it in jars at well being meals shops, farmer’s markets, or on-line. You can too make your personal by slowly cooking down beef fats trimmings.
Use it rather than oil or butter when frying or sautéing. It’s nice for:
- Roasting potatoes
- Frying eggs
- Searing steaks
- Making hash browns
- Cooking something that wants a taste increase
Simply scoop it out, warmth it up, and revel in.
Making the Swap to Beef Tallow is a Good Factor
Beef tallow is greater than only a cooking fats — it’s a throwback to conventional diet.
It’s flavorful, secure, and freed from the junk that comes with seed oils. No bizarre components. No chemical solvents. Simply actual meals.
Eating places are catching on. House cooks are making the change. And the well being world is lastly giving beef tallow the credit score it deserves.
So subsequent time you’re within the kitchen or out at a restaurant, ask your self: what fats are they utilizing?
If it’s beef tallow, you’re in for a deal with.