Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is celebrating a significant shift in fast food. Steak ‘n Shake, the popular diner chain, has announced it will start frying its french fries in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil. This change aligns with Kennedy’s long-standing advocacy for healthier cooking methods in the fast food industry.
On March 1, Steak ‘n Shake shared a tweet, “Eat Mor Bef Talow,” which is now pinned at the top of their 𝕏 account. The company is fully embracing Kennedy’s call for a change in how fries are prepared. Daniel Edwards, the Chief Operations Officer of Steak ‘n Shake, mentioned in an interview with Fox and Friends that this decision has been on their minds for quite some time. He recalled a conversation with the owner, Sardar Biglari, who questioned why European fries seemed better than those in America.
Biglari’s fond memories of Belgian fries sparked a search for a supplier capable of providing beef tallow for their cooking needs. Edwards stated, “We found a supplier that could finally do that for us, and he said, ‘We got to do it, we got to do it everywhere.’ And so, we did. We RFK’d our fries.”
Kennedy has been vocal about the health issues tied to seed oils, which are commonly used in fast food. While the American Heart Association claims there’s no need to avoid fries cooked in vegetable oil, Kennedy argues that beef tallow is a healthier alternative. He believes seed oils are linked to rising obesity rates and various health problems. In a recent Instagram post, he labeled seed oils as “the most unhealthy ingredients that we have in foods,” citing their low cost due to subsidies as a key reason for their prevalence in processed foods.
The announcement has drawn praise from conservative figures. Representative Anna Paulina Luna from Florida urged other fast food chains to adopt similar practices. Even Elon Musk chimed in, stating that the new fries “taste way better.” In response, Steak ‘n Shake suggested that Tesla could install electric vehicle charging stations at their restaurants.
Ohio State Representative Nick Santucci echoed the sentiment, calling for more fast-food chains to embrace real ingredients and traditional cooking methods. This move to beef tallow is seen as a bold step for Steak ‘n Shake, which has faced challenges in a crowded fast food market. Since being acquired by Biglari Holdings in 2008, the company has tried various strategies to regain its footing, including simplifying its menu and franchising locations.
By adopting beef tallow fries, Steak ‘n Shake aims to attract new customers and stand out in the competitive fast food landscape. The decision has sparked conversations among influential voices on the right, potentially bringing a wave of new patrons eager to try the revamped fries.