Why did people stop using tallow?

People stopped using tallow primarily due to health concerns linking its high saturated fat content to heart disease, spurred by public awareness campaigns in the mid-20th century, leading restaurants to switch to cheaper, more stable hydrogenated vegetable oils, and eventually seed oils, which were seen as healthier and offered better shelf life. The shift was also driven by the lower cost and easier mass production of vegetable oils compared to rendering tallow.

Why don't we use beef tallow anymore?

Unfortunately, despite being delicious, America moved away from using beef tallow, a saturated fat, when it started being linked to increases in cardiovascular issues and deaths.

Why is tallow bad for you?

Beef tallow is high in saturated fat

We know for sure that beef tallow contains a lot of saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat may increase inflammation, increase the risk of heart disease and lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What is the controversy with tallow?

But nutrition experts quoted in the article cautioned against using beef tallow, noting that it is high in saturated fat, which is much worse for heart health than unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils (which include seed oils and others such as olive and coconut).

When was beef tallow stopped being used?

Why did beef tallow fall out of use? In July 1990, McDonald's announced that it would "start cooking their french fries and hash brown potatoes in 100% vegetable oil" and stop using a "blend of vegetable oil and beef tallow," said The New York Times.

The Big Tallow Lie

Why don't dermatologists like beef tallow?

Dermatologists are cautious about beef tallow for skincare because it's highly comedogenic (pore-clogging), risking breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin, and lacks robust scientific backing, while carrying potential risks like bacterial contamination or allergic reactions, making proven, formulated moisturizers better options. While it contains beneficial fatty acids and vitamins, its thick, occlusive nature and inconsistent processing in homemade versions raise significant concerns for skin health compared to tested products. 

Does McDonald's still use beef tallow?

Did you know that McDonald's used to use beef tallow to make their fries from 1940 until phasing it out in favor of seed oils in 1990? This switch was made because saturated animal fats were thought to be unhealthy, but we have since discovered that seed oils are one of the driving causes of the obesity epidemic.

What do cardiologists think of beef tallow?

Cardiologists generally advise caution with beef tallow due to its high saturated fat content, which can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increase heart disease risk, despite some minor vitamin content. While it contains some monounsaturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins, experts recommend moderation and prioritizing unsaturated fats (like olive or avocado oil) for heart health, suggesting tallow should be used sparingly as part of a balanced diet rather than a primary cooking fat, especially for those with existing heart conditions.
 

Is tallow banned by the FDA?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Tallow and Hydrogenated Tallow on its list of substances considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS.

Why is everyone suddenly against seed oils?

People are against seed oils due to concerns about their highly processed nature (using heat and hexane), high omega-6 fatty acid content potentially causing inflammation, and their ubiquity in ultra-processed foods linked to chronic diseases, though many scientists argue these claims are overstated, highlighting seed oils' role in replacing saturated fats and emphasizing that the oils themselves aren't inherently toxic, but rather part of an overall unhealthy diet in many cases.
 

Does tallow actually help your skin?

Tallow can be a very effective, intensely moisturizing ingredient for dry or irritated skin due to its fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which mimic skin's natural oils, but it's a heavy occlusive that can clog pores and cause breakouts in those with oily or acne-prone skin, so use cautiously on the face. While beneficial for barrier repair and deep hydration, it lacks scientifically proven collagen-boosting effects, and dermatologists often prefer dedicated skincare products for facial concerns over pure tallow.
 

Is tallow healthier than olive oil?

No, olive oil is generally considered healthier than tallow for everyday use because it's rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants, whereas tallow is high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol. While tallow has a high smoke point, making it good for high-heat cooking, and offers some stearic acid (which doesn't raise cholesterol like other saturated fats) and CLA, olive oil's monounsaturated fats and polyphenols offer better heart health benefits, making it superior for dressings and low-heat cooking, note sources like Noom. 

Does tallow affect hormones?

Ghee and tallow are time-tested, nutrient-dense foods that provide essential support for hormone production, gut health, energy levels, and overall health. By incorporating these traditional fats into your diet, you're giving your body the building blocks it needs for long-term balance and health.

Why are restaurants switching back to beef tallow?

As more restaurants embrace beef tallow for its rich flavor and frying quality, this shift marks a broader trend in the food industry—one driven by taste, tradition, and growing consumer interest in natural ingredients.

Is tallow actually healthy?

Tallow's healthiness is mixed: it's rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and has a high smoke point, making it great for cooking and skin, but it's also very high in saturated fat, which can raise "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase heart disease risk, so moderation and balance with other fats are key. While some promote it as a natural, traditional fat, health experts suggest a varied approach, balancing it with unsaturated fats from sources like olive or avocado oil, rather than replacing all other oils.
 

Which is the healthiest form of fat?

Monounsaturated fats help protect your heart by maintaining levels of "good" HDL cholesterol while reducing levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol in your blood. Monounsaturated fats are found in: olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils. avocados.

Why do dermatologists hate beef tallow?

Dermatologists are cautious about beef tallow for skincare because it's highly comedogenic (pore-clogging), risking breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin, and lacks robust scientific backing, while carrying potential risks like bacterial contamination or allergic reactions, making proven, formulated moisturizers better options. While it contains beneficial fatty acids and vitamins, its thick, occlusive nature and inconsistent processing in homemade versions raise significant concerns for skin health compared to tested products. 

What is the #1 most unhealthy food?

There's no single "number 1" unhealthy food, but sugary drinks (soda, sweetened juices), processed meats (bacon, hot dogs), and deep-fried items (fries, fried chicken) consistently rank as top contenders due to high sugar, unhealthy fats, sodium, and artificial ingredients, contributing to weight gain, diabetes, and heart issues. Other major offenders include donuts, white bread, sugary cereals, and many packaged snacks. 

Why is tallow no longer used?

We stopped using tallow primarily due to health concerns over its high saturated fat content, which was linked to heart disease, leading to public campaigns and shifts in fast-food practices in the late 20th century, favoring cheaper, mass-produced vegetable oils that seemed healthier at the time, though modern debates continue. The introduction of refined vegetable oils, better heat stability of alternatives, and a strong public health push against animal fats drove this change.
 

What are three foods cardiologists say not to eat?

Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats (bacon, sausage), fried foods (fries, fried chicken), and sugary drinks/sweets (soda, pastries) due to high sodium, unhealthy fats (saturated/trans), and sugar content, which raise blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk. Refined carbs and excessive salt are also key culprits, while focusing on whole foods, fruits, veggies, and water is recommended. 

What is the #1 worst habit for your heart?

The number one worst thing for heart health is widely considered to be tobacco use (smoking and secondhand smoke), as it significantly damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, reduces good cholesterol (HDL), and increases the risk of blood clots, making heart attacks and strokes much more likely. Other major culprits include a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet (high in processed foods, sugar, and salt), excessive alcohol, and carrying excess belly fat, all of which strain the cardiovascular system.
 

Do cardiologists say not to eat blueberries?

Official Statements from Cardiology Organizations. The American Heart Association says to eat foods like blueberries. They are full of antioxidants. A diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins can lower heart disease risk.

Is beef tallow coming back?

On the Rise: Beef Tallow is the Ingredient to Watch in 2025

Now, the old-school fat's making a major comeback for both taste and – believe it or not – nutrition reasons, as some chefs and consumers look to swap processed seed oils for what they describe as more “natural” fat sources.

Why don't restaurants use beef tallow?

The cooking fat was phased out from fast food chains about 35 years ago when heart-attack survivor Phil Sokolof launched a campaign against saturated fat.

Does McDonald's use pig oil for fries?

Once at the restaurant our fries are simply cooked in dedicated frying vats in a non-hydrogenated blend of sunflower and rapeseed oil which is 100 percent suitable for vegetarians (McDonald's French Fries are officially accredited by the Vegetarian Society).

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