Steak n Shake Debuts Beef Tallow Fries in Retail Stores

The restaurant chain is rolling out seed-oil-free fries and tots to thousands of retail freezers across the United States.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Vegetarian

Steak n Shake has launched a new retail line of beef tallow-fried frozen products, including fries and tots, at national grocery chains. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the move to replace industrial seed oils with traditional beef tallow in foods?

Steak n Shake has expanded into retail freezer aisles with a new line of beef tallow crinkle-cut fries, thin fries, and tots. These products are now available at Target, H-E-B, and Giant Food locations across the United States.

Why it matters

The company is transitioning its offerings to align with a commitment to become a seed-oil-free chain by 2025. This shift aims to offer consumers alternatives perceived as nutritionally superior to conventional vegetable-based cooking oils.

Retail presence now includes 1,800 Target locations alongside H-E-B and Giant Food outlets, with the products fried in 100% beef tallow. The broader nutritional impact of this ingredient shift remains subject to ongoing dietary evaluation.

The players

Steak n Shake

A national restaurant chain currently transitioning its food products to be seed-oil-free.

Michael Boes

The executive leading the company's efforts in nutritional integrity and ingredient transparency.

The details

The new frozen products use 100% beef tallow as the primary cooking fat, replacing the seed oils typically used in commercial fry production. Beyond food, the company has also introduced a line of skincare items, including soap and SPF 30 sunscreen, formulated with the same bovine-derived fat. These efforts are part of a broader strategy led by Michael Boes to prioritize ingredient transparency and steer the brand away from vegetable oils.

1934: Steak n Shake was founded in Normal, Illinois.
2025: The chain committed to removing all seed oils from its menu and products.
October 26, 2026: New beef tallow products reach 1,800 Target stores.

Health Landscape

This development follows a growing consumer movement toward replacing seed oils with traditional animal fats like beef tallow in home cooking. It marks a broader industry pivot as established chains re-evaluate long-standing ingredients in response to evolving public interest in clean labels.

If you are interested in dietary shifts away from seed oils, you may wish to review the ingredient lists of these new products to determine how they fit into your overall consumption of saturated fats. Discuss with your physician whether these ingredient changes align with your specific heart health or cardiovascular goals.

The takeaway

Steak n Shake is moving to phase out seed oils in favor of beef tallow across its retail and restaurant offerings. When exploring new dietary products, always check the nutrition label for saturated fat content and discuss major changes to your intake with a healthcare professional.