Steak 'n Shake gets political after switching to beef tallow fries (Nation's Restaurant News) [View all]

[pstokely]

https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/steak-n-shake-gets-political-after-switching-to-beef-tallow-fries

When quick-servicequick-service chain, Steak ‘n Shake, made the switch from cooking its fries in vegetable oil to frying in beef tallow in January, the Indianapolis, Ind.-based company cited reasons of taste and authenticity. However, two months later, Steak ‘n Shake’s social media accounts have caused a stir with a slew of politically themed posts last week that show support for the “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again) movement connected to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. under President Donald Trump.

Seed oils have been a controversial topic as of late and have been the target of criticism by the federal government, with Secretary Kennedy claiming that they are harming our health. Foodservice chains like True Food Kitchen have proudly announced the elimination of seed oils from their ingredients list.

It should be noted that scientists and doctors have not found health risks specifically linked to seed oils. Seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which have been associated with better cardiovascular health, according to recent studies. However, omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be the healthier option because they have more nutrients. Seed oils are also often used in unhealthy foods like deep-fried snacks high in sodium and sugar, which might be part of the backlash against them.

Most controversially, Steak ‘n Shake’s original X post about the new “Throwback Fries” on March 5 featured an “Old English”-style typographical font, which social media users were quick to compare to the infamous Fraktur font that was used in German Nazi propaganda. Screenshots of the now-deleted X post have been circulating with the trending topic, “Steak ‘n Shake Nazis” on social media.