Major Restaurants Overhaul Recipes Amid RFK Jr’s Health Advocacy Campaigns
Major U.S. Chains Ditch Seed Oils After RFK Jr.’s Health Push
(Approx. 600 words)
[Image 1: RFK Jr. at Steak ‘n Shake with beef tallow fries]
Caption: RFK Jr. championed healthier cooking oils during a visit to Steak ‘n Shake, praising beef tallow’s benefits.
Several major U.S. restaurant chains—including Popeyes, Outback Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sweetgreen—are revamping their menus to eliminate seed oils, following advocacy from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The shift comes amid growing concerns over seed oils’ potential links to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and obesity.
The Switch to Alternatives
Steak ‘n Shake led the charge, crediting RFK Jr. for its switch to beef tallow (rendered beef fat) for fries. Popeyes now uses beef tallow for frying chicken and fries, while Outback Steakhouse employs it for wings, shrimp, and its Bloomin’ Onion. Buffalo Wild Wings adopted beef shortening for fries, wings, and other fried items. Salad chain Sweetgreen swapped seed oils for olive and avocado oils to roast vegetables and proteins.
[Image 2: RFK Jr. meeting food industry CEOs]
Caption: RFK Jr. met with executives from General Mills, Pepsi, and others to push for “radical transparency” in food ingredients.
Health Debates and Conflicting Studies
Seed oils, like soybean and canola oil, are common in processed foods but face scrutiny. While the American Heart Association defends them, studies link them to inflammation and chronic diseases. A 2023 University of California study tied soybean oil to ulcerative colitis. Conversely, Harvard research recently suggested saturated fats like butter might be worse for cholesterol. RFK Jr. argues seed oils drive America’s “epidemic of chronic disease,” emphasizing alternatives like beef tallow.
The Mayo Clinic notes beef tallow contains stearic acid, which doesn’t raise cholesterol like other fats, and includes heart-friendly monounsaturated fats. Olive and avocado oils retain antioxidants, offering healthier profiles.
Processed Foods: A Larger Issue
Over half of Americans’ diets consist of ultra-processed foods, linked to heart disease and cancer in BMJ studies. RFK Jr. aims to inform consumers, stating, “People should exercise informed choice…knowing what’s in their food.” He opposes bans, favoring transparency: “If you want to eat a donut, you should be able to—but know the risks.”
Flavor Upgrades
Beyond health, chefs highlight beef tallow’s richer flavor compared to neutral seed oils. Popeyes, with 3,100 locations, and others hope the switch enhances taste while aligning with wellness trends.
[Image 3: Comparison of seed oils and beef tallow in food prep]
Caption: Chains like Buffalo Wild Wings say beef tallow improves flavor and heart health.
Conclusion
With millions of customers soon tasting these changes, RFK Jr.’s campaign signals a potential industry shift. While debates over oils persist, the move underscores growing consumer demand for healthier, transparent options. As Sweetgreen’s CEO noted, “It’s about making better choices accessible”—a mantra reshaping fast food’s future.
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