Steak 'n Shake Brings Back Beef Tallow Tater Tots, Sparking Debate

The fast-food chain's return to traditional frying methods divides opinions online.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:38pm

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Steak 'n Shake has launched new tater tots cooked in beef tallow, expanding the company's push toward traditional frying methods. The announcement drew a mix of praise and criticism on social media, with some commenters applauding the move while others debated the health implications of using beef tallow over vegetable oils.

Why it matters

Steak 'n Shake's decision to use beef tallow in its tater tots and fries is part of a broader industry trend of restaurants reviving traditional cooking methods, which has sparked debates about the health impacts of different frying fats. The move also highlights the chain's efforts to differentiate itself in the competitive fast-food market.

The details

Steak 'n Shake previously made headlines last year when it announced that its fries would be cooked in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil. The company described this as a return to the "authentic way" of frying potatoes. Now, the chain has expanded this approach to its tater tots, touting them as the only ones on the market cooked in 100% beef tallow. While many commenters praised the move, some expressed concerns about the health implications of using beef tallow.

  • Steak 'n Shake announced the new beef tallow tater tots on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • Last year, Steak 'n Shake switched to cooking its fries in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil.

The players

Steak 'n Shake

An Indianapolis-based fast-food chain that is expanding its use of traditional frying methods, including cooking its fries and now tater tots in beef tallow.

Lauren Manaker

A South Carolina-based dietitian-nutritionist who commented on the health implications of Steak 'n Shake's use of beef tallow in its tater tots.

Andrew Gruel

A California chef and restaurateur who commented on the importance of ensuring tater tots are fully free of seed oils if they are par-fried ahead of time.

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What they’re saying

“Tater tots are still a deep-fried food, no matter the frying medium. The high heat used in deep-frying can produce acrylamide, a chemical linked to potential health risks when consumed in large amounts, regardless of the type of oil or fat used.”

— Lauren Manaker, dietitian-nutritionist (Fox News Digital)

“The only way you can ensure [they] are fully seed oil-free is if the restaurant cuts them on-site.”

— Andrew Gruel, chef and restaurateur (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Steak 'n Shake plans to remove all microwaves from its kitchens by April 15, 2026, as part of its efforts to improve food quality and use traditional cooking methods.

The takeaway

Steak 'n Shake's decision to use beef tallow in its tater tots and fries highlights the ongoing debate around the health impacts of different frying fats. While some consumers applaud the chain's return to traditional cooking methods, others raise concerns about the potential risks of deep-fried foods, regardless of the fat used. The discussion underscores the complexities in balancing taste, tradition, and health considerations in the fast-food industry.