Beef tallow, a once-forgotten byproduct of cooking beef, has emerged from the shadows to dominate social media feeds, wellness blogs, and influencer marketing campaigns. From claims that it’s a skincare wonder to suggestions that it’s a healthier alternative to plant-based oils, beef tallow has become the latest product to be swept up in the wellness craze. Its rise in popularity has been fueled by both lifestyle influencers and prominent public figures, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently touted its benefits while dining at a Steak ’n Shake restaurant. But as the tallow trend gains momentum, experts in dermatology and nutrition are urging the public to proceed with caution, warning that the hype may not align with scientific evidence.
Beef tallow is a form of rendered fat derived from beef, solid at room temperature and rich in saturated fats. Historically used in cooking and soap-making, it faded from mainstream use due to health concerns surrounding saturated fat intake. Now, many social media users are resurrecting it as a supposed miracle ingredient for both diet and beauty routines. The appeal lies in its perceived naturalness and its contrast to “seed oils” like canola, soybean, and safflower oil, which some internet users associate with health risks. On TikTok and Instagram, influencers praise tallow’s ability to hydrate skin, reduce inflammation, and replace seed oils in cooking, all while claiming it aligns better with the body’s natural composition.
However, health professionals remain skeptical. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, pointed out that beef tallow is not inherently good or bad. He emphasized that it is healthier than highly processed junk food but not as beneficial as unsaturated fats found in plant-based oils like olive or canola oil. Likewise, Lisa Young, a nutritionist and adjunct professor at New York University, explained that demonizing seed oils overlooks the broader nutritional context. According to Young, the sugar and salt content in processed foods are more concerning than the oils used in their preparation. She also noted that seed oils are typically unsaturated fats, which are considered healthier for the heart compared to saturated fats like tallow.
On the skincare front, dermatologists are wary of the trend to apply tallow directly to the skin. While some claim that it mimics the body’s natural oils and is soothing, others argue that it can clog pores and lead to breakouts, particularly in those with acne-prone skin. There is little scientific research supporting the efficacy of tallow as a skincare product, making its benefits largely anecdotal at this point.
Despite these concerns, tallow’s popularity shows no signs of waning. Kennedy’s public endorsement has added a political dimension to the trend, as he frames the switch from seed oils to tallow as part of a broader movement toward health and transparency. His Thanksgiving post showcasing a “tallow turkey” and his recent praise of Steak ’n Shake’s decision to use tallow for frying are just a few examples of how the product is being woven into narratives about reclaiming traditional, supposedly healthier ingredients.
Ultimately, while beef tallow may offer some advantages over highly processed foods, experts caution against viewing it as a cure-all. As with many wellness trends, context and moderation are key. The allure of natural products and nostalgia for traditional cooking methods are powerful forces, but they should not overshadow established nutritional science. In the ongoing debate between seed oils and animal fats, it is important to remember that no single ingredient determines health outcomes; rather, it is the overall dietary pattern that matters most.
