One of the most heated nutrition debates of 2026. Seed oils — canola, sunflower, safflower — have been the standard cooking oil for decades, endorsed by mainstream nutrition science as heart-healthy alternatives to saturated fat. But a growing movement argues that seed oils are highly processed, rich in omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation, and linked to chronic disease. Beef tallow — the rendered fat used for cooking before seed oils took over — has made a comeback. Steak N Shake switched its fries to beef tallow in 2026. Supporters call it an ancestral food with no processing and a stable fat profile. Critics call it saturated fat that clogs arteries. Which is actually healthier?
