Buffalo Wild Wings fries beef tallow has become more than just a menu detail—it's a talking point. People are curious, some are excited, and a few are a little confused. What exactly makes fries cooked in beef tallow different from the usual oil-fried kind? Why is Buffalo Wild Wings choosing this method now, and should you even care? If you're a fan of crispy fries, or if you're just wondering what all the fuss is about, this article breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand, fun to read, and definitely worth a snack break.

Beef tallow might not be the first thing you think of when ordering fries, but it’s been around for a long time. Before the rise of vegetable oils, beef tallow was a go-to for frying everything from potatoes to pies. Buffalo Wild Wings bringing it back feels like a throwback with a twist, especially in an era where flavor and nostalgia are big selling points. So, too, it's almost like the chain is tapping into something deeper than just taste—something rooted in food history, texture, and that unmistakable crunch we all love.

If you're wondering whether this change is just a gimmick or something that actually improves the fries, you're not alone. There’s a lot of chatter online about how beef tallow compares to other frying oils, what it means for the flavor, and whether it’s healthier. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes Buffalo Wild Wings fries beef tallow a hot topic among foodies, fast food fans, and curious eaters alike.

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Table of Contents

• Why Beef Tallow Matters
• What Makes Buffalo Wild Wings Different
• The Rise of Retro Cooking Methods
• Buffalo Wild Wings Fries Beef Tallow FAQs

Why Beef Tallow Matters

Beef tallow, in case you're not familiar, is basically rendered beef fat. It used to be a staple in kitchens before vegetable oils became the norm. So, too, it's almost like we skipped right over animal fats in favor of what we thought was healthier. But now, the pendulum is swinging back a bit, and people are giving tallow a second look.

Why? Because it fries differently. Tallow has a higher smoke point, which means it can get hotter without breaking down. That makes for crispier fries. It also adds a subtle, savory flavor that you don’t get with neutral oils like canola or soybean. For Buffalo Wild Wings, that kind of flavor boost can make a real difference, especially when you're pairing it with bold sauces like Ghost Pepper or Honey BBQ.

Some people say tallow fries taste “meatier,” which sounds a little weird when you're just talking about potatoes, but in a way, it's true. The fat leaves just a hint of umami behind, which can really enhance the whole snacking experience. Learn more about how fats affect fry flavor on our site.

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What Makes Buffalo Wild Wings Different

Buffalo Wild Wings has always leaned into bold flavors and fan-friendly vibes. So, too, it's almost like the move to beef tallow was a natural fit—something that adds just a little extra to the experience without feeling forced.

The chain has made a name for itself by pairing wings with a ton of different sauces and rubs. But fries? They’re the sidekick that often gets overlooked. By switching to beef tallow, Buffalo Wild Wings is giving those fries a reason to shine. And honestly, that’s a smart move in a world where people are paying more attention to what goes into their food.

Some fast-food places stick to one oil and never change. Others experiment with blends and different fats. Buffalo Wild Wings seems to be leaning into that experimental side, and it’s working. If you’re the kind of person who judges a place by the fries just as much as the wings, this could be the little twist that wins you over.

The Rise of Retro Cooking Methods

You might have noticed that beef tallow isn’t the only old-school ingredient making a comeback. There’s a trend brewing—literally—where restaurants and home cooks alike are revisiting traditional cooking fats, techniques, and ingredients.

Why now? Well, in some respects, it’s a reaction to overly processed foods. People are starting to question whether all those seed oils and refined fats are actually better. And in the same way, there’s a growing interest in food transparency—knowing what’s in your meal and how it was made.

Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t the only one jumping on this trend. Chains like Chick-fil-A and Five Guys have also been known to use oils or fats that bring more to the table than just frying power. And for a casual dining spot that leans into nostalgia and comfort, beef tallow fries feel right at home.

If you're curious about how tallow compares to other frying options, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Canola oil – Neutral flavor, high smoke point, but lacks the depth of tallow
• Vegetable oil – Common but bland, often linked to ultra-processed foods
• Beef tallow – Rich flavor, crispier texture, and a throwback to older cooking styles

So, in a way, the switch to tallow is more than just a recipe change—it’s part of a bigger shift in how we think about fast food and flavor.

Buffalo Wild Wings Fries Beef Tallow FAQs

Are Buffalo Wild Wings fries cooked in beef tallow?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings fries are cooked in beef tallow, which gives them a crispier texture and a richer flavor compared to fries cooked in vegetable oil.

Is beef tallow healthier than regular frying oil?
Beef tallow is high in saturated fat, but it also contains monounsaturated fats and has a stable structure at high temperatures. Whether it’s healthier depends on how you compare it to other oils—some people prefer it for frying because it doesn’t break down as easily.

Do the fries taste like beef?
Not exactly. The beef tallow adds a subtle, savory flavor, but you won’t taste beef in the same way you would if you were eating a burger. It’s more of an umami boost that makes the fries feel more indulgent.

If you're curious about the full story behind this shift, you can read more about how fats are changing the fast food game.