Steak 'n Shake Switches to Buttered Buns, Aligns with MAHA Movement
The fast-food chain has removed seed oils from its buns and is now using butter, continuing its ingredient overhaul aligned with the Make America Healthy Again initiative.
Steak 'n Shake announced Monday that its burger buns are now free of seed oils and are being prepared with pure "Grade AA Wisconsin butter." This change is part of a broader effort by the approximately 400-location chain to revise its ingredients, aligning with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.
In June, Steak 'n Shake began using grass-fed beef and frying items like chicken tenders, onion rings, and tots in 100% beef tallow. Michael Boes, the chain's chief MAHA officer, stated that "real ingredients taste better than the synthetic additives."
The chain also features a website section detailing its transition away from seed oils and its commitment to offering more natural ingredients. This includes offering Coca-Cola made with cane sugar and a switch to a2 milk in December.
Public reaction to the ingredient changes has been largely positive. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., commented on X, "MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN," while another user expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you for listening to the people! Amazing."
Seed oils, which are plant-based oils commonly used in processed foods, are a subject of debate in the nutrition community. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been a vocal critic of seed oils. However, organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) have stated in 2024 that seed oils are not necessarily harmful and can be beneficial.
Physician Cate Shanahan has advised against consuming certain seed oils, which she refers to as "the hateful eight," including corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, and grapeseed, while acknowledging that some seed oils like flax and sesame oil have nutritional value.