Steak 'n Shake removes seed oils from buns nationwide

Steak 'n Shake has eliminated seed oils from its buns, replacing them with Grade AA Wisconsin butter across its approximately 400 locations in the United States. The fast-food chain announced the change on Monday via a post on X, stating that the buns are now "unapologetically drenched in pure Grade AA Wisconsin butter." This adjustment represents the latest step in the company's broader initiative to align its ingredients with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.

The shift follows a series of recent operational changes at Steak 'n Shake. In June, the chain transitioned to grass-fed beef and began frying chicken tenders, onion rings, and tots in 100% beef tallow. Michael Boes, the chain's chief MAHA officer, told Fox News that real ingredients taste better than synthetic additives. The company has also dedicated a section of its website to its transition away from seed oils and other natural ingredient efforts, including a commitment to offer cane sugar Coca-Cola and its switch to a2 milk last December.

Public reaction to the announcement has been largely positive. U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., commented on X with the phrase "MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN." Other users expressed gratitude for the change, with one commenter noting they had not enjoyed a burger from the chain in quite some time and looking forward to trying the new product.

Seed oils, which are plant-based cooking oils commonly used in processed foods, remain a subject of debate within the food and nutrition sector. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been an outspoken critic of these oils. Conversely, other health organizations have defended their use. The American Heart Association stated in 2024 that there is no reason to avoid seed oils and plenty of reasons to eat them. Cate Shanahan, a board-certified family physician who spoke to Fox News Digital in 2025, advised Americans to avoid eight specific types of seed oils: corn, canola, cottonseed, soy, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, and grapeseed. She noted that while some oils like flax and sesame have nutritional value, others should be avoided. Fox News Digital reached out to Steak 'n Shake for further comment.