Costco Shoppers Flock to New Cooking Fat as Seed Oil Debate Grows

Costco customers are rallying around a new product that’s quickly becoming one of the most popular items in the store. As the controversy surrounding seed oils continues to escalate, a more traditional cooking oil is making a comeback: grass-fed tallow.

It’s a change that’s happening quickly. Social media chatter indicates a growing interest in the product, with customers raving about its performance and health benefits. For some, this isn’t just a fad. It’s a reboot.

Why Tallow Is Making a Comeback in American Kitchens

Grass-fed tallow, which is beef fat that’s been rendered, was once a common cooking oil in American kitchens before being replaced by vegetable and seed oils. But it’s now making its way back into shopping carts as consumers begin to rethink what they’re putting into their bodies.

One reason for the resurgence is its functionality. Tallow has a high smoke point of 400 degrees, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, frying, and grilling. It also holds up better at high temperatures than many seed oils, which can break down when heated too high.

There’s also a growing interest in the nutritional benefits of tallow. Proponents of the product point to its fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, as well as its natural fatty acids. Some claim that these help with energy, metabolism, and function, although the scientific community is still having a conversation about this.

The Seed Oil Controversy Isn’t Slowing Down

The growing popularity of tallow is directly related to the growing backlash against seed oils. Social media chatter about inflammation, processing, and long-term health effects is causing more and more consumers to seek out alternatives.

Chris Palmer, MD, has been one of the voices leading the charge, saying that retailers such as Costco seem to be embracing whole-food fat alternatives that fit with the new dialogue on diet.

Costco is embracing the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. pic.twitter.com/LIJU96aH7Y

— Chris Palmer, MD (@ChrisPalmerMD) February 21, 2026

However, current nutritional guidelines still recommend keeping saturated fat consumption in check, generally below 10% of total daily calories. This is part of what’s driving the controversy.

What’s Behind the Costco Phenomenon

Consumers aren’t just casually dabbling in tallow. They’re actively seeking it out, and the motivations are piling up.

• Questioning seed oils and ultra-processed foods.
• Embracing whole-food cooking and traditional fats.
• Influence on social media and health dialogues.
• Need for a cooking fat that can handle high heat without breaking down.
• Interest in metabolic health and inflammation.

Some consumers are even experimenting with it for other uses, such as a skin moisturizer, adding a new dimension to its popularity.

A Larger Shift in How Americans Eat

The Costco phenomenon is more than just a flash in the pan. It represents a shift in how consumers are thinking about food.

Consumers are reading labels more carefully. They’re challenging the conventional wisdom on fats. And they’re open to trying old, simple ingredients if it makes them feel like they have more control over their health.

Whether tallow is a permanent addition to the pantry or just a part of a larger trend, one thing is certain. The dialogue on fats has shifted, and retailers are taking notice.