A screencap from x.com of Robert F. Kenedy Jr. about to lower a raw turkey into a vat of boiling beef tallow.

Demand may increase for beef tallow

New U.S. health secretary’s claims face scrutiny from health experts but could influence dietary guidelines and research funding

Beef tallow, used primarily for cooking but also in products such as soap and biodiesel, has been championed by a subset of online wellness influencers. Its nutritional merits compared to seed oils, however, have been disputed.

Canola oil is being poured from a pitcher with a blooming canola field in the background.

Seed oil attacks gain new momentum

New U.S. health secretary is a longtime opponent

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was recently confirmed as head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has long railed against seed oil, which is made from crushing oilseeds such as canola or soybeans.