Blue Collar Restaurant Group, a long-time pilar in the Jackson Hole restaurant community, has eliminated cooking with seed oils in all of their kitchens. Instead they are embracing high quality fats, such as beef tallow, butter, olive oil and avocado oil. This change reflects their commitment to prioritizing customers’ health, while delivering the incredible flavors we’ve all come to love at their Jackson Hole and Bozeman restaurants.
Why make the switch?
“Our bodies are made to eat real, whole foods from the earth and not foods that are processed in a plant. When we consume things like beef tallow and butter we are supplying our bodies with nutrients it can then use for energy instead of consuming an oil that our bodies see as toxic and has to work overtime to get rid of,” states Nicole Davis, Regional President.
Seed oils, like canola, soybean and sunflower oil, are highly-processed and often contain trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation. BCRG believes that by eliminating seed oils, they’re reducing exposure to these potentially harmful substances in the food they serve.
What are the alternatives?
Instead of using seed oils, BCRG is using:
- Beef Tallow: A natural, stable fat with no trans fats and a rich source of healthy fats like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
- Butter: Full of vitamins (A, D, E, K) and healthy fatty acids, butter provides natural richness without the processing of seed oils.
- Olive and Avocado Oil: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, these oils are perfect for cooking and dressing.
Cooking with these natural fats isn’t just healthier, it’s also tastier. Seed oils can impart a neutral or even artificial taste, while the fats listed above enhance the natural flavors of ingredients. Beef tallow used in fryers creates a superior crispy texture for fried foods like fries and chicken, with a subtle, savory depth of flavor. Using butter in cooking adds richness and a satisfying mouthfeel that elevates everything from grilled proteins to vegetables.
Questions? Davis gives the answers:
Q: Why eliminate seed oils?
A: Seed oils are highly processed and can contain harmful trans fats and omega-6s. Natural fats like beef tallow, butter, olive oil and avocado oil are healthier alternatives.
Q: Will this change the flavor of my favorite dishes?
A: Yes, and for the better. These oils enhance the natural flavors of food and provide a richer, more satisfying taste.
Q: Are these oils suitable for all dietary preferences?
A: While beef tallow and butter are not vegan, olive and avocado oils provide delicious plant-based options.
Q: I’m a vegetarian. Are there any fried food I can eat in Blue Collar restaurants?
A: No. all of their friers use beef tallow. They do welcome requests for vegetarian dishes, please ask your server for recommendations as they have vegetarian alternatives to many of their menu items.
Q: Some recipes need seed oils to taste correct, will these be eliminated in those dishes?
A: No; for example they will continue using sesame seed oil in traditional Asian recipes.
Q: What about pre-cooked foods like French fries?
A: While they no longer cook with seed oils, some of their pre-cooked foods are flash-fried in seed oils before they arrive at their kitchens. Flash fried foods have a smaller amount of seed oil.
Next time you eat at Noodle Kitchen, Bubba’s, Sidewinders, Merry Piglets, Liberty Burger or Blue Lion, know that Blue Collar Restaurant Group is making your health and experience a priority!
