Tallow Snacks: Unlocking the Savory Goodness

We're living in a time of food awakening. More and more of us are questioning what goes into our bodies and where our food comes from. At Jackson's, we've always believed in the power of simpler, better ingredients, which is why we choose to make our kettle chips with pure avocado oil. It's a far cry from the highly processed industrial seed oils that have become so prevalent. This shift in consciousness extends far beyond chips, and one traditional fat making a well-deserved comeback in home kitchens is beef tallow.

For centuries, tallow was a staple in cooking, prized for its stability, high smoke point, and incredibly rich flavor. It fell out of favor with the rise of cheaper, mass-produced seed oils, but the tables are turning. People are rediscovering the culinary magic of this natural fat, and the world of homemade snacks is a perfect place to explore its potential.

Read: What is Beef Tallow?

Forget complicated recipes; making delicious snacks with tallow is surprisingly simple and deeply rewarding. It's about getting back to basics, using a wholesome ingredient to transform everyday foods into something truly special.

One place to start is with Tallow chips. Imagine the comforting aroma of perfectly fried potato slices, but with a depth of flavor that only tallow can provide. Simply slice potatoes (or sweet potatoes, or even beets!) thinly, melt some quality beef tallow in a pan (look for grass-fed and rendered for the best results), and fry in batches until golden and crispy. A sprinkle of sea salt is all you need to elevate this simple snack to a gourmet level. It’s a far cry from the bland, often overly processed taste of many industrial seed oil-laden chips.

Fun fact: early experimental versions of Jackson’s chips were often cooked in tallow in our founders’ family kitchen! (Now all Jackson’s chips are made with avocado oil to obtain the best crunch and stay vegan. )

Read: The Benefits of Avocado Oil

Another easy win is Tallow Popcorn. Ditch the microwave bags and embrace the stovetop method. Heat your tallow in a pot, add your popcorn kernels, and listen to the delightful popping symphony. The tallow infuses the popcorn with a subtle, savory richness that makes every kernel a delight. You can then get creative with seasonings – from classic salt to nutritional yeast or even a dash of smoked paprika.

If you're a fan of roasted nuts, Tallow Roasted Nuts are a game-changer. Tossing nuts with melted tallow and your favorite spices before roasting creates an incredible depth of flavor and a wonderful crispness. Almonds with rosemary and salt, pecans with cinnamon and a touch of chili powder – the possibilities are endless.

Beyond the classic frying and roasting, tallow can add a savory dimension to baked snacks too. Consider incorporating chilled, cubed tallow into Homemade Biscuits or Crackers. Just like butter, it contributes to a flaky, tender texture, but with a distinct, satisfying flavor profile that pairs beautifully with savory toppings or simply enjoyed on their own.

Even restaurants are recognizing the value of traditional fats. We’ve seen exciting news, like Steak 'n Shake's commitment to moving away from seed oils and embracing tallow for frying their fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders. As they stated, "Making frying oil tallow again was just our first step." This kind of commitment from larger establishments underscores the growing understanding of the benefits and superior qualities of healthy seed oil-free fats like tallow.

Making snacks with tallow isn't just about flavor; it's about embracing a more traditional, less processed approach to food. It’s about understanding where our food comes from and using wholesome ingredients to nourish ourselves and our families. It's about slowing down and enjoying the process of creating something delicious from scratch, without any seed oils.

While we're big fans of the simple goodness of our avocado oil kettle chips at Jackson's, we encourage you to explore the wonderful world of homemade tallow snacks. It's a fantastic way to reconnect with traditional cooking methods and discover new levels of flavor.

Ready to experience the difference that quality healthy fats make? Maybe you prefer seed oil-free vegan snacks? While you're considering experimenting with tallow at home, remember the pure, simple goodness of Jackson's snacks, made with potatoes, avocado oil, and sea salt. Pick up a bag today and taste the difference quality ingredients make!

Related: Examples of Non-Seed Oils