Seed Oil Scout: Helping diners find healthier options

Interested in an app that will help you avoid seed oils when dining out?

Seed Oil Scout is a tool that has been recently brought to our attention as a neat tool to help users search healthier dining options, and discover restaurants using tallow.

In an era where health-conscious dining is gaining momentum, the quest for transparency in food preparation has become paramount. Enter Seed Oil Scout, a pioneering mobile application designed to bridge the gap between discerning diners and restaurants that prioritize the use of wholesome, natural fats over industrial seed oils. This community-driven platform empowers users to make informed choices about where they eat, ensuring that their dietary preferences align with their health goals.

Understanding Seed Oil Scout

Seed Oil Scout is more than just a restaurant locator; it’s a comprehensive map detailing the cooking practices of eateries, specifically focusing on the types of oils and ingredients they use. By leveraging user-generated reports and direct communication with restaurant staff, the app provides insights into establishments that utilize natural fats like beef tallow, avocado oil, and butter, as well as those that source organic produce. This transparency allows users to dine out without compromising their commitment to avoiding seed oils.​

Key Features of the App

Community-driven reports

At the heart of Seed Oil Scout is its robust community of users who actively contribute information about restaurants’ cooking practices. This collective effort ensures that the app’s database remains current and reflective of real-world dining experiences. Users can submit new reports, update existing ones, and share their findings with others, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at promoting healthier eating choices.​

Detailed restaurant profiles

Each restaurant listed in the app features a comprehensive profile that includes information about the oils used in cooking, the sourcing of ingredients, and accommodations for various dietary preferences such as gluten-free or even vegan options. This level of detail enables users to select dining establishments that align closely with their nutritional values.​

Automated inquiry system

To streamline the process of gathering information, Seed Oil Scout offers an automated email feature. With a single tap, users can send a standardized inquiry to restaurants, requesting details about their cooking oils and ingredient sourcing. This feature not only simplifies the communication process but also encourages restaurants to be more transparent about their culinary practices.​

User ratings and reviews

Beyond factual data, the app incorporates user reviews and ratings, providing personal insights into dining experiences. These testimonials offer valuable perspectives on food quality, service, and the accuracy of the information provided, aiding users in making well-rounded decisions.​

How reliable is the information on Seed Oil Scout?

The reliability of the information on Seed Oil Scout is bolstered by its community-driven model, where users actively contribute and update data based on their dining experiences. While the app strives for accuracy, it’s important to acknowledge that the information is user-generated and may not always reflect official statements from the restaurants themselves. Users are encouraged to verify details directly with establishments when possible and contribute their own findings to maintain the app’s integrity.

What are the benefits for users?

Empowered dining decisions

Seed Oil Scout places the power of choice firmly in the hands of its users. By providing detailed information about restaurant practices, diners can confidently select establishments that meet their health standards, reducing the risk of inadvertently consuming undesirable ingredients.​

Healthier lifestyle support

For individuals committed to a diet free from industrial seed oils, dining out can present significant challenges. Seed Oil Scout alleviates this concern by identifying restaurants that use healthier alternatives, supporting users in maintaining their dietary commitments even when eating away from home.

Encouraging community engagement

The app fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals who share a commitment to healthier eating. Users can connect, share experiences, and support one another in their pursuit of better dietary choices, creating a network of informed and health-conscious diners.​

Advocacy for transparency

By utilizing the app’s automated inquiry feature, users collectively encourage restaurants to disclose their cooking practices. This advocacy promotes a culture of transparency within the food industry, potentially influencing more establishments to adopt healthier cooking methods.

Why is there increased consumer focus on seed oils?

Industrial seed oils, such as soybean, corn, and canola oils, have been scrutinized for their high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and the potential health risks associated with their consumption, including inflammation and chronic diseases. While research on this topic is ongoing, many health-conscious individuals choose to limit their intake of these oils as a precautionary measure. Seed Oil Scout serves as a tool for those who prefer to avoid seed oils in their diet, enabling them to make choices that align with their personal health philosophies.

Is there a cost to using Seed Oil Scout?

Seed Oil Scout offers both free and premium subscription options. The free version provides basic access to the app’s features, while the premium subscription unlocks additional functionalities and an ad-free experience. This tiered approach allows users to choose the level of access that best suits their needs and supports the ongoing development and maintenance of the app.

Impact on the Restaurant Industry

Seed Oil Scout not only benefits consumers but also offers significant advantages to restaurants. Establishments that prioritize the use of natural fats and high-quality ingredients can gain visibility among a dedicated community of health-conscious diners. By becoming “Seed Oil Safe” verified, restaurants can distinguish themselves in a competitive market, attracting patrons who value transparency and quality in their dining choices.​

Uniqueness of Seed Oil Scout’s offering

As of now, Seed Oil Scout appears to be a unique tool in this specific niche, with no direct competitors offering a similar service. However, there are other resources and communities that focus on promoting awareness and discussion about seed oils and their health implications. For instance, the subreddit r/StopEatingSeedOils is dedicated to reducing seed oil consumption and shares information on seed oil-free products and personal experiences.

Additionally, some restaurants have started to market themselves as seed oil-free in response to growing consumer demand. For example, Springbone Kitchen, a fast-casual chain in New York City, emphasizes its avoidance of seed oils in favor of healthier cooking alternatives.

While these resources contribute to the broader conversation about seed oils, Seed Oil Scout remains distinctive in providing a dedicated, user-friendly platform specifically for locating seed oil-free dining options.

The trend shift to tallow is on!

​In recent years, the culinary world has witnessed a notable resurgence of traditional cooking methods, particularly the use of beef tallow—a rendered form of beef fat—in restaurant kitchens. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including a desire for enhanced flavor, perceived health benefits, and a movement toward natural, minimally processed ingredients. Several prominent restaurants have embraced this trend, marketing their transition to tallow and receiving positive consumer responses. ​The Indianapolis Star

The resurgence of beef tallow in cooking

Beef tallow was once a staple in kitchens, renowned for its high smoke point, rich flavor, and versatility. However, during the late 20th century, concerns over saturated fats led many establishments to replace animal fats with vegetable-based seed oils. Recent discourse, however, has prompted a reevaluation of traditional fats like tallow. Advocates argue that tallow is less processed than many seed oils and contains beneficial nutrients. This perspective has fueled a renewed interest in incorporating beef tallow into cooking practices. ​Investopedia

Prominent Restaurants Embracing Beef Tallow

Several notable establishments have publicly announced their transition to beef tallow, highlighting both culinary and health motivations:

Steak ‘n Shake

In early 2025, Steak ‘n Shake, an Indianapolis-based fast-food chain, announced its shift to using 100% all-natural beef tallow for frying its signature shoestring fries. Chris Ward, the company’s chief supply chain officer, emphasized that this move aimed to achieve “the highest quality and best taste.” By the end of February 2025, all 436 U.S. locations had implemented this change.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings, known for its extensive menu of wings and sides, utilizes beef shortening made from beef fat to cook items such as fries, tots, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, and wings. This approach aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering robust flavors and crispy textures.

Popeyes

Popeyes, the renowned fried chicken chain, incorporates beef tallow in its frying process, contributing to the distinctive taste and texture of its fried offerings. This practice reflects a dedication to traditional cooking methods that enhance product quality.

Smashburger

Smashburger has adopted a blend of beef tallow and canola oil for cooking its fries, tots, and Brussels sprouts. This combination aims to balance flavor enhancement with cooking efficiency, providing customers with a satisfying dining experience.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse utilizes beef tallow for frying items such as fries, the Bloomin’ Onion, Kookaburra Wings, mushrooms, Bloomin’ Fried Shrimp, Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp, and mac and cheese bites. This practice underscores the restaurant’s commitment to delivering dishes with rich flavors and appealing textures.

Wing-Itz and Backyard Burgers

Wing-Itz, a restaurant in Hampton, and Backyard Burgers in Seabrook have both transitioned to using beef tallow for frying. Derek Fisher, owner of Wing-Itz, reported that the change resulted in food that is “crispier” and “more flavorful,” receiving positive feedback from customers. Similarly, Shane Pine of Backyard Burgers emphasized the improved quality and health benefits associated with beef tallow.

Positive Consumer Response

The transition to beef tallow has been met with enthusiasm from many consumers who appreciate the enhanced flavor and texture it imparts to fried foods. A poll indicated that 34% of diners are more likely to try food cooked in beef tallow, reflecting a growing openness to traditional cooking fats.

The resurgence of beef tallow in restaurant kitchens reflects a broader trend of revisiting traditional cooking methods and ingredients. Establishments like Steak ‘n Shake, Buffalo Wild Wings, Popeyes, Smashburger, and Outback Steakhouse have embraced this shift, marketing their use of beef tallow as a commitment to quality and flavor. Positive consumer responses underscore an appreciation for the taste and texture enhancements associated with tallow-fried foods. As this trend continues, it highlights the dynamic nature of culinary practices and the ongoing dialogue between tradition, health considerations, and consumer preferences.

Conclusion

Seed Oil Scout represents a transformative tool in the landscape of health-conscious dining. By providing detailed, community-driven information about restaurant cooking practices, the app empowers users to make informed choices that align with their dietary preferences. Its features not only support individuals in maintaining a healthier lifestyle but also advocate for greater transparency and quality within the restaurant industry. As the movement towards mindful eating continues to grow, Seed Oil Scout stands as a vital resource for those seeking to dine fearlessly and healthfully.

Anyone looking to visit a restaurant that cooks with tallow should check the app out and see what’s good in your area!

Have questions or curious to learn more? We’d love to hear from you—reach out anytime through our contact page!