A favorite of sports fanatics and wing lovers, Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its delicious chicken wings that can be smothered in any number of sauces or spices. But does the restaurant use beef tallow or seed oils to fry their wings? And what are the risks?

BWW uses seed oils, but they generally fry their wings in beef tallow

Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) has become synonymous with delicious wings that have been fried to perfection. But what kind of oil does Buffalo Wild Wings use to fry their wings?

The restaurant chain, first launched in 1982, has over 1,250 locations across the United States. And while their menu may vary slightly from location to location, one thing remains the same – their fried wings and chicken are loved by many.

But what kind of oil does Buffalo Wild Wings use to fry their wings? A recent lawsuit accused BWW of failing to disclose that their wings are fried in beef tallow.

What is Beef Tallow?

So, what exactly is beef tallow? Tallow is a solid white fat that is made from rendering (or heating) beef or mutton. It is often used in cooking and baking, as it has a high smoke point and adds flavor to food. When trying to avoid harmful seed oils, beef tallow is a preferable alternative as it is high in saturated fat and resistant to heat.

What are Seed Oils?

Seed oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of plants. Common seed oils include canola oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil.

Seed oils are also known to contain PUFAs or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Similarly to saturated fats, PUFAs can also increase LDL cholesterol levels and are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Too much PUFA intake has also been linked to inflammation, which can lead to other health problems.

So, What Kind of Oil Does Buffalo Wild Wings Use?

Buffalo Wild Wings offers its ingredients and nutritional information on its website. Within the potential allergies list, beef shortening is included. This backs up the assumption that BWW uses beef tallow or “shortening” to fry its wings and fries

When you consider the menu, a variety of items are likely fried in seed oils. Sauces contain seed oils, except for the "Asian Zing" and "Honey BBQ" options. Dry rubs are a better option, as they do not appear to contain any seed oils.

If you’re looking to avoid consuming seed oils, your best bet is to order your wings “dry” with no sauce or rub. You can also ask that your wings be grilled instead of fried. However, it’s important to note that even grilled wings may come into contact with oils during the cooking process.

Some of our users have reported that the "ghost-kitchen" delivery-only locations use seed oils, so be careful when ordering at home.

Seed Oil Scout's Verdict: Dine cautiously

When dining at BWW be judicious about your choice of sauce, and verify that the location uses beef tallow in their fryer.

While the restaurant includes some grill options, it's likely that your food will come into contact with oils during the cooking process - even if they're grilled. 

Seed Oil Scout helps you find tallow-filled fryers nationwide, Download today!