#United States #Vernon #Beef Tallow #Coast Packing #French Fries

The Rising Popularity of Beef Tallow Fries

In recent years, the culinary world has seen a significant resurgence in the use of beef tallow as a cooking fat, particularly for frying. This flavorful ingredient has captured the hearts and taste buds of Americans, culminating in the celebration of the 8th Annual #BeefTallowFrenchFries contest hosted by Coast Packing Company. This year, the contest not only highlighted the impressive creativity of participants but also showcased a nationwide trend of embracing beef tallow as the frying fat of choice for robust, crispy French fries.

Contest Overview

Launched to coincide with #NationalBeefTallowDay and #NationalFrenchFryDay, the contest invited fry enthusiasts from all over the country to share their beef tallow fry creations on social media. Participants shared delicious photos of their culinary masterpieces while tagging @CoastPackingCo and using the contest hashtag. Judging criteria focused on originality, presentation, and the engaging storytelling behind each submission.

Greg Hozinsky, the corporate chef at Coast Packing Company, noted the increased participation this year: “The contest reflects a remarkable nationwide interest in beef tallow as a cooking fat. We received submissions from diverse locations, illustrating a widespread appreciation for the rich flavor and superior texture that beef tallow brings to French fries.”

Celebrating the Winners

This year’s winners reflected the rich diversity and creativity of beef tallow fry enthusiasts:

• - First Place: Emily Pecoraro from Albuquerque, NM, dazzled the judges with a poetic haiku accompanying her submission of beef tallow fries from Buffalo Wild Wings. Emily expressed her love for beef tallow fries, describing them as “Golden crisp delight, Beef tallow’s rich, savory kiss—Fries born to impress.” Her grand prize included an ultimate backyard fry setup, enabling her to share her love for fries with friends and family.

• - Second Place: Shelly Ketcherside of St. Genevieve, MO presented shoestring fries from Steak 'n Shake, celebrating the rich flavor and delightful texture of beef tallow fries. Her prize was a year supply of fries, which she viewed as a win for everyone who values better-tasting food.

• - Third Place: Lisa Pascuzzi from Tolland, CT, was thrilled to earn third place with her beef tallow fries from Jefferson Fry Co. Sharing that these fries fuel her workouts, she won an All-Clad fryer and accessories to experiment with new seasonings at home.

• - Fourth Place: Shelia Lewis from Vinemont, AL inspired the judges with her homemade beef tallow fries, remarking that beef tallow has helped her family enjoy a healthier lifestyle, encouraging them to eat more vegetables. Her prize included a deep fryer and a cookie gift basket.

Beef Tallow: A Flavorful Comeback

Coast Packing Company has been a significant player in promoting beef tallow, especially as its popularity continues to grow. The company’s TasteMap™ initiative reveals more restaurants embracing beef tallow on their menus, showcasing its numerous culinary benefits. Chef Hozinsky remarked, “The entries we saw this year reaffirm that beef tallow fries are not merely a trend; they represent a movement towards embracing traditional cooking fats.”

Indeed, consumer awareness around beef tallow reached unprecedented levels in 2025. Social media and health-conscious cooking trends have played a large role in this revival, introducing new generations to the exceptional characteristics of traditional fats.

As Coast Packing celebrates its 103rd anniversary, the company remains committed to delivering the highest quality animal fat shortenings, focusing on beef tallow and lard. The competition and its enthusiastic responses demonstrate that beef tallow fries resonate deeply with food lovers across the nation. With the rise of health-conscious behaviors and a renewed interest in traditional cooking methods, the appeal of beef tallow will likely continue to grow in the culinary world. This year’s contest featured more submissions than ever, signifying that Americans are not just indulging in their love for fries, but are also rediscovering the unmatched flavor and crispiness that only beef tallow can provide. Expect to see more delicious entries in the years to come, as the love for beef tallow fries expands.

Conclusion

The 8th Annual #BeefTallowFrenchFries contest by Coast Packing Company showcases not just the winners, but the broader culinary shift towards using beef tallow in home kitchens and restaurants alike. From crispy, rich fries that celebrate tradition to innovative recipes that push boundaries, the movement around beef tallow promises to refresh the frying landscape well into the future.