Butter, beef tallow debate not over as heart experts warn of risks, US guidelines differ

Two of the most influential voices in U.S.nutrition guidance are aligned on the basics, yet they diverge on two major cooking ingredients: butter and beef tallow.As traditional cooking fats, butter and beef tallow infuse flavor into dishes and can make meals more satisfying, but they are calorie-dense.The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, developed by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA), include the two as healthy cooking options.“When cooking with or adding fats to meals, prioritize oils with essential fatty acids, such as olive oil,” the guidelines state.

“Other options can include butter or beef tallow.”But when the guidelines were released in January, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a statement urging a cautious, evidence-based approach to using butter and tallow.“[W]e encourage consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk,” the Dallas, Texas-based organization said.In response to questions from Fox News Digital, both the AHA and HHS emphasized their shared objectives over any differences.The AHA “is aligned with the Dietary Guidelines on the major issues: eat real food, avoid highly processed food and limit refined grains and added sugar,” Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for HHS, told Fox News Digital. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the AHA to evangelize these core principles and reverse the diet-related chronic disease epidemic.”The AHA, on the other hand, said in a statement “that lasting progress happens when we come together.”“We are committed to working alongside government and all aligned partners across health care, academia, the private sector and communities nationwide to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that make healthy choices easier for everyone,” the AHA spokesperson sai...