We now have an official ingredient list for the tallow used at Buffalo Wild Wings.
What Cooking Oil Does Buffalo Wild Wings Use?
Buffalo Wild Wings uses beef tallow (beef shortening) as their primary frying oil across all official restaurant locations. This animal-based cooking fat is used to prepare wings, fries, and other fried menu items, making many items unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Official Buffalo Wild Wings Beef Tallow Ingredient List
According to the official Buffalo Wild Wings ingredient documentation, their beef tallow contains:
DEODORIZED BEEF TALLOW, WITH BHT AND CITRIC ACID ADDED TO IMPROVE STABILITY, DIMETHYLPOLYSILOXANE TO REDUCE FOAMING
Understanding the Ingredients
The commercial beef tallow used at Buffalo Wild Wings is not pure rendered fat but a commercially processed product with several additives:
- Deodorized Beef Tallow: Rendered beef fat that has been processed to remove odors
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): A preservative that extends shelf life and prevents rancidity
- Citric Acid: A natural preservative that improves oil stability
- Dimethylpolysiloxane: An anti-foaming agent commonly used in commercial fryers
Which Buffalo Wild Wings Locations Use Beef Tallow?
All standard Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant locations use beef tallow for frying. However, Buffalo Wild Wings Golocations (their takeout-focused concept) may use soybean oil instead. If you’re avoiding animal products or have dietary restrictions, contact your specific location to confirm their cooking oil.
Buffalo Wild Wings Menu Items Cooked in Beef Tallow
The following Buffalo Wild Wings items are fried in beef tallow:
- Traditional chicken wings
- Boneless wings
- Cauliflower wings
- French fries
- Fried appetizers
- All other deep-fried menu items
Are Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
No. Despite being plant-based, Buffalo Wild Wings cauliflower wings are not vegan or vegetarian because they’re cooked in the same beef tallow as traditional wings. This sparked controversy when vegan advocacy groups discovered the animal-based cooking method.
Why Does Buffalo Wild Wings Use Beef Tallow Instead of Vegetable Oil?
Many restaurants have switched from beef tallow to vegetable oils, but Buffalo Wild Wings continues using animal fat for several reasons:
- Flavor enhancement: Beef tallow provides a richer, more savory taste
- High smoke point: Better performance at high frying temperatures
- Crispy texture: Creates superior crispiness compared to many vegetable oils
- Brand consistency: Maintains their signature wing flavor across locations
Buffalo Wild Wings Cooking Oil: Common Questions
Is beef tallow healthier than vegetable oil?
Beef tallow contains saturated fats but lacks trans fats found in some hydrogenated vegetable oils. It’s stable at high heat and contains vitamins A, D, E, and K. However, dietary needs vary by individual.
Does Buffalo Wild Wings disclose their use of beef tallow?
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings provides allergen and ingredient information upon request and through their official documentation. However, it’s not always prominently displayed on menus.
Can I request items cooked in different oil at Buffalo Wild Wings?
No, Buffalo Wild Wings uses a single fryer system with beef tallow. Items cannot be prepared separately in alternative oils.
Buffalo Wild Wings uses animal fats
For years, people have sent emails to update the cooking oil map saying “this BWW uses soybean oil” while national BWW policy is to use beef tallow. While some Buffalo Wild Wings Go locations use soybean oil, and are not added to the map because of this, all official BWW locations use tallow in their fryers. Others have expressed skepticism that there must be additives, which makes sense.
Buffalo Wild Wings’ use of beef tallow was originally reported when a vegan group became enraged after finding out even their “cauliflower wings” were cooked in animal fats. The wings, the fries, and everything else in their fryers are cooked in beef tallow.
Thanks to Jo for submitting this information.
