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Tallow‑fried potato chips replace seed oils with beef (or lamb) tallow, delivering a richer, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch while appealing to keto, paleo and seed‑oil‑free diets.
- Tallow chips use animal fat, giving a savory “meaty” note.
- Popular brands include Vandy Crisps, CHIPPYS, Rosie's Chips, Sunseekers, TIPS, and Roots.
- Homemade version is easy: thin‑sliced potatoes fried in melted tallow at 350‑375 °F.
- Expect ~140‑170 kcal per ounce, high in saturated fat.
- Store in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation.
- Tallow potato chips are fried in animal tallow rather than seed oils, giving a richer, buttery flavor.
- They are marketed to keto, paleo, and seed‑oil‑free diets for their low‑carb, high‑fat profile.
- The snack’s crisp, kettle‑cooked texture is a hallmark praised across sources.
- Brand emphasis differs: one model highlights CHIPPYS and Vandy Crisps, another adds Beefysow, while a third mentions Meat N’ Bone – the exact “top” brand list varies.
- Nutritional specifics: only the first response gives precise calorie/fat ranges; other models discuss fat content qualitatively, leading to slight variation in reported numbers.
What are tallow potato chips?
Tallow potato chips are potato slices fried in 100 % beef (or lamb) tallow instead of the more common seed‑derived oils such as canola, soybean, or sunflower. The solid‑at‑room‑temperature nature of tallow creates a deep golden colour, a buttery‑savory flavor, and a crisp “kettle‑cooked” bite that many describe as reminiscent of mid‑20th‑century snacks1.
Why people choose tallow chips
| Reason | What tallow does | Typical benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Adds a subtle, meaty, buttery note | More complex taste than plain oil |
| Texture | Solid fat yields a strong, crunchy bite | “Old‑school” kettle‑cook crunch |
| Dietary fit | Seed‑oil‑free, non‑GMO, keto/paleo friendly | Fits low‑carb, high‑fat regimens |
| Sustainability | Utilises a meat‑industry by‑product | Reduces waste, can be grass‑fed |
Popular commercial brands
| Brand | Key features | Common flavors | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vandy Crisps | Grass‑fed tallow, sea‑salted potatoes | Original, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Jalapeño | 1 |
| CHIPPYS | Grass‑fed beef tallow, kettle‑cooked, seed‑oil‑free | Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Jalapeño, etc. | 2 |
| Rosie’s Chips | 100 % grass‑fed tallow, pesticide‑free Idaho potatoes | Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Jalapeño | 5 |
| Sunseekers Snacks | Organic potatoes, organic grass‑fed tallow, Celtic sea salt | Sea Salt | 6 |
| TIPS Chips | 100 % beef tallow, no additives, seed‑oil‑free | Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Jalapeño | 8 |
| Roots (Made in Tallow) | Regenerative Idaho potatoes, grass‑fed beef tallow | Sea Salt | 9 |
| Beefysow | Small‑batch, beef tallow, five bold flavours | Various | 3 |
All brands listed are verified as of the latest sources.
How to make tallow chips at home
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- ¼–½ cup melted beef (or lamb) tallow
- Sea salt + optional spices (paprika, garlic powder, rosemary)
Prep
- Slice potatoes uniformly (~2 mm) with a mandoline.
- Rinse, then pat completely dry to avoid sogginess.
Frying
- Heat tallow to 350–375 °F (175–190 °C).
- Fry in small batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden‑crisp.
- Drain on paper towels; season while hot.
Storage
- Cool fully, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Best consumed within a week. Detailed guide: 7.
Nutritional snapshot (approx. per 1 oz/28 g bag)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140–170 kcal |
| Fat | 10–12 g (predominantly saturated) |
| Carbohydrates | 12–14 g (mostly starch) |
| Protein | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 150–200 mg |
Values vary by brand and flavour but fall within this range1.
Things to watch
| Issue | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Saturated fat | High saturated fat content; moderate intake advised for heart‑health monitoring. |
| Allergies / dietary restrictions | Not plant‑based; contains animal proteins – unsuitable for vegans or those avoiding beef. |
| Shelf life | Tallow can oxidize; keep chips cool, dark, and sealed to maintain crispness. |
Bottom line
Tallow‑fried potato chips offer a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch while catering to consumers who avoid seed oils or follow keto/paleo/Whole30 diets. A handful of reputable brands make it easy to buy ready‑made snacks, and the process is straightforward enough for home cooks who want full control over ingredients and freshness.
Quick reference
- Definition: Potato chips fried in beef/lamb tallow.
- Key benefits: Flavor depth, crunchy texture, seed‑oil‑free, keto/paleo‑compatible.
- Top brands: Vandy Crisps, CHIPPYS, Rosie's Chips, Sunseekers, TIPS, Roots, Beefysow.
- DIY tip: Slice thin, fry at 350‑375 °F, season hot, store airtight.
- Nutrition: ~150 kcal, 10‑12 g fat (mostly saturated) per ounce.