New national survey data suggests cooking oil is becoming a visible factor in restaurant selection, with younger diners showing the strongest preferences.

A new national survey suggests that cooking oil is no longer just a back-of-house decision for restaurants. It is increasingly becoming part of how consumers decide where to eat.

According to new data released by Coast Packing Company, 43% of Americans say a restaurant’s cooking oil influences their dining choice. The survey, based on responses from 1,005 U.S. consumers, points to a clear shift in how ingredient decisions are perceived by the public.

The strongest signal comes from younger diners. Among adults ages 18 to 34, 52% say knowing whether a restaurant uses Beef Tallow or seed oils affects where they choose to eat. Among consumers 55 and older, that number falls to 33%.

The preference gap also shows up when diners are asked to choose between two otherwise identical restaurants. In that scenario, 31% of adults ages 18 to 34 say they would choose the restaurant using Beef Tallow, compared with 19% of adults 55 and older.

The survey also found that 24.7% of diners prefer restaurants to use traditional animal fats such as butter or Beef Tallow, while 15.6% prefer seed or vegetable oils. That suggests ingredient choices once treated mainly as operational decisions may now be influencing brand perception, menu appeal, and customer loyalty.

For restaurant operators, the findings point to a broader change in consumer behavior. Diners, especially younger ones, appear increasingly interested in how food is prepared and what ingredients are used behind the scenes. That shift aligns with wider food industry trends that emphasize transparency, flavor, and traditional preparation methods.

Coast Packing says the data builds on years of tracking consumer attitudes toward animal fats. Earlier research showed growing openness to ingredients such as Lard and Beef Tallow, particularly among younger consumers who associate them with flavor and old-school cooking. This latest survey goes a step further by suggesting those views are now influencing actual dining behavior.

The findings also match broader market signals. Whole Foods Market’s 2026 food trend forecast identified Beef Tallow as an emerging ingredient gaining visibility, while analysts continue to project growth in the global tallow sector through 2030.

Restaurants are unlikely to overhaul kitchen practices overnight. Still, the survey suggests cooking oil is becoming more than a technical ingredient choice. For a growing share of consumers, it is part of the dining experience itself.

For more information, visit Coast Packing Company.

External Links

• Back to Flavor, Back to Tallow white paper
• Email to request the full survey results
• Coast Packing Company official website
• Coast Packing TasteMap
• Healthy Fats Coalition

Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.

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Last Updated on March 28, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Creamy Carrot Soup

• 2 cans (14 ounces each) carrots
• 2 cups broth of choice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• honey
• BLT wraps, for serving

1. In blender, blend canned carrots, including juices, until smooth. Transfer to pot and add broth.
2. Mix in brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger and orange juice. Bring to simmer then add cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Drizzle honey over each bowl. Serve with BLT wraps.

Summer snacking just got a little sweeter. Little Bites® Snacks has announced the return of its limited-edition Little Bites® S’mores Muffins, giving families a simple way to enjoy the nostalgic flavor of a classic campfire dessert without needing a fire pit.

Inspired by the familiar combination of graham cracker and chocolate, these soft-baked mini muffins are designed to capture the cozy taste of s’mores in a portable, ready-to-eat format. Made with ingredients like graham flour and milk chocolate, the muffins offer a sweet, fluffy bite that fits perfectly into busy summer routines.

According to Rielly Whims, Brand Manager for Little Bites® Snacks, the product reflects the brand’s focus on bringing joy to everyday moments. With the return of S’mores Muffins, families can enjoy a fun, convenient snack that delivers the flavor of summer in an easy, grab-and-go pouch.

A Seasonal Treat Made for On-the-Go Moments

Little Bites® S’mores Muffins are positioned as an ideal snack for the season’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s a backyard hangout, a long road trip, a day at the beach, or a quick poolside break, the muffins are designed to bring a little extra sweetness to summer activities.

Their pre-portioned pouches also make them especially appealing for families looking for convenient snack options that are easy to pack, share, and enjoy anywhere.

Available for a Limited Time

The seasonal muffins are available now at major retailers nationwide while supplies last. As part of the broader Little Bites® lineup, the returning flavor adds a playful, nostalgic twist to the brand’s portfolio of baked snacks.

For Little Bites fans, the return of S’mores Muffins is a timely reminder that some of the best summer flavors do not need a campfire to be enjoyed. With familiar ingredients, portable packaging, and limited-time availability, this seasonal snack is set to be a fun addition to summer shopping lists.

About the Brand

Little Bites® is part of the Entenmann’s® family, a well-known name in baked goods with more than a century of baking heritage. Entenmann’s® operates under Bimbo Bakeries USA, one of the leading baking companies in the country, known for its wide portfolio of household brands and large-scale national distribution.

Together, that backing gives Little Bites® strong brand recognition and broad retail reach, helping seasonal launches like S’mores Muffins find their way into stores across the U.S. just in time for summer.

Related Links

• Little Bites Official Website
• Bimbo Bakeries USA
• Entenmann’s Bakery

Source

• PR Newswire

Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.

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