Seed Oils vs Beef Tallow: The Battle That's Changing the Food Industry with Steven Rofrano

Nov 4, 2025

Steven Rofrano, Co-founder and CEO of Ancient Crunch, shares his journey to healthier snacking through grass-fed tallow. He reveals the challenges of creating delicious chips and highlights the drawbacks of seed oils versus the benefits of tallow in cooking. The discussion covers the importance of organic ingredients, the pitfalls of modern 'healthy' brands, and how traditional recipes can reclaim nutrient density. Listeners learn why they should prioritize quality foods and how to support local producers for better health.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Backyard Prototype Became A Business

Steven Rofrano discovered tallow-fried chips by frying organic tortillas in a backyard turkey fryer and sharing them at Easter.
Family members loved them and validated the product, which led to selling the first bag that July.

INSIGHT

Tortilla Variables Drive Chip Quality

Small differences in nixtamalization and tortilla production create dramatically different chip outcomes.
Variables like boil time, soak time, and grind coarseness change texture and taste significantly.

ADVICE

Render Tallow Low And Slow

Render tallow gently using water or steam to keep temperatures below boiling and avoid burnt flavors.
Proper rendering prevents burned collagen bits from polluting the fat and yields clean-tasting tallow.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode, Dr. Jockers uncovers the real story behind red meat and cholesterol. He breaks down why processed carbs, seed oils, and insulin resistance—not red meat—are driving heart disease. You'll also learn how cholesterol actually supports cell health and hormone balance.

You'll discover how grass-fed red meat fuels your body with essential nutrients like carnitine, zinc, and vitamin B12 while reducing inflammation. Dr. Jockers explains why nutrient quality matters more than quantity and how modern research challenges old diet myths.

If you've ever felt bloated, sluggish, or uneasy after eating meat, this episode shows what's really going on. Learn how low stomach acid, sluggish bile, or gut imbalances may be the issue—and the simple, natural ways to fix them for better digestion and energy.

In This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Beef Tallow and Seed Oils

00:41 Interview with Steven Rofrano: The Journey of Ancient Crunch

05:39 The Birth of Masa Chips

10:26 Challenges in Perfecting the Recipe

14:14 The Importance of Organic Ingredients

19:37 The Rise of Vandy Crisps

26:39 The Vicious Cycle of Non-Organic Farming

27:58 The Benefits and Drawbacks of Avocado Oil

28:40 Comparing Cooking Oils: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and Beef Tallow

30:40 The Science Behind Cooking Oils and Their Properties

37:57 Challenges and Innovations in Healthy Snack Production

40:09 Expanding Product Lines and Future Plans

41:41 The Philosophy of Real Food and Health

45:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Hydration is one of the fastest ways to boost your energy, sharpen your focus, curb cravings, and even improve the look and feel of your skin — but water alone isn't enough. Your cells need electrolytes to actually absorb and use that hydration. Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes delivers premium, full-spectrum minerals with zero sugar, no artificial ingredients, and unprocessed sea salt, helping you feel more energized, clear-headed, and vibrant — and look more radiant from the inside out. Just one scoop a day can make a noticeable difference. Try Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes and save 15% by visiting Paleovalley.com/jockers and using code JOCKERS at checkout.

If you want to burn belly fat…boost your energy levels…balance blood sugar…or relieve swelling in your legs or feet… Then you need to check out PureHealth Research immediately.

This company makes some amazing health-boosting supplements that are manufactured right here in America.

They only use natural, non-GMO ingredients that are backed by the latest science and proven to work.

And right now, you can save 35% on all of their products with this special subscriber-only offer. Just use your exclusive coupon code JOCKERS at checkout.

"Seed oils force your body into sugar-burning mode, damage mitochondria, and accelerate aging."

~ Dr. Jockers

Subscribe to the podcast on:

Resources:

Get 15% off Paleovalley Electrolites: paleovalley.com/jockers – Use code JOCKERS
Get 35% off: https://www.purehealthresearch.com/ use code JOCKERS

Connect with Steven Rofrano:

Website - Save 20% on MASA Chips and Vandy Crisps: https://www.masachips.com/DRDAVID-JOCKERS

Connect with Dr. Jockers:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjockers/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidJockers
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/djockers
Website – https://drjockers.com/

If you are interested in being a guest on the show, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us here! - https://drjockers.com/join-us-dr-jockers-functional-nutrition-podcast/