No Beef in the Wings, But Beef in the Fryer
When people ask, "Does Buffalo Wild Wings use beef in their wings?", the simple answer regarding the meat is no. The wings themselves, whether traditional bone-in or boneless, are made from chicken. However, the crucial detail lies in the frying process. In the United States, Buffalo Wild Wings uses beef shortening, also known as beef tallow, to fry its chicken wings and many other menu items. This is a key piece of information for vegetarians, those who avoid beef for religious reasons, or anyone with allergies to mammalian meats.
The use of beef tallow is not a secret; it is disclosed on the restaurant's official allergen and nutritional information guides. This is in contrast to many other restaurants that use vegetable or seed oils for frying. The beef fat imparts a unique, savory, and rich flavor profile to the fried products that is a signature of the chain's taste. This includes not only the traditional and boneless wings but also items like cauliflower wings, chips, and tater tots.
The Frying Fat: Beef Shortening vs. Tallow
Beef tallow is rendered beef fat, typically with a high smoke point, making it suitable for deep frying. While some critics have pointed out that Buffalo Wild Wings uses a processed version of beef tallow, the fact remains that it is derived from beef. The decision to use this fat instead of more common vegetable oils is a key part of their cooking process. This is particularly important for individuals with certain dietary preferences, such as those following a keto or paleo diet, as animal fats are often preferred over processed vegetable oils. However, it also means that many vegetarian-friendly options, such as the cauliflower wings, are not truly vegetarian due to the cooking method.
Boneless Wings: The Hidden Nugget
It is also important to address the composition of the boneless wings. A common misconception is that they are a deboned version of a traditional wing. In reality, boneless wings are made from small pieces of chicken breast meat that are breaded and fried, essentially functioning as a glorified chicken nugget. This fact, combined with the use of beef shortening, provides a complete picture for diners with specific dietary needs.
What About the Sauces and Dry Rubs?
While the frying fat is beef-based, the sauces and dry rubs have their own ingredients. Some sauces, particularly the creamy ones, may contain dairy or egg products. Interestingly, some of the sauces at Buffalo Wild Wings contain soybean oil, which is a plant-based seed oil. Dry rubs, on the other hand, are often a safer bet for those looking to avoid certain oils or animal products, though it is always best to check the allergen guide for specifics.
Some popular Buffalo Wild Wings menu items fried in beef shortening in the US include:
- Traditional Wings
- Boneless Wings
- Cauliflower Wings
- French Fries
- Chips
- Cheese Curds
Regional Differences in Cooking Oil
It is worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings' cooking methods are not uniform across all countries. For example, some search results indicate that locations in Canada use soybean oil for frying instead of beef tallow. This highlights the importance of checking local restaurant information if you are dining internationally. The use of different oils can change the flavor, texture, and suitability for various dietary needs.
| Feature | United States Locations | Canada Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Oil | Beef Shortening (Beef Tallow) | Soybean Oil |
| Allergen Info | Lists Beef Shortening | Lists Soybean Oil |
| Flavor Impact | Rich, savory, beefy notes | Neutral, standard fried flavor |
| Vegetarian-Friendliness | Unsuitable for fried items | Potentially suitable (check local guide) |
Conclusion
To put it plainly, the meat in Buffalo Wild Wings is chicken, not beef. However, the frying fat used in US locations is beef shortening, or tallow, which is a crucial distinction for anyone with dietary restrictions or preferences. While this is a hallmark of the B-Dubs flavor, it makes their fried menu items unsuitable for vegetarians or individuals who avoid beef. For those concerned, grilled options or dry rubs may be a safer choice, and it's always wise to consult the official allergen guide, which is available on their website.
