Steak 'n Shake Transitions to 100% Grass-Fed Beef Starting June 1

Fast-food menus aren't typically known for undergoing sweeping, health-conscious overhauls overnight. When major chains make the news for menu adjustments, it usually involves testing a new dipping sauce, introducing a limited-time seasonal item, or subtly shrinking portion sizes to combat inflation. But one historic American staple is completely altering the core foundation of its entire brand.

Steak 'n Shake customers are about to notice a massive difference the next time they order a classic hamburger. The beloved chain announced that it is officially transitioning its entire beef supply to pasture-raised cattle.

The sweeping mandate takes effect on June 1, making Steak 'n Shake the first major American burger establishment to completely embrace a 100% grass-fed and grass-finished standard across its locations.

Steak 'n Shake's Menu Changes are Rooted in Nutrition

According to the company's official announcement on X, the change is designed to position the restaurant as a frontrunner in nutritional integrity.

"Starting June 1, we're doing things better at Steak n Shake - all our beef will come straight from pasture-raised cattle," the company shared. "This beef will be 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, making us the only American burger joint serving the healthiest kind of beef."

Starting June 1, we're doing things better at Steak n Shake - all our beef will come straight from pasture-raised cattle. This beef will be 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, making us the only American burger joint serving the healthiest kind of beef.

— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) May 13, 2026

The premium beef upgrade is the latest step in a distinct corporate pivot. The chain has actively aligned its operations with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative.

Sardar Biglari, chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings (the parent company of Steak 'n Shake), noted that the executive role reflects a long-term commitment to transparency. "To put it simply, good-tasting food should also be good for you," Biglari stated.

Other Changes Steak 'n Shake Has Made

For long-time fans of the restaurant, the sudden shift to pasture-raised beef shouldn't come as a total surprise. Steak 'n Shake has spent the last year quietly executing a series of aggressive, old-school changes to its kitchen practices and ingredient lists.

Last March, the franchise completely eliminated traditional seed oils from its kitchens, replacing them entirely with beef tallow for all cooking needs. In February, the chain announced it would completely remove microwaves from all franchise locations by April, asserting that "quality restaurants don't need microwaves" and doubling down on traditional cooking methods.

Last August, the chain began offering customers glass-bottled Coca-Cola made exclusively with real cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.

Whether these sweeping health-focused alterations will convince other fast-food giants to re-evaluate their supply chains remains to be seen. For now, Steak 'n Shake is firmly planting its flag as the ultimate disruptor in the fast-food realm.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 7:27 PM.