Steak 'n Shake launches Protein Steakburger with grass-fed beef in latest MAHA-inspired move
The lettuce-wrapped burger contains 31 grams of protein and 6 grams of carbs, launching Sept. 1 with a Double Steakburger
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Steak 'n Shake, the fast-food chain embracing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, announced that it will launch a new "Protein Steakburger" next month.
The restaurant chain unveiled the Protein Steakburger, along with a Double Steakburger Double Cheese, with both menu items set to launch Sept. 1.
"Real ingredients. Real food. The Protein Steakburger consists of two 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Steakburgers," the company wrote. "It's the perfect meal after a hard workout."
The announcement comes amid Steak 'n Shake's broader push toward what the company has described as simpler and more transparent ingredients.
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Steak 'n Shake has embraced principles associated with the Make America Healthy Again movement as it makes changes to its ingredients and menu. (iStock / iStock)
Steak 'n Shake said the Protein Steakburger contains 530 calories, 31 grams of protein and 6 grams of carbohydrates. The Double Steakburger Double Cheese contains 690 calories, 31 grams of protein and 38 grams of carbohydrates.
Images released by the company show the Protein Steakburger served with lettuce in place of a traditional bun, while the Double Steakburger Double Cheese is served on a traditional bun.
In a previous social media post, Steak 'n Shake said it was embracing "MAHA principles" as it embarked on a "mission to change the landscape of fast food with healthier options."
"We are the only national chain offering 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef and 100% beef tallow fries," the company wrote. "It is not only better tasting but also better for you!"
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Steak 'n Shake is launching its Protein Steakburger and Double Steakburger Double Cheese on Sept. 1 as the chain continues revamping its menu. (Steak 'n Shake via X)
The new burgers come months after Steak 'n Shake tapped Michael Boes in April as its first-ever chief MAHA officer, an executive role the company said is "dedicated to advancing nutritional integrity, ingredient transparency and the healthiness of our products."
Boes, who previously served as a senior adviser at HHS, said at the time that fast food does not have to mean processed or artificial menus, but rather "real, simple and delicious" food.
Steak 'n Shake framed the hire as part of a broader effort to return to its roots.
Steak 'n Shake's new Protein Steakburger features two 100% grass-fed, grass-finished steakburgers and contains 31 grams of protein, according to the company. (iStock; Steak 'n Shake via X / Unknown)
"The move marks a major step in the company's efforts to restore the original spirit of American fast food: food that is simple, real and delicious," the company said.
The move also received praise from President Donald Trump, who shared the company's post and wrote: "Awesome."
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Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. visited a Steak 'n Shake location in 2025. (Steak 'n Shake via X / Unknown)
Boes discussed Steak 'n Shake's embrace of the MAHA movement during an interview with Fox News last month, arguing that consumers increasingly want more natural ingredients.
"The reality is people want this," Boes said. "It's this ode to what the food environment was 50, 60 years ago, what my grandfather, my parents enjoyed. I think people want that. No one ever demanded these chemicals and highly processed seed oils. It was never implemented due to taste. It was profits. And we wanted to put a stake in the ground on being an American company and delivering the best food for Americans."
The new menu items also drew praise from some social media users.
"Amazing option!" one user wrote. "I told my oldest two (now at college) if they get hungry and opt for fast food, head to a Steak 'n Shake since you use tallow and grass-fed beef. Appreciate your fast-food new healthy ingredients and menu."
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Steak 'n Shake has switched to cooking fries and other fried menu items in 100% beef tallow as part of its broader ingredient overhaul. (Getty Images)
In recent months, Steak 'n Shake has switched to cooking fries, tater tots and other fried items in 100% beef tallow, eliminating seed oils from those products. The chain has also moved to 100% Wisconsin butter in certain applications, offered Coca-Cola made with cane sugar as an alternative to high-fructose corn syrup and introduced A2 milk products.
FOX Business has reached out to Steak 'n Shake for additional information.
Fox News Digital's Deirdre Bardolf contributed to this report.