Steering clear trans fats & processed seed oils.
In the world of food and nutrition, not all fats are created equal.
At The Food Shack, Island Time Catering, and Rising Tide BBQ, we take pride in
- sticking to high-quality ingredients and
- cooking food the way it should be—without processed seed oils, unhealthy fats, artificial additives & preservatives, corn syrup, fake sweeteners, or enriched & fortified grains.
One of the biggest misunderstandings in food today is around saturated fats vs. trans fats. While both have been controversial in the past, we now know that they are vastly different in how they impact our health.
Saturated Fat: Natural and Essential
Saturated fats occur naturally in animal products (grass-fed beef, butter, cheese, eggs) and some plant-based sources like coconut oil. These fats are solid at room temperature and have been consumed by humans for centuries.
• Is it unhealthy?
The short answer: Not necessarily. While early research linked saturated fats to heart disease, more recent studies suggest that whole-food sources of saturated fats, especially from grass-fed and pastured animals, don’t have the same negative effects as processed sources. In fact, they provide energy, support hormone production, and keep you full longer.
• Sources: Found naturally in animal products (e.g., beef, pork, poultry with skin, butter, cheese) and tropical oils (e.g., coconut oil, palm oil).
Trans Fats: The Real Villain
Trans fats are a different story. These are artificial fats created through hydrogenation—a process that turns liquid oils into solid fats to increase shelf life. They’re commonly found in processed snacks, margarine, fast food, and fried foods.
• Why are trans fats bad? Unlike saturated fats, trans fats have been proven to raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol, increasing inflammation, and significantly increasing the risk of heart disease. That’s why the FDA has banned artificial trans fats in most foods.
• Where do trans fats hide?
They sneak into foods made with partially hydrogenated oils—things like store-bought cookies, frozen pizzas, fried foods, and cheap fast food.
How We Do Things Differently
At The Food Shack, Island Time Catering, and Rising Tide BBQ, we NEVER cook with processed seed oils or trans fats. Instead, we use real, natural fats that our bodies recognize and process properly.
✅ No seed oils or hydrogenated fats
✅ Only high-quality, natural fats
✅ Food cooked the way it should be—simple, clean, and delicious
When you dine with us, you’re not just getting great food—you’re getting food made with integrity, tradition, and real ingredients. Because what we eat matters.
Eat well. Live well. Enjoy the good stuff.