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Coast Packing Insights

Coast Packing Company is a leading provider of animal fat shortenings in the Western U.S. and a thought leader on how animal fats contribute to the American diet.

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Thought Leadership Corner

At Coast, we’re engaged in moving the food services industry forward.  Through education, research, policy analysis and consumer awareness, we make it our business to offer food for thought.  We are what we read and write, and we strive to lead the market through our example.

VIVA® has been the preferred brand of lard

in restaurant kitchens for more than 45 years – it’s trans fat-free and known for its quality, consistency and performance. For the best tasting carnitas, chicharrones, tamales, tortillas and tortilla chips, and more, VIVA is the standard.

Eric R. Gustafson

Industry News

Millennials favor funkier fats
restaurant-hospitality.com
Millennials favor funkier fats
You think you’ve got marketing challenges? Think what it’s been like for Coast Packing, a top supplier of lard and beef tallow, two products dietitians scorn as cholesterol producers of the first order.
The Return of Lard
escoffier.edu
The Return of Lard
Up until the 20th century, Americans commonly used lard as a cooking fat, shortening or just a spread to be enjoyed with a slice of bread Then, as NPR pointed out, the public came to regard pig fat as exceptionally unhealthy.
Whole Foods Market unveils top 10 food trends for 2019
media.wholefoodsmarket.com
Whole Foods Market unveils top 10 food trends for 2019
Flavor inspiration from the Pacific Rim (think Asia, Oceania and the western coasts of North and South America) are popping up in grocery stores and restaurants as people continue to explore more of the world through their palates.
Exploring the flavors and functions of alternative fats
foodbusinessnews.net
Exploring the flavors and functions of alternative fats
CHICAGO — Without fat, many foods lack substance. Fat dissolves and concentrates flavors and aromas, and depending on the source, may bring its own flavors to a recipe. Think: buttery croissant, coconut cream curry and sesame oil stir fry.
Why You'll Want to Cook and Bake with Leaf Lard
marthastewart.com
Why You’ll Want to Cook and Bake with Leaf Lard
Depending on your age, you may or may not be familiar with lard. The cooking fat was once a staple ingredient in home kitchens, though over the years, it has become something of a mysterious one.

Announcements

Coast Coverage

TasteMap helps consumers find traditional animal fats
The National Provisioner
TasteMap helps consumers find traditional animal fats
Coast Packing Co. offers an interactive destination guide to restaurants, markets, butchers and eateries across the country that cook with traditional animal fats like beef tallow and lard.
Coast Packing's TasteMap™: Discover Flavorful Dining Options
Investors Hangout
Coast Packing’s TasteMap™: Discover Flavorful Dining Options
As beef tallow gains popularity among chefs, food lovers, and health-conscious consumers, Coast Packing Company has rolled out an exciting initiative called the TasteMap™. This interactive guide helps diners discover restaurants and eateries that serve delicious meals cooked with traditional animal fats, such as beef tallow and lard.`
Beef Tallow is the Butter Alternative That Adds a Savory Twist to Pie Crust
yahoo! life
Beef Tallow is the Butter Alternative That Adds a Savory Twist to Pie Crust
Beef tallow is one of those ingredients that was seldom discussed outside of restaurant circles — until suddenly, it was everywhere. One of the trendiest ingredients of 2025, the demand for this seed oil substitute is so high that it’s actually outpacing supply in some places. And while it’s most commonly associated with adding extra richness to french fries, searing steaks, or seasoning cast iron pans, one of beef tallow’s best uses is one you might not expect: as a butter alternative in pie crusts.
Beef Tallow is the Butter Alternative That Adds a Savory Twist to Pie Crust
Food Republic
Beef Tallow is the Butter Alternative That Adds a Savory Twist to Pie Crust
We spoke to Greg Hozinsky, corporate chef at Coast Packing Company, who offered his insight into this unconventional but delicious ingredient swap. “Beef tallow produces a flakier crust than butter,” he offers as one benefit. “Additionally, tallow adds a subtle richness that enhances both sweet and savory pies without overpowering their flavors.”
Beef Tallow vs Lard: The Difference, Explained
MSN
Beef Tallow vs Lard: The Difference, Explained
When it comes to the differences between beef tallow and lard, some are obvious — and others you can only learn from experience. Fortunately, Food Republic was able to sit down with Greg Hozinsky, corporate chef for Coast Packing Company, to learn more specifics about how to use each form of animal fat.
Beef Tallow vs Lard: The Difference, Explained
Food Republic
Beef Tallow vs Lard: The Difference, Explained
When it comes to the differences between beef tallow and lard, some are obvious — and others you can only learn from experience. Fortunately, Food Republic was able to sit down with Greg Hozinsky, corporate chef for Coast Packing Company, to learn more specifics about how to use each form of animal fat.
Food Plant Openings and Expansions March 2025
Food Engineering
Food Plant Openings and Expansions March 2025
EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards recaps some recent plant openings and expansions in the food and beverage industry, including Anheuser-Busch’s investment in a Virginia brewery, Kraft Heinz’s Spanish factory expansion, Coca-Cola United’s new sales and distribution center, Bazzini’s Pennsylvania factory, Castle & Key Distillery’s solar energy project and Coast Packing Company’s edible oils refinery.
MRM's Research Roundup: Shift away from seed oils
Modern Restaurant Management
MRM’s Research Roundup: Shift away from seed oils
Coast Packing Company released new findings from a new consumer survey highlighting a significant shift away from seed oils as a cooking fat. The Coast study posed the question: Do you currently use seed oils (canola, soybean, cottonseed, grape seed, sesame, corn, safflower, rice bran, sunflower oils)?