In this episode, we sit down with Steven Rofrano, founder of MASA Chips and Vandy Chips, to unpack why seed oils are so controversial and how “science” is often used as marketing. We explore the differences between seed oils and vegetable oils, the ways oils are extracted from nature, and how saturated versus unsaturated fats affect metabolism, mitochondria, and oxidative stress. Steven explains the role of linoleic acid, body temperature, calorie burning, and why eating in alignment with your climate may matter more than we’ve been taught. We also discuss whether seed oils need to be avoided entirely, their long half-life in the body, and practical strategies for reducing exposure in everyday life. The conversation wraps with a reimagined food pyramid, cooking methods that impact health, and how MASA and Vandy Chips are setting a new standard for cleaner, more satiating snack foods.

Steven Rofrano grew up in New Jersey in an Italian-American family that instilled a deep respect for food quality and old-world traditions. Steven struggled with chronic health issues growing up, until he discovered that eliminating seed oils and processed foods made him feel truly healthy for the first time.

Fueled by years of obsessive research, Steven became convinced that classic American foods can be both healthy and delicious—if made without toxic ingredients. Determined to prove this, he quit his big tech software job in 2022 to launch Ancient Crunch, starting with MASA Chips, the first nixtamalized tortilla chips cooked in grass-fed beef tallow. Next came Vandy Crisps, tallow-cooked potato chips that restore the 'Great American Snack' to its original seed oil-free glory.

Today, Steven remains on a mission to rebuild America’s pantry with real, nourishing ingredients—and, of course, to spread a little anti-seed oil “propaganda” along the way.

SHOW NOTES:

0:40 Welcome to the show!

2:53 About Steven Rofrano

3:59 Welcome him to the podcast!

5:04 Why are seed oils so polarizing?

8:47 Is “science” just marketing?

11:35 Seed oils vs Vegetable oils

13:35 3 ways to get oil from nature

17:04 Unsaturated vs saturated fats in the body

20:11 Eating per your climate

22:25 Linoleic acid, oxidative stress and your mitochondria

28:22 How we burn calories & energy

Why Seed Oils Have Entered the Chat with Steven Rofrano l Breaking Down the Most Controversial Ingredient in Modern Snacks