For centuries, tallow was a staple in kitchens and apothecaries around the world. Rendered from of beef or mutton fat, tallow benefits span across cooking, skincare, and even candle-making.
However, with the rise of vegetable oils and synthetic beauty products, tallow was largely pushed aside. Now, as more people seek out natural, nutrient-dense, and sustainable alternatives, tallow benefits are top of mind and as a result tallow is making a well-deserved comeback.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy fat to cook with, a deeply nourishing moisturizer, or an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic products, tallow has much to offer. Let’s explore the benefits of this time-honored ingredient and why it deserves a place in modern homes.

What is Tallow?
Tallow is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat, primarily made from the suet (hard fat) around the kidneys and loins of the animal. It has been used for centuries in cooking, skincare, and even candle-making.
How do you make tallow?
Making tallow at home is simple and only requires beef or mutton suet, low heat, and a little patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Beef or mutton suet (hard fat from around the kidneys and loins)
- Water (optional, helps prevent burning)

Instructions:
- Trim & Chop the Suet:
- Remove any meat or connective tissue from the fat.
- Cut it into small chunks or grind it for faster rendering.
- Render the Fat:
- Stovetop: Place the fat in a heavy-bottomed pot on low heat. Stir occasionally as it melts.
- Slow Cooker: Set on low and let it melt over 6–8 hours.
- Oven: Bake at 225°F (107°C) in an oven-safe dish for 4–5 hours.
- Strain the Liquid:
- Once fully melted, strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a heatproof container.
- This removes any solids or impurities.
- Cool & Store:
- Let the liquid cool and solidify into creamy white tallow.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature (for a few months) or in the fridge (up to a year).

Is Tallow Healthy?
Yes, tallow is a healthy fat when sourced from high-quality, grass-fed animals and consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here’s why:
Benefits of Tallow
1. Tallow is a Nutrient-Dense Super Fat
Tallow is rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which are essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being. Grass-fed tallow, in particular, contains higher levels of these nutrients.
Unlike many modern cooking oils that undergo extensive processing and refining, tallow is a whole, natural fat that retains its essential nutrients. It is rich in:
- Healthy saturated fats – Contrary to outdated dietary advice, saturated fats like those found in tallow are essential for brain function, hormone production, and cellular health. They also provide a stable source of energy and support cell function.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) – Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K – These are essential for skin health, immune function, and overall wellness.
Compared to industrial seed oils (such as soybean and canola), tallow is minimally processed and free of harmful trans fats. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to optimize their diet with whole, nutrient-dense foods.

2. Free from Harmful Additives
Unlike industrial seed oils (such as canola, soybean, or corn oil), tallow is minimally processed and does not contain trans fats or inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids in excess.
3. Tallow is an Excellent Cooking Fat
Tallow’s high smoke point (approximately 400°F/205°C) makes it ideal for frying, roasting, and sautéing. Unlike vegetable oils that oxidize at high temperatures and create harmful free radicals, tallow remains stable during cooking, preserving both flavor and nutrition.
Additionally, it imparts a rich, savory depth to foods, making it a fantastic choice for:
- Roasting vegetables to perfection
- Creating crispy, golden fries
- Searing meats for maximum flavor
- Making flakey, buttery pie crusts
Since tallow is derived from animal fat, it complements a nose-to-tail approach to eating, reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

4. Gut & Skin Health Benefits
The fatty acids in tallow support gut integrity and promote skin healing when used topically, making it beneficial for both internal and external health.
Many commercial skincare products contain synthetic ingredients that can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. Tallow, on the other hand, closely resembles human sebum (the oil our skin naturally produces), making it highly compatible with our skin’s biology.
Some of its skincare benefits include:
- Deep moisturization – Tallow penetrates deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
- Rich in fat-soluble vitamins – These help repair and nourish the skin, making tallow an excellent remedy for dry skin, eczema, and irritation.
- Non-toxic and chemical-free – Unlike many lotions that contain preservatives, fragrances, and parabens, pure tallow balm is completely natural and safe.
Many people find that switching to tallow-based skincare products helps restore their skin’s natural balance, reducing acne, dryness, and inflammation.

5. Supports Metabolism
Tallow contains stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that has been linked to improved mitochondrial function, which can boost energy and metabolism.
6. Tallow is Sustainable and Reduces Waste
In today’s world, where sustainability is a growing concern, tallow presents an opportunity to reduce waste and make use of the entire animal. When animals are processed for meat, the fat is often discarded or used in low-quality industrial applications. By utilizing tallow for cooking and skincare, we ensure that no part of the animal goes to waste.
Additionally, tallow can be sourced from grass-fed, ethically raised animals, making it a more sustainable choice than many plant-based oils that require large-scale monoculture farming, pesticides, and excessive processing.
7. Tallow Supports a Traditional, Ancestral Diet
Traditional societies prized animal fats like tallow for their nourishing properties. Before the widespread use of vegetable oils in the 20th century, people relied on tallow, lard, and butter for their cooking and nutrition. These fats supported strong bones, healthy skin, and overall vitality.
By reintroducing tallow into your diet, you’re embracing a more traditional way of eating that aligns with human history and evolution.

How to Use Tallow in Your Daily Life
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of tallow, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your routine:
- In the Kitchen: Use it for frying, roasting, or even making homemade pemmican (a high-energy food made from dried meat and fat).
- For Skincare: Apply tallow balm as a moisturizer, lip balm, or treatment for dry hands and cracked heels.
- For Household Use: Make your own candles, soap, or even leather conditioner with rendered tallow.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Tallow Back to Modern Living
Tallow is more than just a forgotten fat—it’s a nutritional powerhouse, a deeply nourishing skincare ingredient, and a sustainable way to honor the whole animal. As more people return to traditional, natural foods and products, tallow is reclaiming its rightful place in kitchens and skincare routines worldwide.
If you haven’t tried tallow yet, consider giving it a go. You can even make tallow at home! Whether you’re searing a steak in it, moisturizing your skin, or making homemade soap, you may find that this ancient fat is exactly what you’ve been missing.
Are you ready to embrace the benefits of tallow?