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Tallow

Tallow is rendered animal fat, traditionally obtained from beef or mutton suet, and is a hard, waxy substance at room temperature.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tallow is rendered animal fat, traditionally obtained from beef or mutton suet, and is a hard, waxy substance at room temperature. It has been used historically in candles and soap and is still used in products such as soaps, lubricants, animal feed, and some cooking and industrial applications.

Definition

Tallow is a white to waxy solid fat obtained by rendering animal fatty tissue, especially suet from cattle and sheep. Dictionaries and encyclopedias describe it as animal fat used chiefly in soap, candles, and lubricants.

Composition and properties

Tallow consists mainly of triglycerides and is commonly described as containing oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It is solid at room temperature and has historically been valued for its stability and relatively high melting point.

Production

Tallow is made by rendering fatty tissue, meaning the fat is heated so it melts and can be separated from water, protein, and fibrous material. Industrial definitions may focus on technical properties such as melting point rather than a single animal source.

Uses

Tallow has long been used in candles and soap. Contemporary uses include animal feed, lubricants, chemicals, biodiesel, and food applications such as frying or roasting in some contexts.

Key facts

  • Tallow is a rendered form of animal fat, most commonly from cattle and sheep.
  • In technical and industrial contexts, the term can cover fats meeting specified physical criteria rather than only beef or mutton suet.
  • It is mainly composed of triglycerides, with oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids commonly cited as major fatty acids.
  • Historically, tallow was a major material for making candles and soap.
  • Modern uses include soapmaking, animal feed, lubricants, chemicals, biodiesel, and some cooking applications.
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Canadian context

Tallow is relevant in Canada through its use in food processing, soaps, animal feed, and industrial products, and because cattle and sheep agriculture are important parts of the Canadian agricultural sector.

Frequently asked questions

What is tallow?
Tallow is rendered animal fat, usually from beef or sheep suet, that becomes a solid, waxy fat at room temperature.
What is tallow made of?
It is mainly made of triglycerides, with oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids commonly cited as major components.
What is tallow used for?
It is used in soap, candles, lubricants, animal feed, chemicals, biodiesel, and some cooking applications.
How is tallow produced?
Tallow is produced by rendering, a process that heats fatty tissue so the fat can be separated from water and solid material.
Is tallow always from beef?
No. It is commonly from cattle, but the term can also apply to sheep fat and, in industrial usage, to fats that meet technical criteria.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallow
    Supports: General definition, composition, industrial usage, and common uses
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/science/tallow
    Supports: Definition, composition, rendering process, and historical uses
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tallow
    Supports: Dictionary definition and primary uses
  4. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tallow
    Supports: Definition as animal fat used for soap and candles
  5. Mayo Clinic Press — https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/what-is-beef-tallow-is-it-good-for-me/
    Supports: Beef tallow description, common sources, and cooking uses