Where Can I Buy Beef Tallow? Top Places to Purchase Quality Tallow

Beef tallow is a versatile traditional cooking fat made from rendered beef fat. With the rise in popularity of ancestral diets like paleo and keto, grass-fed beef tallow has become a staple ingredient for people looking to cook the traditional way. But where can you actually buy quality beef tallow? Here are some of the best places to purchase beef tallow online or in stores.

What is Beef Tallow?

First, let’s cover the basics. Beef tallow is a type of rendered fat made from cattle fat. To make tallow, the fat is cooked down slowly to separate and clarify the fat from connective tissues.

The resulting product is a shelf-stable, long-lasting fat solid at room temperature. Tallow has a high smoke point of 400-475°F, making it great for frying, baking, and sautéing. It adds richness and flavor to foods.

Nutritionally, beef tallow provides vitamins A, D, E, K as well as CLA and omega-3s. So in addition to being tasty and versatile in cooking, grass-fed tallow offers nutritional benefits.

Where to Buy Beef Tallow Online

Purchasing beef tallow online is usually the most convenient option. Many online stores offer grass-fed, pasture-raised tallow shipped right to your door. Here are some top online sources:

Amazon

Amazon has a wide selection of beef tallow products at varying prices:

• US Dreams 100% Grass Fed Beef Tallow – 1 lb for $11.99
• Tribe Organics Pasture Raised Tallow – 14 oz jar for $24.99
• Epic Bar Paleo-Friendly Grass Fed Tallow – 1 quart tin for $29.99

Amazon provides fast shipping and convenient delivery. Products are often eligible for Prime and Amazon Fresh.

Direct from Farms

Many small beef farms and ranches sell their tallow directly through their online stores:

• White Oak Pastures Grassfed Beef Tallow – 16 oz jar for $13.99
• Joyce Farms Grassfed Beef Tallow – 14 oz jar for $14.99
• Fatworks Grassfed Beef Tallow – 14 oz tin for $18.95

Buying directly supports small farmers and offers very fresh, high quality tallow.

Specialty Online Retailers

There are some online retailers that specialize in selling quality cooking fats like tallow:

• US Wellness Meats Grassfed Tallow – 14 oz jar for $15.99
• Farmaesthetics 100% Grassfed Tallow – 8 oz tin for $18
• Primal Kitchen Grass Fed Tallow – 14 oz tin for $22.95

These retailers vet their sources and focus on providing high quality traditional fats.

Online Butcher Shops

Many online butchers and meat delivery services also offer tallow:

• Crowd Cow Grassfed Beef Tallow – 16 oz jar for $20
• Butcher Box 100% Grassfed Beef Tallow – 14 oz tin for $14.99 (with subscription)
• Porter Road Pasture Raised Beef Tallow – 16 oz tin for $18

Ordering tallow from an online butcher ensures the tallow is ethically-sourced and high quality.

Buying Beef Tallow Locally

You can also source beef tallow locally if you prefer to buy in person. Here are some places to check in your area:

Farmer’s Markets

Visit farmer’s markets and ask around for any vendors selling beef tallow or other rendered animal fats. Small beef and bison farms at markets may offer tallow.

Butcher Shops

Traditional butchers and meat shops are another good place to check. Ask at the counter if they sell rendered beef tallow. Many butchers save their beef fat trimmings to render tallow.

Health Food Stores

Some health food stores like Whole Foods have tallow from brands like Epic and Primal Kitchen. Check the oil/fats section.

Mexican Markets

Look for “manteca de res” which is Spanish for beef tallow. Mexican markets and carnicerias sometimes sell rendered beef fat.

Asian Grocery Stores

Ask for “牛脂” (niú zhī) which is Chinese for beef tallow or fat. Some Asian grocers may carry it.

What to Look for When Buying Beef Tallow

To get the highest quality tallow, look for the following:

• Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef – This ensures higher omega-3s and a better nutritional profile. Grass-fed tallow has a yellowish tint.

• Organic or regenerative certification – Look for brands backed by clean, sustainable practices.

• Minimal processing – High quality tallow just involves slowly rendering the fat and filtering impurities. Avoid artificial additives.

• Locally sourced – Buying from a local farmer or butcher provides the freshest tallow.

• Glass or tin packaging – Tallow will keep longer stored in glass jars or tins rather than plastic.

• Unrefined and filtered – Refining and bleaching removes impurities as well as nutrients. Look for unrefined and lightly filtered tallow.

When sourcing quality tallow, you get a highly versatile traditional cooking fat with great flavor and nutritional benefits.

Storing and Using Your Tallow

Once you’ve purchased high quality grass-fed beef tallow, proper storage is important for preservation and shelf life. Here are some tips:

• Keep tallow sealed in original packaging or transfer to an airtight glass jar. Exposure to air and light can speed spoilage.

• Store tallow in a cool, dark place like the fridge or pantry. Refrigeration extends shelf life.

• Look for any expiration date from manufacturer. Tallow can last 6-12 months stored properly.

• If mold appears, that batch has spoiled. Discard and get fresh tallow.

• Melt tallow to liquid to use for sautéing, frying, and baking. It spreads like butter at room temperature.

• Use tallow in a 1:1 ratio to replace vegetable oils, butter, lard, and other fats in cooking.

With high quality tallow from the right source, you can take advantage of the flavor and cooking benefits of this traditional fat.

Commonly Asked Questions about Beef Tallow

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about buying and using beef tallow:

Is tallow healthy?

Yes, high quality tallow from grass-fed cattle contains vitamins, CLA, omega-3s, and antioxidants that provide health benefits. The fatty acid profile is heart healthy.

Is tallow suitable for vegans or vegetarians?

No, true beef tallow is an animal product and not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Some vegetable-based “tallow” substitutes exist but they do not replicate the flavor and benefits of true beef tallow.

Does tallow taste like beef?

When used in cooking, tallow has only a subtle beef flavor. It adds richness without an overly strong meaty taste.

What’s the difference between tallow and lard?

Lard is rendered pig fat, while tallow comes from beef. They have similar uses, but lard has a more distinctive pork flavor.

Does tallow need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration isn’t required but can extend shelf life. Tallow can be stored in the pantry if it will be used soon.

Can you use tallow for skincare?

Yes, rendered beef tallow is sometimes used in skincare products like lotions and balms. It provides moisturizing properties for the skin.

Discover the Benefits of Cooking with Beef Tallow

Beef tallow is growing in popularity as people rediscover traditional cooking ingredients and methods. Taking the time to source high quality beef tallow can provide great flavor and nutrition to your dishes. Look for grass-fed tallow from reputable online retailers, local farmers, or specialty butcher shops. With proper storage as an animal fat, tallow can be your go-to cooking fat for all kinds of recipes. Give this tasty traditional fat a try!