Animal Tallows Guide
Not all tallow is beef tallow. Discover other animal fats including bison, lamb, duck, and more. Properties, uses, and where to source them.
From bison and lamb to duck and goose, each animal fat has unique properties for cooking and crafting. Compare smoke points, flavors, and best uses to find the right tallow for your kitchen.
Bison Tallow
Bison bison
400°F (204°C)
Specialty
Bison tallow is leaner with a milder taste. It has a similar smoke point but a slightly softer texture. Many prefer it f...
Read More →Lamb Tallow
Ovis aries
370°F (188°C)
Moderate
Lamb tallow has a more distinctive flavor that some find gamey. It's softer than beef tallow and has a slightly lower sm...
Read More →Deer Tallow
Various Cervidae species
375°F (190°C)
Rare
Deer tallow is harder and has a higher melting point than beef tallow. It's leaner and can have a gamey taste. Often mix...
Read More →Bear Tallow
Ursus species
375°F (190°C)
Very rare
Bear fat is much softer than beef tallow, closer to lard in texture. The flavor varies dramatically based on what the be...
Read More →Duck Fat
Anas platyrhynchos domesticus
375°F (190°C)
Good
Duck fat is softer and has a lower smoke point than beef tallow. It has a more pronounced savory flavor. Often preferred...
Read More →Goose Fat
Anser anser domesticus
375°F (190°C)
Moderate
Goose fat is softer and richer-tasting than beef tallow. It's the traditional fat for British roast potatoes. Has a lowe...
Read More →Pork Fat / Lard
Sus scrofa domesticus
370°F (188°C)
Excellent
Lard is softer than beef tallow and has a neutral flavor (especially leaf lard). It makes flakier pastries. Lower smoke ...
Read More →Elk Tallow
Cervus canadensis
380°F (193°C)
Very rare
Elk tallow is leaner and firmer than beef tallow. It has a milder flavor than deer. Lower yields when rendering due to t...
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