Looking to buy beef tallow cooking oil? You can find high-quality beef tallow at trusted stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Whole Foods—both online and in-person. Choose grass-fed options for better nutrition and taste. We’ll guide you step-by-step to the best brands, tips for choosing quality, and where to shop confidently.
If you’ve recently heard about beef tallow and wondered where to get it, you’re not alone. Many home cooks are returning to this traditional fat for its rich flavor, high smoke point, and surprising health benefits. But finding a good source—especially one that’s pure, affordable, and available near you—can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re switching to beef tallow for health reasons or looking to level up your skillet game, this guide makes it simple. I’ve cooked with it, tested different brands, and even rendered my own at home—so you’re getting hands-on advice, not generic fluff.
We’ll cover everything from online and in-store options to choosing the best quality and answering popular questions. Let’s walk through each step with real examples to make your next grocery run (or Amazon search) a breeze.
Contents
What Is Beef Tallow and Why Use It in Cooking?
Definition and Source
Beef tallow is pure, rendered fat from beef. It’s made by slowly heating beef suet (the fat around organs) until it melts. Once strained and cooled, you get a clean, white cooking fat that’s shelf-stable and full of flavor.
Unlike oils that come from plants, tallow is animal-based, giving it a deep, savory taste. When made from grass-fed beef, it also contains more nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
This fat has been used for centuries. From pioneer cooking to grandma’s cast iron skillet, tallow is a traditional favorite that’s made a big comeback, especially among people following keto, paleo, and carnivore diets.
Health Benefits
Beef tallow isn’t just flavorful—it’s packed with good things your body needs. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Grass-fed tallow is a natural source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K2. These support bone health, immunity, and skin health.
- Great for High-Heat Cooking: With a smoke point over 400°F, tallow won’t burn easily. That makes it great for frying, roasting, and searing.
- Supports Healthy Fats: Tallow contains mostly monounsaturated and saturated fats, not harmful trans fats. These help you feel full and provide steady energy.
- No Artificial Ingredients: Unlike many vegetable oils, real tallow has no chemicals or additives.
According to Healthline, it may also support hormone production and brain function when used in moderation.
Common Uses
You can use beef tallow for nearly all your cooking needs. It works especially well in:
- Frying and sautéing: Potatoes, chicken, steak, veggies—tallow gives a crispy texture and rich flavor.
- Roasting: Use it on root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for golden edges.
- Baking: Replace butter or shortening in biscuits or pie crusts for flaky, savory results.
- Homemade items: Tallow is also used in DIY soaps, balms, and candles thanks to its creamy texture and long shelf life.
If you’ve ever eaten crispy French fries cooked in beef fat, you already know how good it tastes. And the best part? It’s just as easy to use at home.
Where to Buy Beef Tallow Cooking Oil (Online + Offline)
Online Stores
Buying beef tallow online is quick and easy. Many trusted stores now carry grass-fed, high-quality tallow with fast delivery. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Store | Why Buy Here | Popular Brands | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Fast shipping, wide selection | Epic, Fatworks, Wondercow | Amazon Tallow |
| US Wellness Meats | 100% grass-fed tallow, great for paleo/carnivore | US Wellness Meats | US Wellness |
| Fatworks | Premium rendered fats, clean ingredients | Fatworks | Fatworks |
| Epic Provisions | Well-known brand, available in many stores | Epic Beef Tallow | Epic Provisions |
| Thrive Market | Membership-based, discounted organic items | Various grass-fed options | Thrive Market |
Buying online is ideal if you want more choices, or if your local store doesn’t carry tallow.
Local Stores & Grocery Chains
You can still find good beef tallow at nearby grocery stores. Look in the meat section, natural foods aisle, or international cooking oils area. Here’s where to check:
- Walmart – Some stores carry Epic Tallow or house brands. Use the app to check your location’s stock.
- Whole Foods – Known for organic and grass-fed products. Look near the ghee or cooking oils.
- Sprouts Farmers Market – Often carries grass-fed tallow in the oil or refrigerated section.
- Local Health Food Stores – Many independent stores carry tallow from small or local farms.
- Butcher Shops or Farmers Markets – Ask if they render tallow themselves or sell suet to make your own.
Shopping locally lets you see the product before you buy and ask questions about sourcing and freshness.
How to Choose the Best Quality Beef Tallow
Grass-Fed vs. Conventional
Always choose grass-fed beef tallow if possible. It’s not only more nutritious but also better for the environment and animal welfare. Grass-fed fat contains more:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
- Vitamin K2
Regular (grain-fed) tallow is cheaper but may have fewer health benefits and more inflammatory fats.
Rendered vs. Unrendered
Rendered tallow has already been cooked down and filtered. It’s ready to use out of the jar.
Unrendered suet (raw fat) needs to be processed at home. That’s fine for DIY lovers, but for most people, rendered tallow is more convenient.
Packaging & Storage
Look for tallow sold in glass jars or BPA-free containers. Good packaging keeps it fresh longer.
- Shelf-stable: Store in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigerated: Lasts even longer but isn’t required if the jar stays sealed.
Tallow lasts up to 12 months unopened and about 3–6 months once opened, depending on storage.
Brand Reputation
Choose brands with transparent sourcing and clear labeling. Look for:
- USDA Organic or Verified Grass-Fed labels
- Ingredients list with just “beef tallow” and no additives
- Positive reviews from real customers
Trusted names like Epic, Fatworks, and US Wellness Meats have great track records with quality and flavor.
Popular Beef Tallow Brands (Mini Review Section)
Epic Beef Tallow
Epic is one of the most popular names in the healthy fats space. Their Beef Tallow is made from 100% grass-fed beef, and the jar is ready to use for all kinds of cooking.
It has a smooth texture, clean flavor, and no added ingredients. It’s available on Amazon and at stores like Whole Foods. Many home cooks trust it for frying, roasting, and even baking. Since it comes in a glass jar, it stores well and looks nice in the pantry.
Tip: Great for people who want a mild taste and easy access in stores.
Fatworks Premium Tallow
Fatworks offers high-end cooking fats. Their Premium Grass-Fed Tallow is slow-rendered and filtered to keep it clean and smooth. It comes in an 8-ounce or 14-ounce glass jar, and the flavor is slightly richer than Epic.
The brand is known for its transparency and sourcing. You can learn about their process on the Fatworks website, which shows exactly where their beef comes from.
Best for: Paleo or keto diets, and for cooks who want deep flavor without any additives.
US Wellness Meats
If you’re looking for small-batch, farm-direct tallow, this is your brand. US Wellness Meats offers fully rendered beef tallow made from 100% grass-fed cattle raised in the U.S.
It’s ideal for people who care about regenerative farming and supporting local producers. Their tallow comes frozen or jarred, depending on how you order it from their official site.
It’s not always available in stores, but online ordering is smooth, and shipping is quick.
Great pick: If you’re serious about sourcing and quality.
Rendered Tallow by Homesteaders (Etsy / Farmers Markets)
Some homesteaders sell hand-rendered tallow from small farms. You’ll find these on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or at local farmers markets. These are often unbranded but made with care.
The pros? They’re very affordable and often made from organic or pasture-raised beef. The downside is they may not be filtered as finely, and labeling can vary.
Best for: DIY lovers or people who want to support small businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is beef tallow better than lard for frying?
Yes, beef tallow often has a higher smoke point than lard, making it safer for high-heat cooking. Tallow also has a cleaner, richer flavor, and it contains more stable fats, which resist breaking down during cooking.
Does beef tallow need refrigeration?
If the jar is sealed and kept cool, tallow does not need to be refrigerated. Once opened, it’s smart to store it in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to extend its shelf life. Either way, keep it tightly sealed.
Is beef tallow good for keto or carnivore diets?
Absolutely. Tallow is a zero-carb fat, rich in saturated and monounsaturated fats, perfect for low-carb eating. It helps you stay full, adds great flavor, and fits well into both keto and carnivore meal plans. Verywell Fit backs this use in modern diet trends.
Can I make beef tallow at home?
Yes, it’s easy. Just melt beef suet over low heat and strain out the solids. Store it in a glass jar. Making your own gives you control over the source and saves money. Check this homemade tallow guide if you’re curious.
What does beef tallow taste like?
It has a mild, meaty flavor with a smooth mouthfeel. It’s not overpowering like some animal fats. Many say it adds a rich, comforting taste to roasted or fried foods.
Is it safe to use beef tallow daily?
In small amounts, yes. Tallow is natural and unprocessed. Just like butter or olive oil, balance is key. Pair it with a variety of fats, and choose grass-fed versions for the most benefits.
How long does beef tallow last once opened?
If stored well, opened beef tallow lasts 3–6 months at room temperature. It lasts longer in the fridge. Always use clean utensils to scoop it, and close the lid tightly.
Summary: Best Places to Buy and Tips for Beginners
Buying beef tallow is easy once you know where to look. Amazon, Fatworks, and US Wellness Meats are top online choices, while Walmart and Whole Foods carry great in-store options. Always go for grass-fed if possible. Look at the label for purity—just one ingredient: beef tallow.
If you’re new to it, try Epic or Fatworks for a clean start. Want to save money? Try rendering your own at home or buying from a local farmer.
Whether you’re looking for better flavor or healthier fats, beef tallow brings a lot to the table—literally. Give it a try in your next skillet meal or Sunday roast. You might just fall in love with cooking all over again.