Duck fat substitutes
Duck fat substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lard
Same amount as the duck fat
Pork fat with similar high smoke point and cooking properties.
The best substitutes for duck fat are lard, schmaltz, or other animal fats like bacon fat or beef tallow, depending on the use.
- The tweak —
- Melt if solid before using.
- Best for —
- frying
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of duck fat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lardfrying | Same amount |
| 2 | Schmaltzfrying | Same amount |
| 3 | Bacon fatfrying | Same amount |
| 4 | Beef tallowfrying | Same amount |
| 5 | Chicken fatfrying | Same amount |
| 6 | Vegetable oilfrying | Same amount |
Lard
Rich and savory, different from duck fat
Pork fat with similar high smoke point and cooking properties.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, baking, when you want similar cooking properties
- Texture
- Similar solid fat that melts when heated
- Prep
- Melt if solid before using.
Most similar substitute, high smoke point like duck fat.
Schmaltz
Rich and savory, similar to duck fat
Chicken fat with similar high smoke point and rich flavor.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, baking, when you want poultry fat flavor
- Texture
- Similar solid fat that melts when heated
- Prep
- Melt if solid before using.
Chicken fat, similar to duck fat in properties.
Bacon fat
Rich and smoky, different from duck fat
Rendered bacon fat with smoky flavor and high smoke point.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, baking, when you want smoky flavor
- Texture
- Similar solid fat that melts when heated
- Prep
- Melt if solid before using.
Adds smoky flavor, high smoke point like duck fat.
Beef tallow
Rich and savory, different from duck fat
Rendered beef fat with high smoke point and rich flavor.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, baking, when you want beef flavor
- Texture
- Similar solid fat that melts when heated
- Prep
- Melt if solid before using.
Beef fat, high smoke point like duck fat.
Chicken fat
Rich and savory, similar to duck fat
Rendered chicken fat with similar properties to duck fat.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, baking, when you want poultry fat
- Texture
- Similar solid fat that melts when heated
- Prep
- Melt if solid before using.
Similar to duck fat, both are poultry fats.
Vegetable oil
Neutral, no flavor like duck fat
Neutral oil with high smoke point but different flavor.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, baking, when you want neutral flavor
- Texture
- Liquid oil, different from solid duck fat
Neutral flavor, high smoke point like duck fat.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lard instead of duck fat?
Yes, lard is a good substitute for duck fat. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes that call for duck fat.
What's the difference between duck fat and lard?
Duck fat is rendered from duck and has a rich, gamey flavor, while lard is rendered from pork and has a different flavor profile. Both have similar cooking properties.
Can I use schmaltz instead of duck fat?
Yes, schmaltz can work as a substitute, though it may have a different flavor. It has similar texture and can be used in most recipes.
Why is duck fat so popular in French cooking?
Duck fat is popular in French cooking because it adds rich, flavorful fat that complements the ingredients and cooking styles of French cuisine.
Tips for substituting duck fat
6 tips- Duck fat adds rich, flavorful fat to dishes
- Duck fat can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Duck fat pairs well with herbs, spices, and vegetables
- Duck fat works well in roasting and frying
- Duck fat can be used to make confit
- Store duck fat in the refrigerator