Tallow substitutes
Tallow substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lard
Same amount as the tallow
Rendered pork fat with similar properties and high smoke point. Excellent for frying and baking applications.
The best substitutes for tallow are lard, vegetable shortening, or coconut oil, depending on the cooking method and dietary preferences.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- frying
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tallow | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lardfrying | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Vegetable shorteningbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Coconut oilvegan recipes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Beef fat (drippings)traditional cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Duck fatfrying | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Palm oilbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Lard
similar taste and texture
Rendered pork fat with similar properties and high smoke point. Excellent for frying and baking applications.
- Best for
- frying, baking, pastries, traditional cooking
Similar texture and melting properties to tallow. Neutral flavor that won't interfere with other ingredients.
Vegetable shortening
similar taste and texture
Solid vegetable fat with similar texture and high smoke point. Good for baking and frying.
- Best for
- baking, frying, pastries, pie crusts
Neutral flavor and solid texture. Choose non-hydrogenated varieties when possible.
Coconut oil
different taste, similar texture
Solid tropical oil with high smoke point and similar texture to tallow. Good for vegan alternatives.
- Best for
- vegan recipes, baking, frying, sautéing
Has a coconut flavor that may not work in all recipes. Solid at room temperature.
Beef fat (drippings)
similar taste and texture
Rendered fat from cooked beef with similar properties to tallow. Closest substitute in terms of origin.
- Best for
- traditional cooking, frying, roasting, sautéing
Very similar to tallow as it comes from the same animal. May have a stronger beef flavor.
Duck fat
different taste, similar texture
Rendered duck fat with high smoke point and rich flavor. Excellent for high-heat cooking.
- Best for
- frying, roasting, sautéing, potatoes
Rich, flavorful fat that adds depth to dishes. More expensive than tallow.
Palm oil
similar taste and texture
Semi-solid tropical oil with high smoke point and similar texture to tallow.
- Best for
- baking, frying, traditional cooking, pastries
Neutral flavor and solid texture. Good for maintaining the traditional texture of tallow-based dishes.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lard instead of tallow?
Yes, lard is an excellent substitute for tallow. It has similar properties, high smoke point, and solid texture, though it comes from pork rather than beef.
What's the difference between tallow and suet?
Suet is the raw fat around animal kidneys, while tallow is rendered suet or other animal fat. Tallow is processed and has a cleaner flavor.
Is tallow healthy for cooking?
Tallow contains saturated fats but also has some beneficial nutrients. It's stable at high temperatures and has been used traditionally for centuries.
Can I make tallow at home?
Yes, you can make tallow at home by slowly rendering beef fat over low heat. Strain it well and store in the refrigerator for best results.
Tips for substituting tallow
7 tips- Tallow has a very high smoke point (400°F+), making it excellent for deep frying and high-heat cooking
- Store tallow in the refrigerator or freezer to extend its shelf life and maintain quality
- Tallow is solid at room temperature but melts easily when heated, making it versatile for different cooking methods
- Traditionally used for making French fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried foods
- Tallow can be used in both sweet and savory applications, from pie crusts to roasted vegetables
- When making tallow at home, render it slowly over low heat to avoid burning and ensure clean flavor
- Tallow is also used in soap making and candle making due to its solid properties