Is Tallow vegan?
Not vegan
Short answer
Tallow is not vegan. Tallow is rendered beef or mutton fat. Not vegan.
Key takeaways
- Verdict: Tallow is not vegan.
- Commonly found in: McDonald's french fries (historically and in some regions), Traditional pie crusts, Soap, Candles.
- Vegan alternatives: Coconut oil, Vegetable shortening, Olive oil for frying, Plant-based soaps.
- Also listed as: beef tallow, rendered beef fat.
- Scan any barcode with VeggieOS (100% free) for an instant vegan verdict.
Also known as: beef tallow, rendered beef fat
What it is
Solid animal fat rendered from suet (the fat around the kidneys of cattle and sheep).
Why not vegan
Always animal-derived. Used for frying, soap, and candles.
Where you'll find it
- McDonald's french fries (historically and in some regions)
- Traditional pie crusts
- Soap
- Candles
- Some beauty trends ('beef tallow skincare')
Vegan alternatives
- Coconut oil
- Vegetable shortening
- Olive oil for frying
- Plant-based soaps
FAQ
- Are McDonald's fries vegan?
- Outside the U.S. (in the UK, India and many EU countries) the fries are vegan. In the U.S. they contain 'natural beef flavor' with milk derivatives.