Tallow vs. Suet: What's the Difference?

Tallow and suet are both derived from animal fat, but they serve different purposes in cooking, skincare, and traditional remedies.

If you’re exploring natural fats for nourishment, it’s important to understand how they compare and which one is best suited for your needs. 

Let’s dive into their differences and benefits.

What Are Tallow & Suet?

Simply, suet is the raw version of tallow. When suet is heated and filtered, it becomes tallow, a purer form of healthy fat.

Tallow is rendered fat from cows or sheep, processed by gently heating suet to separate the pure fat from connective tissue and other impurities. The result is a stable, shelf-stable fat with a firm texture. Tallow is commonly used for cooking, skincare, and even candle-making due to its long-lasting properties.

Suet, on the other hand, is the raw, unrendered fat found around the kidneys and loins of cows and sheep. It has a crumbly texture and a higher moisture content compared to tallow. Suet is often used in traditional British cooking, such as puddings, pie crusts, and dumplings, but it must be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.

Fat Composition and Absorption

Tallow is nearly 100% fat, with a composition that includes stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. These fatty acids deeply nourish and support the skin barrier, making tallow an excellent moisturizer.

"Since the composition of beef tallow is similar to natural oils produced by skin, it can be used as a moisturizer and is gentle on sensitive skin." - Mayo Clinic

Suet contains more water and connective tissue, which makes it less stable and not as well-suited for skincare. When heated and rendered, suet turns into tallow, which has a much longer shelf life and is easier to use.

Vitamin Content

Both tallow and suet contain fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, but tallow is more concentrated due to the rendering process. These vitamins are essential for skin health, supporting collagen production, hydration, and cell regeneration.

Suet, in its raw form, contains some vitamins but is more beneficial as a cooking ingredient rather than a skincare product.

Which One is Better for Skincare?

If you’re looking for a natural moisturizer, tallow is the best option because it closely matches human skin oils and absorbs deeply without clogging pores. It contains essential nutrients that support skin healing and hydration, making it an excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin.

Suet, due to its higher moisture content and lack of processing, is not ideal for skincare as it can spoil quickly and lacks the smooth consistency of rendered tallow.

Which One is Better for Cooking?

Both tallow and suet are excellent sources of healthy fats, but they have different culinary applications. Tallow is ideal for frying and roasting due to its high smoke point and stability. It gives food a rich, savory flavor and has been a staple in traditional diets for centuries.

Suet, on the other hand, is best suited for baking and traditional dishes like suet puddings, mincemeat, and dumplings, where its softer texture adds richness to the dish.

Stability & Shelf Life

One of the biggest differences between tallow and suet is their shelf life.

Tallow is highly stable and can be stored at room temperature for months or even years without spoiling. This makes it an excellent long-term fat source.

Suet is perishable and must be kept in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness. If left at room temperature, suet can become rancid quickly due to its higher moisture content.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a versatile, long-lasting fat, tallow is the best option. It works well for skincare, high-heat cooking, and even homemade candles or soap.

If you need a fat for baking or traditional recipes, suet is an excellent ingredient, but it requires proper storage and is best used fresh.

Recommended: Tallow vs Butter & Ghee: Which One is Best?

Final Thoughts

Tallow and suet each have their strengths, but tallow is the more versatile option due to its stability, nutrient content, and ability to be used for both cooking and skincare. Suet is great for traditional recipes, but it lacks the long shelf life and skin-friendly benefits of tallow.

If you want to experience the benefits of high-quality, grass-fed tallow for skincare, check out our collection at Tallow & Wild for premium tallow balms and skincare products!