🕯️ Tallow vs. Lard — What’s the Difference?

I get asked this one all the time — what’s the difference between tallow and lard?
They’re both old-fashioned fats our grandparents used, and both have their own special place in the kitchen (and in my case, the skincare cabinet too!).

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🐄 Let’s start with tallow
Tallow comes from beef fat — usually the hard fat around the kidneys. When it’s slowly rendered and cleaned, it turns into this smooth, creamy fat that keeps for ages without going bad.

It’s packed full of nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, and the coolest thing is — it’s very similar to the natural oils in our skin. That’s why it soaks in beautifully and helps heal dryness or irritation.

That’s also why I fell in love with using tallow for skincare. It’s simple, pure, and just works without any fancy chemicals.

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🐖 And then there’s lard
Lard comes from pig fat — usually the soft fat from around the belly. It’s been used for generations in kitchens because it makes the best pie crusts (ask any grandma — she’ll tell you!). It’s also great for cooking and frying since it has a nice, smooth texture and light flavor.

I don’t personally use lard in skincare, but I’ll always have a soft spot for it in homemade biscuits or fried potatoes.

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🌿 So what’s the real difference?
To keep it simple:
  •  Tallow = beef fat → great for skin + high-heat cooking
  •  Lard = pork fat → amazing for baking + frying
  •  Tallow is firmer and richer, while lard is softer and creamier.
  •  Both are natural, old-fashioned, and so much better than store-bought oils full of additives.

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💛 My thoughts
Both tallow and lard remind me of slowing down and using what we have. There’s something special about rendering your own fat, knowing exactly where it came from, and finding a purpose for every part of the animal.

For me, tallow just stole my heart — it’s the base of nearly everything I make for Wild Dandelion Boutique, from my whipped balms to my skin-loving creams. There’s something beautiful about keeping things simple, pure, and close to nature.

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✨ Old ways really are the best ways.
Whether it’s a flaky pie crust or a jar of whipped tallow on your bathroom shelf, both tallow and lard have earned their place in our homes — just in different ways.
-Tallow Later, Your Small Town Tallow Girl, Jessica Gullic