Is Tallow Vegan?

Also known as: Beef tallow, Mutton tallow, Sodium tallowate (in soap), Stearic acid (sometimes)

Not Vegan

Rendered fat from cattle or sheep, produced as a byproduct of the beef and lamb industries.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Not Vegan

Also Known As

Beef tallow; Mutton tallow; Sodium tallowate (in soap); Stearic acid (sometimes)

Source

Rendered fat from cattle or sheep, produced as a byproduct of the beef and lamb industries.

Commonly Found In

Traditionally used in fast-food frying oil (McDonald's UK fries, historically), some soaps, candles, cosmetics, lubricants, and crayons.

Vegan Alternative

Vegetable shortening, coconut oil, palm oil (sustainability concerns), or shea butter.

Additional Notes

Sodium tallowate on soap ingredient lists indicates animal-derived tallow. Most modern fast-food restaurants have switched to vegetable oils, but cross-contamination risks remain.

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