How to Make Natural Candles From Beef Tallow

Looking for a natural alternative to store-bought candles? Beef tallow candles are a traditional way to create a clean-burning light without artificial colors or synthetic fragrances often found in commercial candles. Made from sustainably rendered beef fat, these eco-friendly candles reduce waste while providing a beautiful, natural source of light.

Making natural candles from beef tallow is a traditional method that was the primary source of light in homes until the mid-19th century. Instead of using wax from store-bought candle supplies, these candles use rendered beef tallow. I love tallow candles because they have a long burn time, a neutral scent, and are perfect for homesteading or zero-waste living. For a subtle, natural scent, I prefer to add a few drops of my favorite essential oils, to ensure that they are made of only natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. They are also a perfect natural alternative to have on hand for a power outage. 

Before making candles, you'll need rendered fat. If you've never done that before, here is my step-by-step guide on How to Render Fat to Make Homemade Beef Tallow. Once you have a batch of tallow ready, you can also use it for traditional projects like whipped tallow balm or homemade tallow soap.

Can beef tallow candles be used as survival food?

Well, yes. I suppose they would qualify as food if you were desperate, however, I'm not quite sure if I would recommend that. But since they are pure beef fat with a hint of essential oils (if you choose to fragrance them), then I'll let you decide. In the meantime, chew on this funny story:

A couple of years ago, I made these pure beef candles (with no essential oils) into pillar candles using silicone molds that I purchased off of Amazon. After they cured, I placed them on a couple of candle holders that were sitting on my hearth. I was so proud! That evening, I noticed that one of the candles had fallen off of the holder. Puzzled, I picked it up and put it back in place. The next morning, after doing the farm chores, I came in to find BOTH candles missing and the holders still standing erect! I couldn't find them anywhere! Turns out, my Great Pyrenees ate them while I was outside. Moral of the story, keep them out of reach from pets, or someone hungry during a blackout!

Quick Look at This Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cure time: 24–48 hours
Total time: About 1–2 days (including curing)
Yield: 1–3 candles depending on jar size
Burn type: Clean-burning natural candle
Best used for: Emergency lighting, natural home décor, and traditional candle making

Why I Like Making Beef Tallow Candles

Beef tallow candles are one of those simple, old-fashioned projects that remind me how people once made use of everything they had. Instead of relying on store-bought candles filled with synthetic fragrances or artificial ingredients, these natural candles are made from rendered beef fat and create a clean, steady light.

I also appreciate that making beef tallow candles allows me to use something that might otherwise go to waste. Once the fat is properly rendered, it becomes a versatile ingredient that can be used for many traditional projects around the home, from candles to things like tallow lip balm and face scrubs.

Another reason I enjoy making them is how simple they are. With just a few ingredients and a little patience while they cure, you can create clean-burning candles that work beautifully for everyday lighting, handmade gifts, or even emergency lighting during power outages..

Instructions for Homemade Tallow Candles

STEP 1: In a double boiler, slowly melt your rendered tallow until liquid. Once melted and slightly cooled (around 120–130°F / 49–54°C), stir in 10–20 drops of essential oil per cup of tallow.

STEP 2: Fasten the wick in place with a wick tab.

STEP 3: Place the wick in the center of your container. Tape the wick tab or use hot glue to attach it to the bottom of the jar.

STEP 4: Use a popsicle stick to hold the wick in place.

STEP 5: Carefully pour the melted tallow into the container, leaving about ½ inch at the top. Let it cool undisturbed.

STEP 6: Once the candle is fully set (a few hours), trim the wick to about ¼ inch.

STEP 7: Let the candle cure for 24–48 hours for best burn quality.

Tips for Making Natural Candles

• Tallow has a lower melting point than other waxes, so store candles in a cool place.
• I have used hardware nuts in place of Wick Tabs. They work great to weigh the wick down and keep it straight, while the candle is curing. Just tie it around the nut and you are good to go!
• If the tallow has a slight scent, essential oils can help balance this out.
• These are great for emergency lighting, DIY gifts, or sustainable homestead crafts.
• Make sure to choose a jar that can withstand the heat of the flame and not crack! I prefer canning jars, as they can tolerate high heat.
• Candle molds can be used instead of a mason jar.
• I prefer to use this natural beef tallow recipe to render the animal fat myself. If you are purchasing it, try to stick to a high quality fat, such as: grass-fed beef tallow.
• I prefer these cotton candle wicks because I can cut them to the exact size that I need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tallow Candles