How to Make Natural Candles From Beef Tallow
These high quality beef tallow candles offer a clean burn without the artificial colors or synthetic fragrances often found in commercial soy candles. Made from sustainably rendered fat sourced from a local farm, these eco-friendly candles are a beautiful way to reduce waste and avoid chemical-laden options.
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Servings: 0
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups high-quality beef tallow depends on the size of jars you choose
- Cotton candle wicks pre-waxed or plain
- 16 oz jars candle jars of your choosing, metal tins, or molds (See Tips)
- Wick holders popsicle sticks or clothes pins work
- Optional: Essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, or orange)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Use a popsicle stick to hold the wick in place.
- Carefully pour the melted tallow into the container, leaving about ½ inch at the top. Let it cool undisturbed.
- Once the candle is fully set (a few hours), trim the wick to about ¼ inch.
- Let the candle cure for 24–48 hours for best burn quality.
Notes
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 it 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 need.