How to Take the Beef Smell Out of Tallow
Are you desperate to know how to take the beef smell out of tallow? If you’ve ever rendered your own beef fat and ended up with a finished product that smells a bit too… beefy, you’re not alone. The truth is, the rendering process of turning raw fat into smooth, usable beef tallow can leave behind this distinct beef smell that’s not ideal for your beauty products (given all the tallow skincare benefits) or household needs. And it doesn’t matter if you’re using leaf fat, fat trimmings, or a mix of both, the right technique can make all the difference.
For beginners tackling this for the first time, it might feel like no matter how much you try, your finished tallow has that lingering scent of a beef brisket. But don’t worry—there’s a simple process to help you achieve a purified tallow that’s neutral, clean, and perfect for diy unscented grass-fed tallow balms, cooking, or even making the best soap. (And if that’s something you’re interested in you should definitely check out our diy tallow soap bar recipe).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best way to minimize that bad smell during the rendering process and create a finished product that smells as neutral as olive oil. Whether you’re using a large stockpot, crock pot, or even an instant pot, I’ve got tips for every heat source and method—wet method, dry method, or somewhere in between.
All you really need is the right approach, some fresh water, and maybe a little baking soda, and you’ll end up with odorless tallow that’s ready for long-term storage or whatever creative use you have in mind.
And then you can finally stop worrying about your beef tallow products smelling like last week’s french fries 😉
Will Beef Tallow Make Me Smell Like Beef?
Not at all—at least, not if it’s handled properly! Beef tallow, like other animal fats, has a reputation for a strong smell, but the truth is, with the right rendering process, you won’t end up smelling like a pot roast (haha).
If you make your own tallow at home, the key is removing any pieces of meat or impurities during rendering. Regardless if you’re working with sheep fat, beef fat, or another type of rendered fat, starting with high-quality fat trimmings from a trusted butcher shop or grocery store is the best place to begin. To minimize odors, many use the wet rendering method with much water to keep the fat clean as it melts.
For the best results, use a large pot or double boiler, and make sure to strain out solids thoroughly. Adding a pinch of little salt can also help neutralize lingering smells.
To be sure your tallow doesn’t carry that telltale scent into your skincare routine, opt for a small batch with the best fat (like grass-fed beef fat) and store it in a dark place for freshness. Incorporating essential oils can mask any remaining unpleasant smell, making it a good soap option if you’re going that route.
So, will beef tallow make you smell like beef? Not if you handle it right! This versatile cooking oil and skincare staple becomes a neutral-smelling, natural alternative to vegetable oils, loaded with benefits like linoleic acid for your skin if it’s rendered and purified correctly. Whether it’s your second time rendering or your first, you’re on your way to enjoying a beautifully clean and odor-free long term storage option- I just know it!
How to Get Rid of Beef Smell in Tallow
Getting rid of the beef smell in your beef tallow isn’t as tricky as it seems. Whether you’re using grass-fed beef, leaf fat, or fat trimmings from your local butcher, there are a few simple steps to transform that strong-smelling animal fat into a purified tallow that’s perfect for making unscented grass-fed tallow balms, beauty products, or even the best soap. And we’re going to start with the method I use the most often- wet rendering.
1. Wet Rendering Method
How It Works:
This method involves cooking raw fat in water to reduce tallow smells and produce a cleaner final product. If you’re trying this for the first time, the wet rendering method is the best way to get a neutral-smelling result.
Unlike dry rendering, which can intensify odors at higher temperatures, the wet method uses enough water to buffer the heat and prevent the fat pieces from burning or sticking.
- Start with small pieces of beef fat (raw fat), using a sharp knife or food processor to cut them down. (Small chunks render faster)
- Place the fat trimmings in a large stockpot, crock pot, or instant pot, and add just enough fresh water (I like to use distilled water) to cover the fat melts.
- Heat on low heat to slowly render the fat, preventing it from burning or sticking. This slow and steady approach helps the liquid fat separate cleanly while reducing the bad smell. Avoid cranking up to high temperatures, as this can make the tallow smells more intense.
- Once the fat renders, strain the liquid fat through a fine mesh strainer to catch any little bits of meat, and allow the fat cools completely. For an extra step toward odorless tallow, return the melted tallow to the pot with a pinch of baking soda and a splash of hot water. This helps neutralize any lingering odors. Let the fat cools completely before separating the layers, and voilà —you’re left with cleaner tallow that’s free of that overpowering beef brisket smell.
Why It Works:
The water acts as a barrier, buffering the fat from high temperatures and preventing the beef smell from intensifying during the rendering process.
2. Dry Rendering Method
How It Works:
For those who prefer a faster, easier method, dry rendering uses only the heat source to melt the fat.
Why It Works:
While this method avoids adding much water, it requires careful monitoring to avoid high temperatures that can make tallow smells stronger. It’s best for making cooking oil or french fries.
3. Deodorizing Tallow with Baking Soda
How It Works:
This is one of the best ways to neutralize lingering odors in already-rendered fat.
Why It Works:
Baking soda is an alkaline compound that helps neutralize acids and impurities, leaving you with cleaner tallow for unscented grass-fed tallow balms or beauty products.
4. Purifying the Tallow
How It Works:
Purification removes any lingering particles that could hold onto odors.
Why It Works:
This creates a finished product with fewer impurities and a milder scent, which is ideal for beauty products or good soap.
5. Using Essential Oils for Fragrance
How It Works:
After purifying your tallow, you can add essential oils to mask any remaining beef smell. But, like I said before, if you render and purify, you shouldn’t have that beef smell in your final tallow product. However, if you are just extra sensitive and don’t mind essential oils, you can always add some to boost the scent.
Why It Works:
Essential oils don’t just mask smells—but they can add nourishing properties to your purified tallow, perfect for balms or lotions.
6. Tallow Saltwater Rinse for Neutralization
How It Works:
This method uses salted water to help remove impurities and odor.
Why It Works:
The saltwater rinse removes any remaining particles and neutralizes smells, leaving you with cleaner, odorless tallow.
7. Choosing the Best Fat for Rendering
How It Works:
Starting with high-quality fat can make a significant difference in odor.
Why It Works:
Better fat means less purification is needed, resulting in a finished product that’s naturally less odorous.
8. Blending with Neutral Fats or Oils
How It Works:
If the smell persists, blend your tallow with neutral-smelling fats like olive oil or other low-odor oils.
Why It Works:
This reduces the intensity of the beef smell while enhancing the finished product for use in beauty products or cooking.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friend!
Store your finished tallow in a cool place to ensure a long shelf life. With this simple process, you’ll have a finished product ready for any project, from whipping up beauty products to frying the perfect french fries (thanks to its high smoke point).
Next time you’re working with lbs of suet or other fat pieces, you’ll know exactly what to do. Good luck, and may your future use be filled with odor-free, high-quality beef tallow!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Kacie at Her Country Roots
About The Author
Kacie is a wife, homeschool mom of 4 boys, holistic esthetician, and a sixth-generation homesteader with a passion for natural and sustainable living, creating a home that educates the mind and nurtures the soul, and reclaiming our independence like our ancestors before us.
