National Beef Tallow Day

Each year on July 13, the Healthy Fats Coalition celebrates National Beef Tallow Day, an observance dedicated to the traditional animal fats that have shaped cooking for generations. First established in 2018 to coincide with National French Fry Day, the day recognizes the resurgence of Beef Tallow as a cooking fat increasingly embraced by restaurants, chefs, fast food operations, and home cooks across America. National Beef Tallow Day celebrates Beef Tallow’s long-standing role in culinary tradition, flavor, and frying performance, and is observed in both the United States and Canada. The observance is also recognized in Chase's Calendar of Events, one of North America’s leading annual event reference publications.

Celebrating a Time-Honored Cooking Tradition

From restaurant fryers and family kitchens to bakeries and barbecue pits, Beef Tallow has been valued for generations for its rich flavor, high-heat performance, and versatility in cooking. Before modern seed oils became widespread, many iconic fried foods, pastries, and comfort dishes were traditionally prepared with Beef Tallow because of the color, texture, and flavor it brought to food.

Today, as interest grows in minimally processed ingredients and traditional cooking methods, Beef Tallow is once again becoming a staple in restaurants, packaged foods, home cooking, skincare products, and beyond. 

Why Beef Tallow?

For decades, Beef Tallow was a foundational ingredient in American kitchens and restaurants. Before modern seed oils became widespread, many iconic fried foods, pastries, and comfort dishes were traditionally prepared with Beef Tallow because of its:

  • Rich, savory flavor

  • High heat stability

  • Crisp frying performance

  • Versatility across cooking applications

  • Long history in traditional cuisine

Today, chefs and consumers alike are rediscovering Beef Tallow for both its culinary performance and its connection to time-tested cooking traditions.

The Return of Traditional Fats

Interest in Beef Tallow has grown significantly in recent years as consumers seek out more traditional and minimally processed cooking ingredients. Restaurants across the country are reintroducing tallow frying, while home cooks are experimenting with classic recipes and old-fashioned cooking techniques.

From crispy fries and roasted vegetables to flaky pastries and cast-iron cooking, Beef Tallow continues to prove why it has remained a trusted kitchen staple for generations.

A More Resourceful Approach to Food

Using Beef Tallow also reflects a broader philosophy of whole-animal utilization and responsible food production. Because Beef Tallow is a natural byproduct of livestock production, using it productively in food, cooking, and other applications helps support a more resourceful and sustainable food system.

This traditional “nose-to-tail” mindset helps reduce unnecessary waste while honoring the value of the ingredients and resources that contribute to our food supply.

How to Celebrate National Beef Tallow Day

Cook with Beef Tallow - Try frying, roasting, sautéing, or baking with Beef Tallow and experience the flavor and performance that have made it a trusted ingredient for generations.

Share Your Favorite Recipe - Post your favorite Beef Tallow recipe — from fries and burgers to pie crusts and roasted potatoes — and celebrate the traditions behind these classic dishes.

Support Restaurants That Use Beef Tallow - Visit restaurants that proudly cook with Beef Tallow and help spotlight businesses embracing traditional cooking methods.

Share on Social Media - Join the conversation online by sharing your dishes, recipes, or cooking tips using:

#NationalBeefTallowDay
#BeefTallow
#TraditionalFats
#CookingTraditions

How Restaurants & Food Brands Can Participate

Feature Beef Tallow on the Menu - Highlight dishes prepared with Beef Tallow and explain the culinary benefits behind its use.

Create a Limited-Time Special - Celebrate with featured menu items such as:

  • Beef Tallow fries

  • Tallow-fried chicken

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Traditional pastries

  • Smashburgers cooked with Beef Tallow

Share Behind-the-Scenes Content - Post videos or photos of your chefs cooking with Beef Tallow and discuss why your kitchen chooses traditional fats.

Educate Your Audience - Use the day as an opportunity to share the history, functionality, and culinary heritage of Beef Tallow.

Join the Celebration

National Beef Tallow Day is about more than cooking — it’s about celebrating culinary heritage, traditional ingredients, and the enduring role Beef Tallow continues to play in kitchens today.

Whether you’re a chef, restaurant, home cook, butcher, rancher, or food enthusiast, National Beef Tallow Day is an opportunity to rediscover a classic ingredient that has stood the test of time.

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