Fat, beef tallow
FDC 171400tbsp (13 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 10 · -12 vs Fats & oils medianFat, beef tallow scores 10 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, ranking 51 of 60 in Fats & oils. It is essentially pure fat, 100 g fat per 100 g with no protein or carbohydrate, though it does carry 18% DV vitamin E, a modest bright spot for a rendered fat.
It is used for frying, roasting potatoes, or making traditional pastry, with a tablespoon (13 g) a typical cooking measure. The caveat is direct: 49.8 g of saturated fat and 109 mg of cholesterol per 100 g, and since it falls below the Fats & oils median of 22, oil, sheanut is a same-category option with a higher score.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around fat, beef tallow, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 902 kcal | 45% |
| Total fat | 100 g | 128% |
| Saturated fat | 50 g | 249% |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 2.7 mg | 18% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 117 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 13 g | 17% |
| Saturated fat | 6.5 g | 32% |
| Cholesterol | 14 mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.35 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171400Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the fats & oils median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Oil, sheanutDensity 10 vs 10Shortening frying (heavy duty), beef tallow and cottonseedDensity 11 vs 10Animal fat, bacon greaseDensity 11 vs 10Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Beef tallow is rendered beef fat, prized in the kitchen for frying, classically for French fries, as well as for roasting potatoes, searing steaks, and enriching pie crusts and stews. It is solid at room temperature and melts smoothly when heated, giving fried and roasted foods a rich, savory flavor and often a notably crisp exterior.
Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator or a cool pantry, where it will stay solid until needed. Per 100g it provides 902 calories and 100g fat, along with 18% DV vitamin E, so it is used in small, measured amounts, a tablespoon is about 13g, as a cooking fat rather than eaten on its own. It works well anywhere a solid cooking fat is called for, from a roasting pan to a pie crust.
Frequently asked questions about fat, beef tallow
How many calories are in beef tallow?
It has 902 calories per 100g, or about 117 calories per tablespoon (13g).
Does beef tallow contain vitamin E?
Yes, it provides 18% DV vitamin E per 100g.
What is beef tallow commonly used for in cooking?
Frying, classically for French fries, as well as roasting vegetables, searing meat, and enriching pie crusts.