What Is Tallow?Simply put, beef tallow is rendered beef fat, although it can also come from deer, lamb, or bison. It is similar to lard, but lard typically is softer, has a milder taste, and is more popular for baking. Tallow is known for its slightly beefier taste and is often used in deep-frying and to make soaps and candles. Tallow was frequently used before vegetable oils and shortenings such as Crisco came along. Once these more conveniently packaged, readily available, cheaper alternatives began appearing in the marketplace, tallow all but disappeared. Tallow has a high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which explains why, up until 1990, McDonald's, along with many other fast-food chains, primarily