Does Beef Tallow Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, beef tallow does not need to be refrigerated — at least not right away. Thanks to its low moisture content and high stability, beef tallow can be safely stored at room temperature for extended periods. In fact, our grandparents kept it in their kitchen cabinets just like butter or lard.

How to Store Beef Tallow

Here’s how to keep your beef tallow fresh and usable:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat. It can last several months like this.
• Refrigeration (Optional): Refrigerating tallow can extend its shelf life even further — often 6–12 months or more.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, beef tallow can be frozen in jars or silicone molds and used as needed.

Does Beef Tallow Go Bad?

While tallow is very shelf-stable, it can eventually go rancid if exposed to moisture, heat, or air for too long. Signs it may have gone bad include:

• Off or sour smell
• Yellowing or discoloration (in light-exposed containers)
• Odd flavor when cooking

What Makes Our Tallow Long-Lasting?

At Parker County Beef Company, our beef tallow is rendered low and slow, ensuring purity and stability without additives or preservatives. That means it lasts longer and stays fresher — naturally.

Pro Tip:

If you use tallow for both cooking and skincare, consider storing them separately to avoid cross-contamination. A small container on the counter is perfect for daily cooking, while your backup supply can live in the pantry or fridge.

Have more questions about using or storing tallow? Call 817-404-7405 or email orders@parkercountybeefcompany.com. You can shop our full line of tallow products here: Beef Tallow Collection.