Jessie Taylor
Candles have been made from animal fat for thousands of years, with surviving examples dating back to 200 BC in China. In Roman times, candles were made by dipping the pith of certain rushes in animal fat. While candles made from animal fat are uncommon in mass production today, they are still made by some small-batch companies and homesteaders. Animal fats used in candles include tallow (beef fat), pig fat, and duck fat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle-making ingredients | waxes, fats, oils |
| Candle-making materials derived from animals | tallow (beef fat), pig fat, sheep fat, beeswax, animal wax, animal stearic acid |
| Candle-making materials derived from plants | vegetable oils, olive oil, soy wax, vegetable tallow, vegetable wax |
| Modern candle-making materials | paraffin wax, wooden wicks |
| Animal-based candles | strong smell, inexpensive, long-lasting |
| Vegan candles | soy candles, candles without tallow, paraffin, or beeswax |
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What You'll Learn
Candles historically made from animal fat
Candles have been made for thousands of years, with surviving examples dating back to 200 BC in China. Historically, candles were made from animal fats, such as tallow (beef fat) or fats from other animals like pigs and sheep. The use of animal fat for candles is not common today, with most mass-market candles now made from paraffin wax. However, candles made from animal fat can still be found from extremely small-batch companies and the homesteading movement.
In Roman times, candles were made by dipping the pith of certain rushes, peeled on one side, into animal fat. This method of candle-making continued for centuries, with tallow candles being the most common due to their low cost. Poorer people who could not afford beeswax candles relied on these cheaper alternatives. As candle-making processes were not as refined, tallow candles would have had a strong smell, similar to heating oil for frying food.
Tallow candles are made by "rendering" sheep or beef fat from around the cow's kidneys. They can be inexpensive and easy to make in large quantities, making them ideal for emergency or survival situations. People have also made candles from other animal fats such as pork, duck, brown butter, bacon grease, and even rendered bone marrow. These candles often have little to no smell when burning, but they release a meaty odour when extinguished.
While tallow candles are still produced today, they are not as popular as other options. Soy candles, for example, are a more environmentally friendly and healthy alternative that has gained popularity in recent years. However, some people still prefer tallow candles for their novelty and old-fashioned appeal.
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Modern alternatives to animal fat candles
Candles have traditionally been made from a variety of waxes, fats, and oils, many of which are derived from animals. However, in recent years, consumers have become more conscious of the ingredients used in candles, leading to a shift away from animal-based products. Here are some modern alternatives to animal fat candles:
Soy Candles
Soy candles are made from a mixture of hydrogenated soybean and palm oil, providing a scented candle with a relaxing and uplifting aromatherapy experience. Soy candles are environmentally friendly, healthy, and do not depend on animal products.
Vegetable Wax Candles
Vegetable waxes, such as bayberry in North America, candleberry in the East, and waxberry in South America, are natural alternatives to animal-based candle waxes. These waxes are derived from plants and offer a sustainable option for candle-making.
Paraffin Candles
Paraffin wax is a petroleum product that is commonly used in mass-market candle production due to its low cost and availability. However, it has been associated with health risks and environmental concerns, including air pollution and global warming. While paraffin candles are not derived from animals, they are not considered vegan due to the use of stearic acid, which is derived from animal fats.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees and has been used for candle-making for centuries. While it is environmentally friendly, beeswax is not considered vegan as it relies on bees' production and can cause harm to bee populations.
Wooden Wicks
Candles with wooden wicks provide a gentle and safe flickering effect as the wax melts. Wooden wicks offer a unique alternative to traditional cotton or hemp wicks and can be used with various wax types, including soy and vegetable waxes.
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Animal fat candles and their scent
Animal fat candles have been used as a source of light for thousands of years. In ancient times, Egyptians and Romans would dip reeds and papyrus in animal fats to light their way. In the Middle Ages, candles were primarily made from tallow (animal fat) due to the easy availability of kitchen fats.
Today, animal fat candles are uncommon on a mass-market scale, but they are still produced by small-batch companies and homesteaders. These candles are usually made from beef, pork, duck, or sheep fat, though other animal fats like bacon grease and bone marrow can also be used.
The scent of animal fat candles varies depending on the type of fat used. For example, candles made from pork, bone marrow, or beef fat have a very subtle scent when burning, while duck fat and brown butter candles have a light, pleasant aroma. It is worth noting that these candles may give off a meaty smell when extinguished.
To enhance the scent of animal fat candles, essential oils can be added, though it may take a significant amount to make the fragrance noticeable in the final product. Scented crayons can also be melted into the fat to add colour and fragrance.
While animal fat candles have a long history, they are not as popular today due to the availability of alternative wax sources, such as paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax, which may be preferred for their more pleasant aromas and environmentally friendly properties.
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Vegan candles
Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, promoting animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. This extends beyond diet to fashion, home decor, and even banking choices.
Candles, which have been used for thousands of years, were traditionally made from various waxes, fats, and oils, many of which were derived from animals, insects, and plants. Animal-based candle wax sources include beeswax, tallow (animal fat, such as beef, pork, or sheep fat), and stearic acid, which is used to harden the wax.
However, with growing awareness, consumers are increasingly turning away from candles made with harsh ingredients like paraffin wax and animal fats, opting for more environmentally friendly and health-conscious alternatives. Soy candles, for example, provide a natural, sustainable, and scented option that can even offer an uplifting aromatherapy experience.
Brooklyn Candle Studio is one company that offers 100% vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free soy candles. These candles are hand-poured, meticulously crafted, and provide complex, beautiful, and subtle scents that burn clean. Plant-Based Candles is another company that offers natural, non-toxic, and beautifully scented vegan candles with ornamental jars that can be repurposed after the wax is gone.
When shopping for vegan candles, it is important to look for candles that are specifically labeled as such, as candle makers are not required to list all ingredients. AOOVOO, for example, offers vegan candles with great scents that can be purchased on Amazon.
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The process of making animal fat candles
Animal fat candles, or tallow candles, have been used as a source of light for thousands of years. The process of making candles from animal fat is fairly simple and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make animal fat candles:
Preparing the Fat
Firstly, you need to choose the type of animal fat you want to use. Common options include beef, sheep, goat, deer, or pig fat. The fat needs to be rendered, which means melting and then cooling it to purify and change its composition. You can render the fat yourself by heating it slowly over a double boiler, or you can purchase already rendered fat from your local butcher shop.
Melting the Fat
Once you have your rendered animal fat, it's time to melt it. Place the fat in a double boiler and heat it until it liquefies completely. You can create a DIY double boiler by placing a heat-safe container with the fat inside a pot of boiling water. This will ensure even melting without burning the fat.
Preparing the Containers
While the fat is melting, get your containers ready. You can use any size of jar or container, depending on your preference and the amount of fat you have. It is important to ensure that the containers are clean and dry before pouring in the melted fat.
Adding the Wick
The most challenging part of the process is keeping the wick centred in the jar. Cut the wick to the appropriate length, leaving about 1/8 to 1/4 inch protruding from the top of the jar. You can use a piece of double-stick tape to secure the wick in the centre or rest it between two pencils, pens, or sticks placed across the jar.
Pouring the Fat
Once the fat has completely melted, allow it to cool slightly. Then, carefully pour the liquefied fat into your prepared containers. Fill the jars to the desired level, leaving some space at the top for the wick.
Cooling and Trimming
As the fat cools, it will start to turn white and solidify. Once it has cooled enough, you can trim the wick to the desired length. If you or your butcher has rendered the fat properly, you don't have to worry about rancidity, and your candles will last a long time.
Animal fat candles are a fun and unique way to utilise animal products and create a natural source of light. This process allows you to make the most of your resources and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors who relied on tallow candles for illumination.
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Frequently asked questions
No. While candles have traditionally been made from animal fat, today, candles are more commonly made from paraffin wax, a cheap and plentiful ingredient.
Historically, candles were made from tallow (beef fat) or other animal fats such as pig and sheep.
Yes, there are now many vegan alternatives to candles made from animal fat, including soy and vegetable wax.
Yes, while less common, candles made from animal fat can still be purchased from small-batch companies and the homesteading movement.
