Tassie
Tallow.
Our History
Tassie Tallow was founded over a decade ago by Martin Waldhoff in Hobart, Tasmania, though the roots of the business reach back even further. What began as a humble attempt to create a palm-oil-free soap quickly evolved into a deeper mission shaped by Martin's passion for "food for fuel" and "nutrition as health." His personal shift into the Paleo diet brought profound improvements to his wellbeing, reinforcing his belief in whole-food nourishment and the value of traditional animal fats.
In the early days, sourcing quality suet and trimmings was a significant challenge. At the time, animal fat was widely dismissed as a waste product, and consistent supply seemed almost impossible. Through persistent effort and a commitment to ethical sourcing, Martin gradually formed partnerships with butchers and abattoirs across Tasmania, many of whom adjusted their processes to meet the standards he set. These relationships laid the foundation for what Tassie Tallow would become.
Across the years, the company has watched dietary trends rise and fall and yet the core principles underpinning good health have remained steady. Time and again, tallow and other animal fats have proven themselves as reliable cornerstones for nourishment, cooking, skincare, and overall lifestyle support.
From transforming an overlooked by-product into a premium offering to championing the return of real fats in daily living, Tassie Tallow continues to drive positive change. Today, its products have earned recognition, including awards from the Royal Hobart Fine Food Awards for Beef Tallow and Ghee, reflecting a journey grounded in Tasmanian innovation, resilience, and a commitment to better health through real food.
COMMON QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED
Tallow is derived from suet, which is the fat surrounding the kidneys and loins. Suet is highly vascularised and nutrient-dense, making it one of nature's richest sources of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Tallow is typically much firmer than body fat at room temperature.
Dripping is made from subcutaneous fat deposits around the body. When sourced from free-to-roam and grass-fed animals, it has a gorgeous golden colour and is usually quite soft and easy to apply any time of the year.
Both tallow and dripping are ideal for frying and deep frying due to their high smoking point of approximately 250 degrees Celsius.
Can you remember a time when 'organic' simply meant natural wholesome goodness? Long before organic became a verifiable registration, our Tasmanian farmers were raising cattle on lush wild paddocks, exposed to raw salty sea spray and rich heavy rains.
Today, organic certification can mean the animal is fed with 'organic' soy, grain, wheat, corn, and palm kernel husks—far removed from the natural food chain of the animal. Instead, we are committed to providing a premium product that we see as superior to an organic label, which can be achieved bureaucratically.
Our assurance is simple: our product is sourced from free-to-roam 100% grass-fed Tasmanian cattle. Nothing else is introduced to the diet, including grain.
Meats Standard Australia (MSA) allows for grass-fed cattle to be grain-finished for a period of 70 days. We categorically do not subscribe to this practice. Our butchers buy straight from the paddock. Our cattle are 100% grass-fed, this means no grain, no antibiotics, no growth hormones.
Tallow is considered by many to be a healthier cooking fat compared to highly processed vegetable oils. It contains beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Tallow also has a high smoke point, making it more stable for high-heat cooking compared to many vegetable oils that can oxidise and produce harmful compounds when heated. However, tallow is high in saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Yes, tallow has gained popularity as a natural skincare ingredient. Its fatty acid profile is similar to human skin cells, making it easily absorbed. Tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which can nourish and protect the skin. It's often used in homemade balms, lotions, and soaps. Many people find it especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin conditions. However, as with any new skincare product, it's wise to do a patch test first to check for any adverse reactions.