I have to admit, before making my first tallow candle, I was skeptical. Would it even work? Would it melt into a puddle the second I lit it? But I was wrong. These candles burn beautifully, and there’s a reason they’re called emergency candles. They burn for hours, require only simple ingredients, and can be made with materials you likely already have at home or can easily find. Unlike synthetic candles, tallow burns cleanly and consistently, making it a reliable light source during power outages or emergencies.
Tallow is such an underrated ingredient. It’s natural, non-toxic, and has been used for a long time. If you love clean-burning, simple, and functional candles, you have to try making these. Plus, if you’re like me and enjoy DIYing your home essentials, this is a fun and easy project.
This recipe makes about 4 ounces. Feel free to double the recipe if you want to make more!

I’ll keep making candle recipes because they’re so beautiful, easy to make, and perfect for gifting! There’s something special about a handmade candle.
Why Switch to Non-Toxic Candles (or Make Your Own)?
Since I’m a DIY person, my first instinct is always to just go ahead and make my own tallow candles, beeswax candles, or soy candles. But lucky for you, there are also plenty of natural, non-toxic candles you can buy. I actually wrote a post about some of my favorite non-toxic candle brands a while ago, and I still stand by those as great options if you’re not into making your own!
Traditional candles, especially the ones made from paraffin wax, aren’t always as great as they seem, as they often contain:
- Toxic Chemicals: Many traditional candles release harmful chemicals like toluene (use for coloring) and benzene when burned, which can affect indoor air quality and potentially harm your health over time.
- Soot Production: Paraffin candles produce soot, which can accumulate on walls and ceilings, and potentially harm your respiratory system.
- Synthetic Scents: Many store-bought candles use synthetic fragrances, which can cause headaches, allergic reactions, or respiratory irritation in some people.
- Non-Biodegradable: Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, making it less eco-friendly than natural alternatives like beeswax or soy.
- Short Burn Time: Traditional candles, especially those made with paraffin, tend to burn quickly, which means they don’t last as long and need to be replaced more frequently.
- Harmful Dyes: Many colored candles use artificial dyes, which can release harmful substances when burned.
For these reasons, many people (including myself) are turning to more natural, non-toxic candle options like tallow, beeswax, or soy candles. They’re better for both your health and the environment!
How to Make Tallow Candles
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces rendered tallow (I use grass-fed because it’s cleaner and burns better)
- Candle-making kit (You mainly need a wick and a container)
- Glass Jar (I get most of my containers at the Dollar Tree)
- 50 drops essential oils (optional)

1. Melt the tallow
Use a glass jar and slowly heat it in a double boiler until fully melted. You can also microwave it in short bursts if you’re in a hurry.

2. Let it cool for about 15 minutes
This prevents the essential oils from burning off too quickly.
3. Add essential oils (if using)
Stir them in gently. I love using lavender for a calming scent or citrus for a fresh vibe.

4. Set the wick and pour into your container
Make sure the wick stays centered!


5. Let it harden completely
then trim the wick, and you’re done.


Notes:
- They have a subtle, natural scent. If you skip the essential oils, you might notice a mild, creamy tallow smell—but nothing overpowering.
- You don’t have to use essential oils. The candle will work perfectly fine without them.
- These are amazing for emergencies. Unlike store-bought candles with synthetic waxes, tallow candles burn long and clean.

If you’ve never made a candle before, this is a great beginner project. And once you see how well these work, you might never go back to store-bought candles again.

Tallow Candle Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces rendered tallow
- candle making kit
- 50 drops essential oils
Instructions
- Melt the tallow in a glass jar and slowly heat in a dou blebroiler until melted. You can also do this in the microwave.
- Once melted, allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
- Then add in your essential oils, if using.
- Allow to harden completely, then trim the wick.
Notes
- You don’t have to use essential oils, only if you want to. These tallow candles are great in emergencies.