Why Is My Beef Tallow Not Whipping? Common Causes

Beef tallow is frustrating to whip because it just won’t whip into the fluffy, smooth texture you are after.

Whipped beef tallow can be a life changer, whether you want to use it for skincare, cooking, or crafting.

However, if it doesn’t whip, you may find yourself asking yourself: What went wrong?

In this guide, I dive into the most common reasons beef tallow won’t whip and what you can do to fix it.

At the end of this, you’ll have actionable tips to make your whipped tallow perfect every time.

What’s wrong with my beef tallow not whipping? 

Common Causes

Before we dive into solutions, it’s good to know why beef tallow may not want to whip in the first place.

The behavior of beef tallow when whipped is affected by its unique fat.

Understanding the texture of beef tallow and how it responds to temperature, tools, and other things is the key to whipping it.

Before the Tallow is Whipped

A lot of the success of whipping tallow depends on the texture of the tallow before whipping.

If your tallow is too warm, it won’t whip to the airy, fluffy texture you’re looking for.

But tallow that’s too cold can be too solid to whip.

It should be somewhere in between.

If your tallow is too liquid, it can’t hold the air that makes it turn into the fluffy, airy consistency you’re looking for.

The whipping process won’t work if it’s too soft, and if it’s too solid, either.

Quality of Beef Tallow

Secondly, your beef tallow may not whip due to the quality of the tallow you have.

This is properly rendered high-quality beef tallow, having been purified without the use of unnecessary additives or chemicals.

If you’re using a tallow that hasn’t been rendered properly or is loaded with impurities, it might not turn out the way you're looking for (1).

Working with the best product is important, and you should be sourcing high-quality, clean tallow from reputable brands (such as Wild Foods).

Equipment and Technique

At times, the problem is with your equipment or with the way you’re whipping.

In general, the best method is to use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.

Make sure to whip in a clean, dry bowl to prevent moisture or other factors that could fight the whipping.

When you’re whipping by hand, it will take longer, and the texture you’re trying to reach may take a while.

How long does beef tallow take to whip?

Then, once you know the right temperature and technique, the next question is: how long should it take to whip beef tallow?

The process doesn’t take forever, but it will take some patience if you haven’t whipped tallow before.

Generally, it should only take 5-10 minutes to whip beef tallow into the right consistency.

Depending on your equipment and the temperature of the tallow, time will vary.

For instance, if your tallow is too hard or too hot, it may take a bit longer to whip.

Whipping time is shown to be a function of temperature.

The temperature of the beef tallow has a disproportionate effect on how quickly it takes to whip (2).

If your tallow is at room temperature, you can whip it quickly; if it's too warm or too cold, it will take far longer.

Tallow will not whip up when too hot because it stays liquid and won't form the whipped texture you want.

If it’s too cold, it will stay solid and won’t whip easily.

To test the consistency, touch the tallow — if it’s soft but still firm enough to keep its shape, it’s ready to whip.

What makes my whipped tallow runny, omeletting?

Sometimes, even in warmer environments, whipped tallow can run or melt.

However, if you’ve spent the time whipping it to the perfect texture, this can be frustrating.

Knowing why this happens will help you stop it from happening in the future.

High Temperatures Affect Tallow

Compared to some other fats, tallow has a relatively low melting point.

It can melt rather quickly when exposed to higher temperatures, too, and lose its whipped texture.

Stored in a warm room or close to a heat source, your whipped tallow could have already started to melt.

If you don’t want this, try storing your whipped tallow in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Over-whipping Tallow

But it’s also possible to over-whip tallow, although less so.

Whip the tallow for too long, and you can lose the air that was incorporated into the mixture, resulting in the whipped texture collapsing.

What this means is that the consistency gets runny or melted, which can be annoying if you were expecting a fluffy consistency.

Just make sure you stop whipping when you get to the airy texture you want, and don’t keep whipping for too long.

Problem: Your tallow won’t whip.

If your tallow doesn’t seem to be whipping, don’t fret: there are a couple of easy fixes that will give you whipped tallow perfection.

With the right temperature, technique, and equipment, you can overcome common whipping problems.

Adjusting Temperature for Whipping

One easy fix is to change the temperature of your tallow.

In case it’s too solid, warm it lightly in a double boiler or even in the microwave for a few seconds.

It’s just make sure you don’t overheat it.

If the mixture is too warm, stick it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up before trying to whip again.

The key is to check the temperature frequently so that it will be perfect.

Which Equipment Should You Choose?

How well your tallow whips will depend entirely on the type of equipment you use.

Generally, the most efficient method is with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer.

These tools let you whip at a consistent speed, thereby evenly incorporating air into the tallow.

To prevent contamination of the whipping process, make sure the bowl and the whisk are clean and dry.

Reworking Runny or Melting Tallow

If your whipped tallow has been melted or runny, don’t fret.

If you place it in the fridge for a short time, you can solidify it.

Once it’s firm enough, whip it again to get it back to its normal texture.

Why Whipped Beef Tallow is Beneficial

It’s not just about texture; beef tallow whipped with your fats can be extremely beneficial for your skin and hair.

Tallow is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K – a very powerful natural moisturizer (3).

Penetrating the skin deeply, whipped tallow has a long-lasting hydration.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in soothing skin and helping it to heal.

Tallow is a fat that is very similar to human skin oils and is easily absorbed without clogging pores.

It has a whipped texture, so it spreads more easily onto your skin, allowing for smoother, more even application.

Final Thoughts

While getting your beef tallow to whip will take practice, you can get it right every time by adjusting the temperature, using the right equipment, and being aware of consistency.

If you’re having issues with your tallow being runny or melting, the good news is that you can easily follow these troubleshooting steps to get it back to its ideal texture.

Of course, this means high-quality tallow is key to your success, so invest in the best product on the market to obtain the best results.

Whipping issues shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying the excellent benefits of whipped beef tallow.

With our whipping process, take control of your whipping and enjoy smooth, soft skin or the perfect cooking fat.

Are you ready to try some premium beef tallow? For the best results in whipping and skin care, try Wild Foods' carefully sourced tallow!

🔥Experience the Pure Goodness of Wild Beef Tallow. Your skin deserves the best. Get yours today and treat yourself to nature’s finest! 🌟

FAQs on Why Beef Tallow is Not Whipping

My tallow butter is not whipping. Why?

If it’s too warm or too cold, tallow butter may not whip. It’s best served at room temperature or just chilled. Quality equipment and technique also contribute to that.

How long does it take to whip beef tallow?

Beef tallow commonly takes 5-10 minutes to whip, depending on temperature and equipment.

What did I do wrong? Why is my whipped tallow runny?

If subjected to high temperatures, whipped tallow can become runny. Store your whipped tallow in a cool place, and don't over-whip.

Can you over-whip tallow?

Yes, tallow can become runny if you over-whip it. Once you get the desired airy consistency, stop whipping.

How do I stop my tallow from being runny or melting?

If your tallow is runny or melting, whip it a little, and if it fails, place it in the fridge for a few minutes until it re-solidifies, and then whip it again.

Related Studies

1. Title: Study of the Stability of Beef Tallow at High Temperatures and Comparison with Other Fatty Materials

This study analyzes how the initial quality and rendering process of beef tallow affect its oxidative stability and functional properties, highlighting the importance of proper rendering for optimal quality.

Link: https://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/5680cc1f3f7a7.pdf5

2. Title: Influence of whipping temperature on the whipping properties and rheological characteristics of whipped cream

Demonstrates how whipping temperature affects fat globule aggregation and air bubble properties, which in turn influence the texture and whipping efficiency of animal fats, relevant to beef tallow.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20630206/4

3. Title: Tallow and DIY skincare: Everything you need to know

Explains the moisturizing benefits of beef tallow, emphasizing its richness in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which support skin hydration and health.

Link: https://www.humblebeeandme.com/tallow-and-diy-skincare-everything-you-need-to-know/