1 tablespoon (medium) of Animal fat (12 g) has 108 calories. That works out to 900 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 12 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 96 µg of Vitamin A covers 11% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Animal fat?

Animal fat is the fat tissue from animals, used either in pieces or rendered into a cooking fat. Depending on its source, it may be called lard, tallow or poultry fat; the names and uses vary between cuisines. It has a rich mouthfeel and can lend savoury depth to roasting, frying, pastry and traditional dishes. In many households, a small amount is used to brown ingredients or enrich a stew, while some cooks choose it for its flavour in place of vegetable oil.

It is almost entirely fat and very energy-dense: 100 g provides 900 calories. Its flavour and firmness vary with the animal and preparation, so start with a little and adjust to the dish. Pair it with vegetables or grains, and keep portions modest if you want a lighter meal.

Animal fat Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

900

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 0% DV

Protein

· 0% DV

Fat

100g

· 128% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 0% · Fat 100%

Animal fat Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

800µg · 89% DV

B12

0.5µg · 21% DV

Vitamin D

2µg · 10% DV

Vitamin E

1mg · 7% DV

Minerals

Selenium

1µg · 2% DV

Sodium

20mg · 1% DV

Phosphorus

5mg · 1% DV

Calcium

2mg · 0% DV

How Nutritious Is Animal fat?

Nutrient density

Low

20/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

0/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Animal fat Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Animal fat

To burn the 900 calories in 100 g:

🚶

223min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

92min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

122min

Cycling

🏊

105min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Animal fat Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Animal fat Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Animal fat Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Animal fat Fat Profile

SATURATED

45g

MONOUNSATURATED

40g

POLYUNSATURATED

10g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 6.7:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (6.7:1).

Compare Animal fat

🥓vs🧈

Animal fat vs Butter183 kcal more per 100 g

→🥓vs🫒

Animal fat vs Olive oil16 kcal more per 100 g

→🥓vs💊

Animal fat vs Fish Oil CapsuleSame calories per 100 g

→🥓vs🥥

Animal fat vs Coconut oil38 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Animal fat

🧈

Butter

717 kcal

🫒

Olive oil

884 kcal

💊

Fish Oil Capsule

900 kcal

🥥

Coconut oil

862 kcal

🥥

Coconut milk

230 kcal

🌻🛢️

Sunflower Oil

884 kcal

🛢️

Oil

884 kcal

🛢️

MCT Oil

860 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal fat

What is animal fat, and where does it come from?

Animal fat is fat tissue taken from animals such as cattle, sheep, or pigs. The raw fat may be cooked down and strained into a cooking fat; its flavor, firmness, and uses vary with the animal and the part of the body.

Is animal fat healthy?

Animal fat is energy-dense and often high in saturated fat, so using large amounts regularly may raise LDL cholesterol. Treat it as a cooking ingredient rather than a health food, and ask a clinician about suitable amounts if you have heart disease.

What is the difference between animal fat, tallow, and lard?

Animal fat is the broad category; tallow usually means rendered beef or mutton fat, while lard is rendered pork fat. They differ in flavor and texture, so a recipe calling for one may not taste the same with another.

How do you render animal fat at home?

To render animal fat, chop it into small pieces and heat it gently in a heavy pan until the fat melts. Strain out the browned solids and let the liquid fat cool; avoid high heat, which can scorch it and give it a bitter smell.

Can you cook with animal fat instead of butter or cooking oil?

Yes, animal fat can replace butter or cooking oil in many savory recipes, but the result may taste richer and more meaty. Choose a milder rendered fat for dishes where you do not want its flavor to dominate.

Can you fry food in animal fat?

Yes, rendered animal fat can be used for frying, but its smoke point depends on the animal and how thoroughly the fat was rendered. Keep the heat below the point where it smokes, since overheated fat develops an unpleasant flavor.

Does animal fat need to be refrigerated?

Rendered animal fat keeps best in a clean, airtight container away from heat and light; refrigeration helps slow rancidity, especially after opening. Follow safe handling practices for the particular fat, and discard it if it develops an off smell or visible mold.

Can you freeze animal fat?

Yes, animal fat freezes well. Divide it into portions in an airtight, freezer-safe container so you can thaw only what you need; repeated thawing and refreezing can affect quality and increase the chance of contamination.

Why does animal fat sometimes smell or taste gamey?

Animal fat can carry a strong flavor from the animal, its diet, or the cut it came from, and sheep fat is often especially distinctive. Rendering it gently and using it in robustly flavored dishes can make that flavor more suited to the recipe.

Can animal fat be reused after frying?

Yes, you can reuse animal fat if it has not smoked or burned and has no off odor. Strain out food particles after it cools, store it in a covered container, and discard it if it becomes dark, sticky, or rancid-smelling.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026