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Beef Suet Calories
Animal fat, high energy, used in traditional cooking
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Beef Suet (12 g) has 104 calories. That works out to 870 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 11.9 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Beef Suet?
Beef suet is the firm fat found around a cow’s kidneys and other internal organs. Chilled, it is pale and waxy; when heated, it melts into a rich cooking fat. In British cooking it is traditionally used in steamed puddings, pastry and dumplings, while cooks elsewhere may render it for frying or add it to hearty meat dishes.
Its flavour is savoury and its texture gives dishes a substantial, tender quality. It is almost entirely fat—about 99 g per 100 g—so a little goes a long way. Use it when you want a richer result, or balance it with lean meat and vegetables.
Beef Suet Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
870
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
0.5g
· 1% DV
Fat
99g
· 127% DV
Fiber
0g
· 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%
Beef Suet Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.1µg · 4% DV
Vitamin D
0.5µg · 3% DV
Vitamin E
0.5mg · 3% DV
B1
0.01mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Selenium
0.5µg · 1% DV
Phosphorus
5mg · 1% DV
Calcium
2mg · 0% DV
Iron
0mg · 0% DV
How Nutritious Is Beef Suet?
Nutrient density
Low
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
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.
Beef Suet Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Beef Suet
To burn the 870 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Beef Suet 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 Beef Suet Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Beef Suet 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
Beef Suet Fat Profile
SATURATED
50g
MONOUNSATURATED
40g
POLYUNSATURATED
4g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Compare Beef Suet
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Suet
What is beef suet, and where on the cow does it come from?
Beef suet is the firm fat found around a cow’s internal organs, especially the kidneys. It is sold raw in pieces and is often melted down and strained before being used in cooking.
What is the difference between beef suet and beef tallow?
Beef suet is the raw, firm fat from around the kidneys and other internal organs; beef tallow is the rendered fat made by melting and straining beef fat. Recipes may call for one or the other because their texture differs.
How do you render beef suet at home?
Chop the beef suet into small pieces and warm it slowly in a heavy pan over low heat. Once the solid bits have separated and browned lightly, strain the liquid fat through a fine sieve and let it cool.
What is beef suet used for in cooking?
Beef suet adds richness to savory dishes and is also used in traditional British baking, including suet puddings and some pastry recipes. Its firm texture helps create a tender, distinctive crumb that ordinary liquid oil does not provide.
Can beef suet replace butter or shortening in a recipe?
Sometimes, but beef suet is not a universal one-to-one substitute for butter or shortening. It has a firmer texture and a savory beef flavor, so it works best in recipes written for suet or where that flavor is welcome.
Why is beef suet used in Christmas pudding?
Beef suet is used in traditional Christmas pudding because its firm fat distributes through the mixture and helps give the cooked pudding a rich, moist texture. Vegetarian suet is a common alternative for people avoiding animal fat.
How should beef suet be stored?
Keep raw beef suet covered in the refrigerator and use it promptly. Store rendered suet in a clean, dry, airtight container in the refrigerator; protecting it from air and moisture helps prevent it from developing off-flavors.
Can you freeze beef suet?
Yes, beef suet freezes well. Divide it into recipe-sized portions, wrap them airtight, and freeze; you can freeze rendered suet in a sealed container once it has cooled. Thaw the amount you need in the refrigerator.
How can you tell if beef suet is fresh?
Fresh beef suet should be firm, pale, and have a mild smell. Avoid pieces that feel slimy or smell sour or rancid; trim away connective membrane and meat scraps before rendering for a cleaner-tasting fat.
Is beef suet healthy to eat?
Beef suet is a concentrated animal fat and is high in saturated fat. Eating it frequently or in large amounts can raise LDL cholesterol, so people managing high cholesterol or heart disease should ask a healthcare professional about their intake.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.