Pork Tallow: Pasture-Raised & Heritage Skincare.

At Meadowlark Made, we believe skincare should be rooted in real ingredients, ancestral wisdom, and mindful sourcing. Our journey began looking for safe, effective care for our family — and what we found on store shelves often relied on synthetic additives or heavily processed fats that didn’t reflect how nature intended skin to be cared for. That’s why we returned to pork tallow, the traditional, time-tested fat used by families for generations.

Why We Use Pork Tallow

Pork tallow is a light, nutrient-rich fat naturally compatible with human skin. It contains bioavailable vitamins A, D, E, and K, supporting skin integrity and barrier function.

When pasture-raised, pork tallow is especially high in vitamin D, reflecting the natural nutrition the pigs receive from grazing diverse forage. Its composition also allows it to absorb efficiently, closely matching the natural fats in our skin.

Why Pork Tallow Stands Out.

  • Close-up image of the creamy texture of pasture-raised pork tallow on skin

    Creamy Texture

    Pork tallow is naturally soft and light, making it easy to whip into butters and blend with herbal infusions. Its creaminess allows for smooth application and even distribution on the skin, creating a luxurious feel without heaviness.

  • Close-up of a small jar of pork tallow herbal salve with calendula petals around it

    Neutral Scent

    Unlike other fats, which can carry a strong, distinctive odor, pork tallow is naturally mild and nearly scent-free. This allows the fragrance of herbs and essential oils to shine without competing with the fat itself.

  • Close-up image of a jar of whipped pasture-raised pork tallow

    Quick Absorption

    Pork tallow closely matches the natural composition of human skin, so it absorbs more efficiently. The skin receives its nutrients & essential lipids without a heavy residue, making it ideal for balms, salves, and body butters.

Comparison chart of pork and beef tallow. Pork tallow is described as lighter and easily spreadable with a naturally light aroma and quick absorption, rich in vitamins A, E, D, and K, especially when pasture-raised. Beef tallow is firmer with a heavier texture, a stronger and more distinct smell, slower absorption with a greasier feel, and also high in vitamins A, E, D, and K.

Pasture-Raised Benefits

Our pigs are raised on pasture, grazing on diverse forage. Pigs are especially efficient at synthesizing vitamin D from sunlight — and since they store it in their fat, our pasture-raised tallow becomes a rich, natural source of this essential nutrient. Pasture-raised also means higher levels of key vitamins, better flavor, and the peace of mind that comes with ethical, nutrient-dense farming.

Family Farm & Heritage Practices

Every batch of Meadowlark Made tallow comes from our Kunekune pigs, raised on our Veteran-owned, family farm. We oversee every step — from pasture rotation to slow rendering — so we know exactly what goes into our products. This connection to the land and the animals ensures quality, integrity, and traceability, honoring generations of homesteading and mindful craft.

Faith + Ancestral Wisdom

God has provided abundantly in the land around us. Our tallow continues a tradition used for thousands of years, long before synthetic additives promised shortcuts. Families historically used tallow for its natural vitamins and emollient properties, paired with herbs that grew in the fields and along the prairie. By returning to these time-tested ingredients, we embrace ancestral wisdom, support the local community, and honor God’s provision in creation.

Learn More

For a deeper dive into pasture-raised pork tallow and why we choose heritage pigs, check out our full tallow blog.

There’s a reason our ancestors trusted tallow for generations: it works, simply and beautifully.

If you’d like to see how we turn this traditional ingredient into modern skincare, explore our Meadowlark Made collection.

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