Bacon Fat Candles

Bacon Fat Candles 

Bacon fat candles are incredibly easy to make, and utilizes an item we normally throw away. So before you dump that excess bacon grease down the drain, read this! 

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I am a big fan of using things that I would have previously thrown away before I became a prepper. Because learning to use everything saves me money, and that means I have more to save or put toward other uses. 

If you’ve read my post about candle making, then you know how essential candles are to a prepper. Being able to make my own from multiple sources is so important. 

When I cut the wicks down to size, I can use the leftover wick I would normally toss in my fire starters, saving even more by using everything. 

Storing Bacon Fat 

There are several ways to store bacon fat to keep it from going rancid and becoming unusable. The most important thing is to strain the bacon fat, because bacteria can’t live in pure fat. It can live in the tiny bits of bacon that are in the fat, and that is why removing them through a strainer is essential. 

On the Counter 

Bacon fat will stay good on the counter at room temperature for about a month before it starts to go rancid. You’ll want a container like this to hold and strain it. 

You can also use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain the bacon fat as well. 

In the Refrigerator 

This is my preferred method of storing bacon grease because it doesn’t clutter up my counter and will last up to six months. I am always pulling out the container I referenced earlier and straining the rendered fat into it. 

Then I use it in cooking and candle making. 

In the Freezer 

If you are looking for a more long-term storage option, the freezer is the way to go. Bacon grease will last up to a year in the freezer. 

I have never tried freezing bacon grease, because I use it pretty frequently. But it is nice to have another option if I’m not using it. 

If you do decide to freeze it, I recommend using a silicone ice cube tray and freezing until solid and transfer to a Ziplock bag to save space and continue adding to it as needed. 

Making a Bacon Fat Candle 

You’ll need a mason jar, candle wicks, and bacon fat. 

I cook my bacon in the oven at 400 degrees until crispy and then pour the fat through a strainer and put into the container that I referenced earlier. 

When you’re ready to start, place the mason jar in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes. This helps solidify the bacon grease at the bottom and make the wick stick without sliding around. 

If the bacon grease is cold, warm it up on the stove slowly at a low heat. It doesn’t take much to get bacon fat melting and there is no reason to overheat it. 

Place the wick in the center of the mason jar and start pouring the melted bacon grease on top. 

Once the bacon fat has cooled and solidified, cut the wick down to the size of the jar and put the lid on it until you’re ready to use it. 

Remove the Bacon Smell 

If you are not a fan of the bacon smell, you can add in some cinnamon, clove, or allspice for a lovely fall smell that will cover up the bacon smell. 

Give as a Gift 

These bacon fat candles make an excellent homemade gift for the people in our lives that are not preppers. Why not give them something they can use? 

Discussion 

Have you made bacon fat candles? Had you ever considered using bacon fat to make candles before? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments! 

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