Schmaltz is the Yiddish word for rendered poultry fat, most commonly chicken fat. It's made by gently cooking chicken skin and fat until the pure oil is released. Traditionally, it was a kitchen staple in Jewish and Eastern European households, used for frying, sautéing, or spreading on bread. It was also used as a natural balm for dry skin.

What makes schmaltz special?

Schmaltz is special because it is nutrient-rich, packed with oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is also a versatile, traditional ingredient that can be used in cooking or as a natural skin moisturizer. It has a unique texture, being pourable and silky at room temperature, and firm and balm-like when chilled.

Where can I buy schmaltz?

Most grocery stores no longer carry schmaltz, so many people turn to specialty shops or online sources. The article suggests finding fresh, organic, handcrafted schmaltz from Tonia's Handmade.

What are the characteristics of the schmaltz from Tonia's Handmade?

The schmaltz from Tonia's Handmade is 100% natural, made from organic chicken, hand-rendered in small batches, free from additives or preservatives, and multipurpose for both food and skincare.

What is Schmaltz and Where to Buy

If you’ve come across the word schmaltz and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. This traditional ingredient has a long history in cooking and skincare, and it’s making a comeback for people who want simple, natural, and nourishing fats.

What is Schmaltz?

Schmaltz is the Yiddish word for rendered poultry fat, most commonly chicken fat. It’s made by gently cooking chicken skin and fat until the pure oil is released. The result is a smooth, golden fat with a silky texture and a mild savory aroma.

Traditionally, schmaltz was a kitchen staple in Jewish and Eastern European households. It was used for frying, sautéing, or spreading on bread much like butter. Beyond food, many cultures also applied rendered chicken fat as a natural balm for dry skin, cracked heels, and rough hands.

Why Schmaltz is Special

Schmaltz isn’t just a cooking fat. It’s:

Nutrient-rich: packed with oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Versatile: can be used in cooking, as a natural skin moisturizer, or as a base for homemade salves.
Traditional: a time-tested ingredient that connects us with older generations’ way of living simply and naturally.
Unique in texture: pourable and silky at room temperature, firm and balm-like when chilled in the refrigerator.

Where to Buy Schmaltz

Most grocery stores no longer carry schmaltz, which is why many people turn to specialty shops or online sources.

If you want fresh, organic, handcrafted schmaltz, you can find it here:

Chicken Schmaltz Organic Fat – Tonia’s Handmade

What makes this schmaltz different:

100% natural, made from organic chicken
Hand-rendered in small batches
Free from additives or preservatives
Multipurpose for food or skincare

Bottom Line

Schmaltz is simply rendered poultry fat, a traditional ingredient with many uses in both the kitchen and natural skincare. While it has slipped out of the mainstream, it’s still valued by those who appreciate authentic, natural, and nutrient-rich fats.

If you want to experience real schmaltz for yourself, try my Organic Chicken Schmaltz — fresh, handmade, and ready to nourish both your body and your skin.