Making jar candles is easy. They’re low cost, odorless, long burning and perfect for emergency or blackout. With patterned jars, they cast an attractive light. The use of vegetable shortening such as Crisco makes the candles vegetarian/vegan.
Why does it work?
Now this is the enlightening history behind the product called Crisco. Back in the day, the meat industry was making it expensive to purchase lard and tallow, which was used in the process of making candles and soap. Proctor & Gamble got the ingenious idea that they would make a product from plant oils that would stay in a solid form and be cheaper than lard or tallow so they could save money making candles and soap. (Yep – they weren’t even trying to make a food product!). They used a new process called hydrogenation. Without getting technical, this is done by bubbling hydrogen through the vegetable oil at high temperatures, a process that allows it to be solid at room temperature.
About that time, electricity was born & the candle business tanked.
Proctor & Gamble needed another use for their Crisco product, so Vegetable Shortening was born and touted as a healthy alternative to meat-based products!
Of course it’s not really made from vegetables. It was originally made from cottonseed oil. In fact the name Crisco was derived from the term Crystalized Cottonseed Oil. And the high heat processing destroys any nutrients, like vitamin E and omega-3 essential fatty acids. The plant-based seed and grain oils they use today are highly processed and commonly genetically modified. So Crisco was quite possibly the first Imitation Food put on the market (how proud they must be)—and spurred on the invention of yet another imitation food—Margarine.
DIY Shortening Candles
FAQ
Is it safe to burn Crisco as a candle?
Is Crisco flammable?
What ingredient makes candles last longer?
How do you make a shortening candle?
There are a few things you can do to make your shortening candle more creative or easier to create. You may prefer to transfer the melted shortening into a large glass measuring cup with a spout for better pouring. Make a multi-colored candle by working in layers. Melt smaller amounts of shortening and use different liquid candle dyes.
What kind of shortening do you use for a candle wick?
This is an inexpensive wick kit with a braided wick that you can cut to the appropriate size and metal discs to keep the wicks where you want them. You can use any kind of vegetable shortening – it doesn’t have to be name brand. Here’s how to make your candle.
How do you relight a candle if you’re vegetarian?
The use of vegetable shortening such as Crisco makes the candles vegetarian/vegan. If burning for a long time, a layer of molten fat might develop on the surface near the wick. When extinguishing, check that the wick is vertical as the fat resets. This makes it easier to relight. Also, maintain the wick as one would with a regular candle.
How long does a DIY candle burn?
This type of candle can burn as long or longer than some wax candles. Most of the supplies you’ll already have on hand, or they can be purchased at your local grocery store. This popular DIY candle is inexpensive and easy to make. It doesn’t require special candle making supplies or tools other than candle wicks.