When Joseph McDonogh arrived in Paraguay in 2023, he sensed that South America held answers his home country had overlooked. Back in Australia, he had seen firsthand how poor-quality food and chemical-heavy products were harming people – including his own family. But it wasn’t until he found himself in Paraguay, surrounded by some of the best beef in the world, that everything clicked. What if an underrated byproduct – beef tallow – could be transformed into something that actually improved people’s health? The idea for what would turn into ‘Black Jack Tallow’ was born.
The idea wasn’t just theoretical. Years earlier, Joe had made his first batch of soap using goat fat from animals he had raised himself. His dad, plagued by relentless skin issues on his hands, used it for a month and saw his hands completely transform. That moment stuck with Joe, but at the time, it was just an experiment. Now, in Paraguay, with a fresh start and a business-friendly environment, he saw an opportunity to build something bigger.
A few early missteps – including a short-lived partnership – only reinforced what he already knew: if he wanted to do this right, he had to do it his way. And so, Black Jack Tallow was born.
A personal mission
For Joe, Black Jack Tallow isn’t just a business—it’s a personal mission born from frustration and loss. “I got tired of seeing cheap, chemical junk in supermarkets harming people,” he says. “If I don’t like something, I don’t complain. I fix it.” That mindset led him to start with soap, then expand into moisturisers, cooking tallow, collagen (now his bestseller), and even candles. What ties it all together? His uncompromising focus on health.
The drive behind it all comes from a painful truth he uncovered too late. His mother’s long battle with Alzheimer’s gave him a firsthand look at the impact of health choices over time. Researching more, he learned that nutrition and lifestyle played a far greater role than he had once thought. By the time he understood this, it was too late to change her outcome, but not too late for him or for others seeking better health.
Joe’s vision for Black Jack Tallow
For him, health isn’t about trends – it’s about longevity, energy, and a sharp mind, all fueled by clean, natural products.
Paraguay’s expat community turned out to be the perfect launchpad. Many who move here are already health-conscious and seeking chemical-free alternatives. “Early on, most of my customers were expats,” Joe explains, “but now, the majority of my customers are Paraguayans.” Yet the mission remains the same: health.
So why tallow?
Tallow is a natural alternative to common cooking fats like margarine and processed vegetable oils. Seed oils such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oil may not be the best option – especially when heated. Many break down at low temperatures, releasing harmful compounds linked to health risks. Tallow, on the other hand, stays stable under heat, making it a safer, more natural choice.
But the friendly Aussie isn’t here to preach or convince skeptics. He simply wants to serve those already looking for better options. And he’s seeing a shift – more people exploring alternatives to industrial oils, even some restaurant chains switching back to tallow.
Quality is non-negotiable, and for now, Joe handles everything himself at home, ensuring every batch meets his high standards. From skincare to cooking essentials, every product reflects his commitment to health, offering natural solutions for those ready to make the switch.
Products: Black Jack Tallow’s current offers
Tallow (for cooking)
A heat-stable, nutrient-rich alternative to seed oils. This fat brings out the food’s flavor and handles high heat with an impressive smoke point.
Collagen
Slow-extracted over three days to lock in nutrients, this gelatin supports gut health (like leaky gut) and strengthens joints, ligaments, tendons, and meniscus.
Soap
Contains tallow, lye, and essential oils. No synthetic additives like in commercial soaps. Extra-refined to remove any meaty scent and cured for 30 days.
Moisturising Balm
Made with tallow and beeswax, it keeps skin soft and hydrated for hours.
Candles
Tallow-based, no harmful chemicals like paraffin candles.
At its core, Black Jack Tallow isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to redefine health through clean, natural products. With a growing community of expats and locals in Paraguay seeking alternatives to chemical-filled goods, the demand for tallow-based products is rising. Whether it’s skincare, cooking, or overall well-being, Black Jack Tallow is built on the belief that simple, time-tested ingredients can outperform the mainstream.
An added benefit for VIP Members
As an added encouragement to try Black Jack Tallow’s range of all-natural products, they are offering VIP Members of The Asunción Times a 15% discount whenever you show your VIP Member Card – one of many VIP Member Benefits! Additionally, spend more than Gs 250,000 (~31 USD) in one transaction, and the discount increases to 25% off!
For those curious to experience the difference, Black Jack Tallow products are available through Instagram @blackjack_tallow, with plans for a physical shop coming soon. You can also reach Joe via WhatsApp on +595 991 257199. As awareness grows and people rethink what they put into their bodies, Joe sees a future where real, natural products aren’t just an alternative – they’re the standard.
