Are Pork Rinds Healthy?

Pork rinds, also known as pork skins, have been around for centuries and are a popular snack in many cultures. They’re made from the skin of pigs and can be fried, slow cooked or baked. Because of the main ingredient, which is often the back of pig skin, it has a reputation for being fatty and unhealthy.

But pork rinds are enjoyed by diet-conscious individuals, thanks to their nutritional value. They are especially popular among those on a keto diet because pork rinds are natural, high in protein, and low in carbs, unlike other processed snack foods. They are also gluten-free and can be a good option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Pork Rinds Nutrition Facts

Deep fried pig skins are a high-fat, high-protein food popular in many cultures. They are a good energy source and have various health benefits.

RICH IN PROTEIN AND FAT

Pork rinds are a good source of protein, providing about 18 grams per ounce (28 grams). They are also an excellent source of monounsaturated fat, with about 7 grams of fat per ounce. This combination of protein and fat makes pork rinds a good choice for keto diet and paleo diet practitioners who are looking for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, healthy snack.

Protein and fat are essential macronutrients that the body needs to function properly. The former is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues, while the latter is needed for energy storage and insulation. Aside from that, pork rinds made of deep fried pig skin (or baked sometimes) also have about 5-7 grams of collagen protein per half-ounce serving, which aids the body’s cellular communication, immune response, and tissue repair process.

SOURCE OF ENERGY

Because they are high in fat and protein, pig skins also supply the body with energy. Fat is a type of nutrient that is essential for the body to function properly. It helps to store energy and keep the body warm.

Protein is another type of nutrient that is needed for the body to build and repair tissue. Pork rinds are also rich in B vitamins, which are essential for the body to convert food into energy.

LOW IN CARBOHYDRATES

Pork rinds naturally have zero carbohydrates. In addition, carb free pork rinds are low in calories, with each serving having 70 calories (140 calories per ounce). This makes pork rinds popular among people trying to lose weight or follow a low-carbohydrate diet. They are great for people trying to control their blood sugar levels, such as diabetics.

RICH IN VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Pork rinds are a good source of several beneficial vitamins and minerals which are very important for overall health. These include:

Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Iron, Zinc, Selenium

LOW CHOLESTEROL

One common misconception about pork rinds is that they are high in cholesterol, so they might raise cholesterol levels. However, this is not the case. In fact, a serving of pork rinds contains only 15 mg or 5% DV of cholesterol, making them a great choice for those watching their cholesterol levels or following a low-cholesterol diet.

ARE PORK RINDS BAD FOR YOU?

Pork rinds are a good source of protein and fat and supply the body with many important vitamins and minerals. They benefit those who are watching their diets, allowing them to enjoy tasty and guilt-free snacks.

For the longest time, pork rinds have been considered high-fat, high-calorie processed foods. But pork rinds are healthier than most people think. As mentioned, pork rinds only contain 70 calories per serving and 15 mg of cholesterol, which is relatively low compared to other snacks like potato chips or other highly processed foods. Unlike biscuits, cakes and cheese which contain saturated fat (unhealthy fat), the fat content of pork rinds is mostly monounsaturated fat that helps maintain proper cell function and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.

The protein levels in pork rinds are also worth another look. With 9 grams of protein per serving, pork rinds can increase the body’s protein supply, which, as the building blocks of muscles and bones, can help oxygenation, digestion, and tissue repair. Protein can be found in a variety of animal-based and plant-based foods — but the fact that you can get your protein dose from a tasty pork rind makes it a snack that can’t be beaten.

Pork rinds also include a high amount of collagen protein, a natural antioxidant that strengthens bones and provides skin structure. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but this process weakens as we age. We should supply ourselves with collagen protein by consuming collagen-rich goods like pork rinds.

Another myth about pork rinds is that they are high in sodium. While that is true for some brands, there are various pork rinds manufacturers that provide lower sodium options. In fact, most pork rinds in the market today are gluten-free, low carb, and low calorie — consumers just need to find those that strike a healthy balance between flavor and nutrients.

Pork rinds can be part of a well-balanced diet, as long as they are consumed in moderation. Ultimately, if you watch what you eat and how much you eat, you can benefit from incorporating pork rinds into your diet.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

Pork rinds are often thought of as unhealthy food, but they can actually be part of a healthy diet as long as they’re consumed in moderation. Pork rinds can be a good option if you want a tasty snack with more health benefits than regular potato chips, tortilla chips or baked goods.

Compared to pork rinds made of fried pork skin, other snack foods like chips, cookies, muffins or other ultra processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, leading to weight gain and other health problems. Moreover, a single bag of potato chips is high in salt, oleic acid and stearic acid, contributing to high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions.

HOW TO ADD PORK RINDS TO YOUR DIET

Pork rinds are a popular snack food, but they’re also a great way to get some extra protein, collagen, and healthy fats. Here’s how to eat pork rinds in a way that’s both delicious and nutritious.

First, it’s important to choose the right snacks. Look for pork rinds that are low in sodium and have basic nutrients like protein and collagen. Always check the nutritional value of your pork rinds and compare them with the best pork rinds options on the market. Once you have your pork rinds, it’s time to get creative.

There are many ways to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas for keto dieters and paleo dieters:

Crumble pork rinds over salads for a crispy topping.

Add them to soups or stews for extra flavor and texture.

Use them as a coating for chicken or fish before cooking.

Enjoy plain pork rinds as a low-calorie snack.

Pork skins are a versatile and delicious way to add extra protein to your diet while avoiding excess fat. With so many ways to enjoy them, it’s easy to find a way to fit them into your healthy eating plan. But remember, have pork rinds in moderation, make sure you store them properly in an airtight container and keep your sodium and calorie levels in check!

You might call it a pigskin paradox: For years, the health world vilified animal skin, claiming it was unhealthy. But these days, a growing number of health-conscious people are turning to deep-fried pork skin as a high-protein, zero-carb, good-for-you snack. And with 80 calories and 5 to 6 grams of fat per serving, many nutrition experts are claiming natural pork rinds (a.k.a. chicharrones and cracklins) are a way better way to satiate your salty, savory, crunchy cravings than other snacks, like potato chips.

So, what makes 4505 Meats chicharrones a favorite among fans and nutritionists alike? It’s all about the high-quality ingredients, says Ryan Farr, founder of 4505 Meats. “Unlike so many other meat products and snack foods on store shelves, our chicharrones and cracklins—made from the pig’s shoulder skin, which makes them crunchier, richer, and denser pork rind—are minimally processed,” says Farr. “The ingredients are really clean.”

This is especially good news for those following a low-carb, high-protein lifestyle who are focused on filling their diets with foods made from ingredients you’d find in a kitchen—not a food lab.

Here’s what you’ll find in 4505 Meats natural pork rinds and cracklins: