8 Best Pork Rinds 2023 – Squeal-Worthy Snacks

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be penning down my thoughts on this crispy delight, I might have chuckled. But here I am, having journeyed through countless snack aisles and sampled a myriad of brands, all in search of the perfect pork rind.

It’s not just about the crunch or the saltiness; it’s about that rich flavor that transports you straight to snack heaven. Whether you’re on a keto diet, looking for a gluten-free snack, or simply craving something savory, they have emerged as a go-to for many, including yours truly.

It is definitely hard to resist the freshness and crunchiness of pork rinds. And while these are healthy snacks, not all products are able to deliver good quality. So, we have gathered some of the best options you can find in the market.

1. Pork King Good Dill Pickle 

For those who have a penchant for the tangy zest of pickles, Pork King Good offers a unique twist on the classic pork rind with their Dill Pickle flavor.

Each bite delivers the perfect balance of the familiar dill pickle tang, making it a delightful snack for pickle enthusiasts. Personally, while dill pickle might not be my go-to flavor, it’s undeniable that these chicharrones have a distinct taste that many adore.

With 0.00 oz of carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence for those watching their carb intake. Manufactured in the USA and coming from a small business brand, you’re not just enjoying a snack but also supporting local enterprises.

Remember, taste is subjective; just because it’s not my cup of tea doesn’t mean it won’t be yours!

2. Utz Pork Rinds

Utz is a company that has been manufacturing and distributing quality yummy snacks in Pennsylvania since 1921. The business is family-owned and works hard to offer fresher, lighter, and crunchier snacks each time.

If you have been binging on potato chips, it is time to shift to a snack that is airy, light, and extremely crunchy. These mouth-watering pork rinds are rich in protein with slightly sprinkled salt. Moreover, this is a healthy snack because it does not contain carbohydrates.

For individuals on a low-carb or keto diet, this original chicharrones is likely the best one for you. In addition, Utz’s Original flavor contains 8 grams of protein for every serving.

These are suitable in many unpredictable respects, like instead of croutons in salads or as a no-carb breadcrumb replacement, not just for a delightful meal! Just smash it and use it in your favorite ingredients. You can also have dips, warm chili and more. Naturally, it’s nothing like having a good snack instead of candy, eggs or crackers, on your own.

3. Mac’s Original 

Mac’s Original Pork Skins is a delicious and crispy salted skin of pigs. The company makes use of back and belly skins to generate a tasty and high-quality product. The deliciousness and crunchiness are made more pronounced through the processing method applied.

Pork rinds are fast-growing and famous snack foods that bring satisfaction to the company’s customers by mixing crispiness and sweet genuineness with a unique delight. They have a dietary benefit relative to other salty snacks. Pork reductions and flavors, which fulfill the requirements of the industry, are accessible in distinct ways.

4. Turkey Creek 

Turkey Creek Pork Skins has been around for more than four decades now. Whether you are looking for crackling’s deep richness or the lighter crunch, Turkey Creek promises to bring exactly what consumers want.

These come in different styles and flavors. The spicy ones are not overpowering. Moreover, the product does not contain MSG. Some of the ingredients in Turkey Creek Pork Skins are sodium diacetate, skins, citric acid, onion, sugar, spice, tapioca starch, garlic, autolyzed yeast, disodium inosinate and guanylate, and two percent silicone dioxide that works to prevent caking.

For the company, their product is the finest because of the raw materials used. Further, their factory undergoes daily inspection by the USDA. Turkey Creek is a business operated by a family.

5. Pork Panko 

Pork Panko, or chicharrones, is the finest floor breadcrumb produced of rinds of pork. No seasoning is introduced to your high-protein, low-carbon recipe, other than rock salt. Ideal for frying chicken or for any breadcrumbs recipes. Just replace one-to-one breadcrumbs in any recipe.

Pork panko is beef rinds placed in good dirt like panko breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs of any recipe are replaced by no carbohydrates. Panko is an empty line for your cooking excellence without seasonings other than ginger.

Panko could do a great deal. Poultry, seafood or meat chops can readily be formed by a plate. Avocado fried crusts, casserole toppings, and dark chocolate bar have been some options to use. Only the rock salt and the pork skin are two components in Panko’s product.

Pork Panko is a barbecue with fresh ovens. Any recipe that utilizes a meal can be used with strong heat tolerance. Use chicken bread, fish, scotch eggs or bread meal or crusts of pizza. Even bariatric diets, keto nutrition and individuals with asthma make Panko safe.

6. Lowrey’s Bacon Curls 

The Original Curls of Lowrey create a wonderful treat for those who want to take home something delicious and nutritious on their working day. Lowery’s bacon curls are more than 30 grams of protein per pack for good snacking to fulfill your hunger with less fat than traditional pork rinds and small carbohydrates.

Perfect low-carb meal or Keto nutrition! These are ready for a hot sprinkle right outside the bag or with your favorite sauce in a microwave in just minutes. Whether you’re interested in the initial flavor or you like warm and aromatic, this microwave meal comes with two tastes.

7. Korean Kimchi BBQ 

A buddy of mine couldn’t stop raving about these Korean Kimchi BBQ. Curiosity got the better of me, so I gave them a shot. The experience? Absolutely delightful!

The traditional crunch paired with the spicy and tangy kick of Korean Kimchi BBQ was a wonderful experience. Every bite was an explosion of flavors, and the texture was spot on. My friend also pointed out their keto-friendly and gluten-free nature, which was a cherry on top.

The 4 Oz Bag is ideal for those snack-time cravings. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, this flavor is a must-try!

Buyer’s Guide

Now, let us check the crucial elements you need to take into consideration before you purchase one of these products.

Are Pork Rinds Healthy?

When you get to experience the freshness and crunchiness of pork rinds, you will surely crave more. Whereas the low-fat campaign tosses pork rinds out with the pork fat in which they were fried, calorie counting, fat-free cookies, and processed refined carbs became an obsession in the world.

We all learned after all that everything deep-fat-fried should be dangerous for us. However, as the low-fat campaign made us sicker and grossly overweight more than ever, the issue switched to carbs and sugar instead of fat as the culprit. Research shows that saturated fat is indeed good and products such as red meat, bacon, butter, and the favorite ones are excellent for a healthy diet.

Chicharrones, pork rinds, cracklings -however you call it, the skin of a pig is essentially cooked in lard, and sometimes even bits of fat and meat (The cracklings are fried fat while pork rinds are mainly the skin only) were separated from the rind. And even though they are certainly deeply fried in fat, the advantages are valid and extensive.

1. Rich in protein. The protein present is 9x greater than the protein found in potato chips. Typically, they have 7 to 8 grams of protein for every serving.​
2. Carbohydrate-free. They do not contain carbohydrates, thus making them a great alternative to chips for people with problems in their blood sugar.
3. Contain 43% Unsaturated fat. They contain adequate protein, thus keeping you fuller for an extended period. They also have 43% unsaturated fat which helps reduce the danger of heart disease.
4. Excellent source of collagen. They are great sources of collagen.

General Nutritional Content

Pork skins do not contain any fiber or sugar; however, they can be rich in sodium. A 1 ounce of pork rind contains 515 mg of sodium. USDA food guidelines suggest a weekly sodium intake not exceeding 2300 mg.

For individuals with diabetes, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, or high blood pressure, and are over the age of 51 or of African-American descent,  A 1500 mg daily nutritional allowance is suggested. One ounce of pigskin has 27 mg of food cholesterol–within the USDA-proposed 300-mg threshold.

Can you use them in a diet?

Balanced nutrition can eat many less good products in moderation. Skins are usually in packs of 2 or 2.5 oz. Be careful to serve— 2.5 oz. of food. Nearly 400 calories and 22 g of fat will be provided by skins— rather than a quick snack.

The elevated quantity of protein and meat should assist you to feel full for longer periods and because pig skins do not have sugars or carbohydrates, your body pressure will not rise like sweets, cookies or breadcrumbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Chicharrones?

The Spanish term Chicharron is for pork rinds, an excellent sandwich. Pork rinds or chicharrones are discovered in numerous international cuisines throughout the United States. Due to their bright and airy texture, our chicharrones are dearly regarded as’ crispy pork bubbles.

How are cracklings different from your chicharrones and why are they crunchier?

The Cracklins are two different ways than our chicharrones: Cracklins originate from the shoulder skin, while the chicharrones are coming from the back or side of the hog. Before frying, cracklins are fat-bonded on the skin to form a denser, more flavorful dough.

How to make them?

To create it, the culinary team uses a multi-purpose technique to scrap excess fat from the skin, dehydrate it before frying, and extend it to its potential full length. The skin has a further salt and vinegar flavor boost, combined with a maize pudding sprinkler. Some cooks also find that pork rinds can attach a platter to the correct accent.

What kind of fat do you fry pork rinds in?

They are traditionally fried in lard, which is rendered pork fat. Lard helps the pork rinds achieve their crispy, airy texture and enhances the overall flavor. However, you can also fry pork rinds in other types of fat, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or coconut oil, depending on your preference and dietary needs.

Are pork rinds keto-friendly?

Pork rinds comprise 0 carbohydrates, making them a very good ketogenic diet. When you go to a shop, you’ll find several flavorings that make it a flexible snack, ensuring that you fulfill your taste buds regardless of what you are hoping for!

The Bottom Line

After embarking on this crunchy journey through the world of pork rinds, I’ve come to appreciate the sheer variety and innovation in this classic snack. From traditional flavors to the more adventurous ones like dill pickle, there’s a pork rind out there for every palate.

It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the texture, the quality of ingredients, and the memories these snacks evoke. For those on specific diets or with dietary restrictions, modern pork rinds have evolved to cater to your needs without compromising on flavor.

As I wrap up my exploration, I can confidently say that this world is vast and flavorful, and I’m thrilled to have shared this savory adventure with you.

See Also: How to tell if Pork is bad and is no longer safe?