If you're on the ketogenic diet, you'll know that pork rinds are a great go-to snack option. They're ultra-low-carb, delicious, and crunchy. However, not all pork rinds are keto-friendly, and it's important to read the nutrition labels to check for hidden carbs. Some brands to look out for include Utz, 4505 Chicharrones, Pork King Good, Proudly Pure Fried Rinds, and Southern Recipe. These brands offer a variety of flavours, from classic salt and pepper to more unique options like blackberry habanero. So, if you're craving something salty and crunchy, pork rinds are a great keto-friendly option to satisfy your snack cravings!
What You'll Learn
Pork rinds are a great keto-friendly alternative to potato chips
If you're on the keto diet, you'll know that potatoes are a no-go. But what if you're craving something salty and crunchy? Enter pork rinds: the perfect keto-friendly alternative to potato chips.
Pork rinds are made from the skin of a pig, so they're definitely not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. The process of making them isn't simple, which is why most people opt to buy them ready-made. But the result is a delicious, crunchy snack that's ultra-low-carb.
There are plenty of brands to choose from, and not all pork rinds are created equal. Some are greasier than others, and some have hidden carbs in the form of sauces or seasonings, so always read the label.
- Utz: Light and airy, with zero carbs per serving, and shipped in a resealable container.
- 4505 Chicharrones: Humanely raised pigs, USDA-purple stamp certified, and available in Classic Chili and Salt flavour.
- Pork King Good: A variety of flavours, including Pink Salt and Vinegar, Pizza, and Sour Cream and Onion.
- Proudly Pure Fried Rinds: Simple ingredients (just fried pork skins and salt), and available in smaller, two-ounce packages.
- Southern Recipe Blackberry Habanero: A unique combination of sweet, salty, and spicy, with a little more protein and a tiny amount of carbohydrates.
- Mac's Salt and Pepper: A classic flavour combination with less saturated fat than other brands.
So, if you're missing your potato chips, give pork rinds a try! They're the perfect keto-friendly snack to curb those crunchy cravings.
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They're ultra-low-carb and high in protein
Pork rinds are ultra-low-carb and high in protein, making them a great snack option for those on a keto diet. They are made from the skin of a pig and are also known as pork cracklings. While not all pork rinds are keto-friendly, there are many brands that offer keto-friendly options.
One popular brand is Utz, which offers pork rinds with zero carbs per serving and 8g of protein per serving. They are light, airy, and crunchy, making them a perfect substitute for potato chips. Utz pork rinds also come in a resealable barrel, making them easy to store. Another option is 4505 Chicharrones Fried Pork Rinds, which are made from pigs raised humanely and are USDA-purple stamp certified. These pork rinds are also greasier than the Utz variety.
If you're looking for a brand with a variety of flavours, Pork King Good offers pork rinds in flavours like pink salt and vinegar, pizza, and sour cream and onion. Their pork rinds are also fried in their own rendered animal fat and are inspected daily by the USDA. Southern Recipe Blackberry Habanero Pork Rinds are another option with a unique blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours. While they do contain a small amount of carbohydrates, they also pack in more protein than other brands.
Pork rinds are a great keto-friendly snack option, offering a crunchy and delicious alternative to potato chips. With a variety of brands and flavours to choose from, you can find the perfect pork rinds to satisfy your cravings.
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They can be used as a breadcrumb substitute
Pork rinds are an excellent substitute for breadcrumbs, especially for those on a keto diet. They can be crushed and used in the same way as breadcrumbs to coat proteins, vegetables, or other recipes.
Pork rinds are made from the skin of a pig and are typically fried in oil, giving them a puffy and crunchy texture. They are an ideal keto-friendly option as they contain zero carbs and are high in protein. When used as a breadcrumb substitute, they add a crispy texture to foods such as chicken, fish, and vegetables.
To make keto-friendly breadcrumbs, simply crush the pork rinds using a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This will result in a greater range of texture. You can also season the pork rinds with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or other spices, but be cautious of adding extra salt as pork rinds are already quite salty.
Pork rinds are a versatile and tasty alternative to breadcrumbs, allowing those on a keto diet to enjoy crispy and crunchy foods without the carbs. They are a simple ingredient swap that can make a big difference in the flavour and texture of your favourite dishes.
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They're versatile and can be used in meal prep
Pork rinds are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways when meal prepping. They can be used as a crunchy, savoury, salty snack on their own, or as a dip with guacamole, keto cheese sauce or dips. They can also be used as a replacement for breadcrumbs in recipes, providing a crispy crunch without the carbs.
- Crumble them and use them as a breadcrumb substitute in recipes. This works well for fried and baked foods, adding a unique flavour and texture.
- Use them as a coating for chicken tenders, chicken parmesan, or pork chops. This gives the meat a nice, crispy layer without using carb-loaded breading.
- Make low-carb pizza crust by mixing ground-up pork rinds with cheese and an egg, then adding your favourite toppings.
- Create keto steak tacos by using pork rinds as the taco shells.
- Make keto cinnamon sugar pork rinds by tossing them in melted butter and coating them in cinnamon and sugar.
- Add them to vanilla ice cream for a fun, crunchy topping.
- Use them in place of croutons in salads.
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There are many brands and flavours to choose from
A popular option is Utz Pork Rinds, which are light and airy, with zero carbs per serving, making them perfect for those on a keto or low-carb diet. They are also a good source of protein, with 8g per serving. Utz has been making snacks since 1921 and is a family-managed business.
For those who like a bit of spice, 4505 Chicharrones Fried Pork Rinds are a good option. They come in a variety of flavours, including Classic Chili and Salt, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Chile Lemon. They are made from pigs raised humanely and are USDA-purple stamp certified.
Pork King Good Pork Rinds offer a wide range of flavours, including Pink Salt and Vinegar, Pizza, Sour Cream and Onion, and Nacho Cheddar. They are also a good source of protein, with 32g per bag. The company is woman-owned and based in Cleveland, OH.
Other brands to consider include Proudly Pure Fried Rinds, Southern Recipe Blackberry Habanero Pork Rinds, and Mac's Salt and Pepper Pork Skins.
When choosing a pork rind brand, it is important to look for limited artificial flavours and preservatives, and to avoid those fried in vegetable oils. It is also worth exploring different packaging options to find those that are best suited for road trips or other on-the-go occasions.
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Frequently asked questions
Some keto-friendly pork rind brands include Utz, 4505 Chicharrones, Southern Recipe, Epic, Mac's, Pork King Good, and Porq.
Yes, there are vegan and vegetarian options available such as PigOut plant-based pork rinds, Rico's vegan pork rinds, and Trader Joe's vegan pork rinds. However, these options may not be keto-friendly due to their carb content.
Unique flavors of keto-friendly pork rinds include Classic Chili and Salt, Pink Salt and Vinegar, Pizza, Dill Pickle, and Salt and Vinegar.
While pork rinds are low in carbs and can be a good snack option for those on a keto diet, they should be consumed in moderation. They are high in sodium and cholesterol and may contain hidden carbs from seasonings.
Keto-friendly pork rinds can be purchased at various retailers, including Amazon, Costco, Walmart, Sprouts, and specialty stores such as Filipino/Asian markets or Mexican grocery stores.