Pigs are incredibly versatile animals, providing us with a wide range of products beyond just the meat we consume. From insulin to heart valves, footballs to crayons, and even some unexpected food and drink items, pork can be found in more places than you might think.
In this article, we’ll explore some common and not-so-common foods that contain pork, as well as ways to identify and avoid them.
So, whether you’re looking to reduce your intake of animal-based products or simply curious about the many uses of pigs, read on to learn more.
What Foods Contain Pork?
While many of us are aware that ham, bacon, pork chops, pork loin, and sausage all come from pigs, there are many other foods that contain pork as well. Some of these foods may surprise you.
One common ingredient derived from pigs is gelatin. Gelatin is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods, including Jell-O, gummy bears, marshmallows, and some yogurts. It can also be found in wine, beer, and juice production as a clarifying agent.
Other unexpected foods that may contain pork include baked goods like bread and crackers, which may contain cysteine derived from pig bristles. Some instant soups and seasonings may contain traces of bacon. Chips and other snack foods may use “bacon flavor” to enhance their taste. Even some fruit gums and chewing gum may contain stearic acid derived from pig stomachs.
It’s important to note that not all of these products are made with pork, but it can be difficult to determine which ones are without carefully reading the ingredients list. Look for words like lard, animal fats, animal glycerine, hydrolyzed animal protein, enzymes, emulsifiers, monostearates, mono and di-glyceride and gelatin on the label when you buy these products.
The Surprising Variety Of Products Made From Pigs
Pigs are incredibly versatile animals, and their by-products are used in a wide variety of products beyond just food. For example, insulin, which is used to treat diabetes, is derived from pig pancreas. Pig heart valves can also be used in humans who need heart surgery. Footballs and other sports equipment are made from pigskin leather. Burn dressings and medical supplies like surgical sutures can also be made from pig parts.
Pig fat, known as tallow, is used in a variety of products including wax paper, crayons, margarine, paints, rubber, lubricants, candles, soaps, lipsticks, shaving creams and other cosmetics. Gelatin, which is derived from boiling pig skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones in water, is used as a thickener in many foods like Jell-O and marshmallows. It’s also used in shampoos, face masks and other cosmetics.
Even unexpected products like photographic film use collagen from pig bones. Shoes can use bone glue from pigs to improve the quality of the leather. Certain paints use bone fat to enhance their glossy properties.
It’s clear that pigs play a significant role in many aspects of our lives beyond just providing us with meat. Understanding the wide range of products that contain pig by-products can help us make more informed choices about the products we buy and consume.
Common Foods That Contain Pork
Here are some common foods that may contain pork:
1. Baked goods: Cysteine, a dough conditioner, is often derived from pig bristles and can be found in bread, crackers, and other baked goods.
2. Instant soups and seasonings: Some soup seasonings may contain traces of bacon.
3. Chips and snack foods: “Bacon flavor” may be used in some brands of chips and other snack foods to enhance their taste.
4. Fruit gums and chewing gum: Stearic acid, derived from pig stomachs, may be used as an ingredient in some fruit gums and chewing gum.
5. Yogurt: Gelatin, a common thickener and stabilizer derived from pig skin and bones, may be found in some brands of yogurt.
It’s important to note that not all of these products are made with pork, but it can be difficult to determine which ones are without carefully reading the ingredients list. By familiarizing yourself with the terms and looking out for words like lard, animal fats, animal glyceride, hydrolyzed animal protein, glycerin, and gelatin on the label, you can reduce your intake of animal-based products.
Unexpected Foods That Contain Pork
In addition to the foods mentioned above, there are some other unexpected products that may contain pork. For example, some dairy products such as whipped cream, sour cream, and cheese may contain gelatin or rennet, an enzyme used in cheese production that is often derived from animals. Look for mono and di-glyceride (forms of glycerine) or enzymes on the label to determine if these products contain pork.
Cosmetics and toiletries can also contain pork in the form of glycerine, keratin, collagen, and tallow. Common products like lipstick, shaving cream, toothpaste, hand lotion, bath soap, and shampoos may contain these ingredients. Pork is also hidden in detergents, cleansers, dish liquids, soaps, and makeup.
Medications can also contain pork products in the form of gelatine-coated tablets or gel caps. It’s important to note that not all medications contain pork, but it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
It’s clear that pork can be found in many unexpected places. While it can be difficult to avoid altogether, reading labels carefully and familiarizing yourself with common pork-derived ingredients can help you make informed choices about the foods and products you consume.
How To Identify And Avoid Pork In Your Food
If you are looking to avoid pork in your food, there are a few things you can do to help identify and eliminate it from your diet. Here are some tips:
1. Read the ingredients list carefully: Many foods contain hidden pork-derived ingredients, so it’s important to read the label carefully. Familiarize yourself with the terms used to describe pork-derived ingredients, such as lard, animal fat, animal glyceride, hydrolyzed animal protein, enzymes, emulsifiers, monostearates, mono and di-glyceride and gelatin.
2. Look for vegetarian or vegan options: Many vegetarian and vegan products are free from pork-derived ingredients, making them a safe choice for those looking to avoid pork.
3. Avoid processed foods: Processed foods often contain a variety of additives and preservatives, some of which may be derived from pork. Stick to whole foods whenever possible to reduce your risk of consuming pork.
4. Check for cross-contamination: If you are dining out or purchasing food from a deli or grocery store, be sure to ask about the risk of cross-contamination with pork products. Even if a food item doesn’t contain pork as an ingredient, it may have come into contact with pork during preparation.
5. Use a meat thermometer: When cooking meat at home, use a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe internal temperature. Cook whole muscle cuts like pork chops and pork tenderloin to a minimum of 145° F followed by a 3-minute rest time prior to eating.
By following these tips, you can reduce your intake of pork-derived ingredients and make more informed choices about the foods you eat.
Alternatives To Pork-Based Products
For those who want to avoid pork-based products, there are a variety of alternatives available. One option is to look for cured meats that are not pork-based, such as beef bresaola, cured wild game (venison, elk), turkey bacon, duck bacon, duck prosciutto, duck salami, and beef salami. These meats offer unique flavors and can be used to create a diverse charcuterie board.
For those looking for plant-based alternatives, Upton’s Naturals offers products made from jackfruit that mimic the texture of pulled pork. Their Bar-B-Que Jackfruit is a great option for those looking for a simple replacement. Tofu and tempeh are also options that can be used in place of pork in dishes like stir-fries and sandwiches.
In addition to these alternatives, there are also a growing number of meat substitutes hitting grocery store shelves. Impossible Pork is one such product made from plants that can be used in place of ground pork in a variety of dishes.
It’s important to note that some alternative meat products may contain common food allergens like wheat, soy, and eggs. Consumers should carefully read labels before purchasing and consuming these products.