Pork is a staple in many diets around the world, but did you know that it can also be found in unexpected places?
From wine to chewing gum, pork by-products can be hidden in a variety of foods and products. Whether you’re avoiding pork for religious, ethical, or personal reasons, it’s important to know what foods have pork in them.
In this article, we’ll explore some common and uncommon sources of pork in food and everyday products. So, let’s dive in and discover the surprising ways that pigs are used beyond just their meat.
What Foods Have Pork In It?
Pork is a versatile animal, and its by-products can be found in many foods and products. Here are some common sources of pork in food:
– Wine: Gelatin, a product derived from pig body parts, is used in many wine purification processes.
– Baking goods: Cysteine is used in many baking goods such as bread, to create a more extensible dough with improved pan flow. Cysteine is most often synthesised from hair, such as pig bristles.
– Cereal: Many cereals are sugar coated which can also contain gelatin.
– Yogurt: Gelatin is used in many products, especially in the low-calorie variety.
– Fruit Gum: Again gelatin is used in the production of fruit gums.
– Chewing Gum: Stearic acid is used in many chewing gums. It is obtained from animal fats, mostly from a pig’s stomach.
– Instant soup: Some seasonings in soup contain traces of bacon.
– Cream Cheese: In some products, gelatin is used as a thickener.
– Chips: ‘Bacon flavour’ is used in some branded products to enhance the flavour.
– Juice: For purification of some juice (especially multivitamin-juice) gelatin is used.
But it’s not just food that can contain pork. Here are some other everyday products that may have pork by-products:
– Cosmetics and toiletries: Pork in the form of glycerine, keratin, collagen and tallow are used in cosmetics and toiletries. Some common ones that contain pork or pork by-products are lipstick, shaving cream, toothpaste, hand lotion, bath soap and shampoos. Pork is also hidden in detergents, cleansers, dish liquids, soaps and make-up.
– Medications: Some medications may also contain pork products; the most common is the gelatine coated tablet of the gelatine capsule (gel caps).
It’s important to note that US labeling laws do not require manufacturers to cite the source of the gelatin, be it from bovine (cows) or porcine (pork). So if you’re trying to avoid pork by-products altogether, it’s best to contact the company or look for the Kosher marking (K or U) on the label.
Pork In Processed Foods
Processed foods are a common source of pork by-products. These foods are usually modified to improve their taste or extend their shelf life, and may contain pork or pork by-products. Some examples of processed meats that may contain pork include bacon, ham, sausages, salami, corned beef, jerky, hot dogs, lunch meat, canned meat, chicken nuggets, and meat-based sauces.
One common ingredient found in processed foods is gelatin, which is derived from pig body parts. Gelatin is often used as a thickener or stabilizer in many processed foods such as fruit snacks, gummy candies, marshmallows, and yogurts. Another ingredient commonly found in processed foods is cysteine, which is synthesized from pig bristles and used in baking goods like bread and pizza dough to create a more extensible dough with improved pan flow.
Some processed foods may also contain bacon flavoring or seasoning to enhance the flavor. This can be found in chips or other snack foods that have a smoky or meaty taste. Additionally, some seasonings in instant soups may contain traces of bacon.
It’s important to note that not all processed foods contain pork or pork by-products. However, it can be difficult to determine which products do without carefully reading the ingredient labels. If you’re looking to avoid pork by-products altogether, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or look for products with Kosher markings on the label.
Pork In Beverages
Pork can also be found in some beverages, particularly in the form of gelatin. Gelatin, which is derived from pig body parts, is used as a clarifier or thickener in many drinks. Wine is a common culprit, as gelatin is often used in the wine purification process. Some fruit juices, especially multivitamin juice, may also contain gelatin for purification purposes.
In addition to gelatin, some alcoholic beverages may also contain pork. Dark spirits like aged whiskey and rum are often paired with bold pork flavors in meals. When mixed with soda, these darker spirits can add a refreshing touch to the meal. However, it’s important to note that not all whiskey or rum brands are pork-free, so it’s best to do your research or contact the company if you’re trying to avoid pork.
Mexican beer cocktails like the Michelada are another example of pork pairing with beverages. The spicy and bold flavors of the pork tenderloin cooked with cumin and cayenne pepper complement the strong and spicy flavors of the Michelada. This cocktail is made with dark Mexican beer, Worcestershire sauce, lime, Tabasco and black pepper.
Pork In Medications And Supplements
Pork is also found in some medications and dietary supplements. For example, the Swedish Pork Producers Association launched a campaign promoting a fictitious dietary supplement called “Pork Pills”, which they claimed were made from 100% Swedish pork meat and provided a good source of vital vitamins, minerals, and proteins. While the campaign was not promoting an actual product, it aimed to remind people that meat is a great source of nutrition that deserves a place on everyone’s plates.
In terms of actual medications, gelatin-coated tablets and capsules are the most common medications that may contain pork by-products. Gelatin is used as a binding agent in these products, and it can be derived from either bovine or porcine sources. However, US labeling laws do not require manufacturers to disclose the source of the gelatin, making it difficult for consumers to know if a medication contains pork by-products.
It’s important to note that taking thyroid hormones may not be associated with reduced bone density, but calcium supplementation for people taking long-term thyroid medication has not yet been proven to be either helpful or necessary. In addition, simultaneous ingestion of some calcium formulations with levothyroxine has been reported to reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine. Iron deficiency has also been reported to impair the body’s ability to make its own thyroid hormones, which could increase the need for thyroid medication. However, iron supplements may decrease absorption of thyroid hormone medications, so people taking thyroid hormone medications should talk with their doctor before taking iron-containing products.
Pork In Personal Care Products
Pork by-products can also be found in personal care products such as cosmetics and toiletries. Some common ingredients derived from pork include glycerine, keratin, collagen and tallow. These ingredients are commonly used in products such as lipstick, shaving cream, toothpaste, hand lotion, bath soap and shampoos. In addition to these products, pork is also hidden in detergents, cleansers, dish liquids, soaps and make-up. It’s important to note that the US labeling laws do not require manufacturers to cite the source of the gelatin, be it from bovine (cows) or porcine (pork). Therefore, it’s best to contact the company or look for the Kosher marking (K or U) on the label if you’re trying to avoid pork by-products altogether. Halal beauty products are a good option for Muslims and non-Muslims alike who want to avoid pork and alcohol in their personal care products.
Pork In Household Items
In addition to food and personal care products, pork by-products can also be found in household items. For example, some candles and soaps contain stearic acid, which is derived from animal fats, including from pigs. Similarly, some cleaning products, such as furniture polish and floor wax, may contain stearic acid or other animal-derived ingredients. Even some types of paint may use pigments derived from animal bones or skin.
Pork by-products can also be found in unexpected places, such as in musical instruments. Some types of strings for violins and other instruments are made from sheep gut, but others are made from pig intestines. In addition, some types of glue used in instrument making may contain animal-derived ingredients.
It’s important to note that not all household items contain pork by-products, and it can be difficult to determine which ones do without contacting the manufacturer directly. However, being aware of the potential sources of pork in household items can help individuals make more informed choices about the products they use.
Alternatives To Pork-Containing Products
If you’re looking for alternatives to pork-containing products, there are several options available. One alternative is turkey bacon, which has 50% less fat than traditional bacon and is smoked over hardwood chips to give it a similar taste. Veggie bacon or “facon” is another popular option, made from water, gluten, and soy protein. It’s a great choice for vegans, vegetarians, and kosher eaters.
For those who want a meat-based alternative, macon made from mutton can be a good choice. It resembles real bacon in texture and color and is popular among certain religious groups who cannot consume pork products. Tofu is another option, made from cultured soybeans and able to absorb flavors well, making it easy to mimic bacon’s smoky taste. Tempeh, a fermented soybean and bean mixture, is also a great substitute for pork due to its darker appearance and firm texture.
For those who want a plant-based alternative, there are many options available on the market. Brands like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, MorningStar Farms, Boca, Gardein, and Tofurky offer meat substitutes made from a combination of soy protein products, wheat protein products, and plant proteins. However, it’s important to note that many of these choices are highly processed and high in sodium, so it’s essential to read labels carefully.
It’s also important to note that wheat and soy are common food allergens, so consumers should carefully read the product labels before purchasing them if they have food allergies. Some alternative meat products also add egg white as an additional ingredient, which can be problematic for those with egg allergies. As always, it’s essential to read food labels carefully to ensure that you’re making informed decisions about what you’re consuming.