Do you know what’s in your snacks?
You might be surprised to learn that some of your favorite treats contain pork products. From gelatin to enzymes, pig-derived ingredients can be found in a variety of foods, including chips, candy, and even toothpaste.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common snacks that have pork in them and provide tips on how to identify these ingredients on product labels.
So grab a snack (that you know is pork-free) and read on to learn more!
What Snacks Have Pork In Them?
Pork is a common ingredient in many snacks, and it can be difficult to know which products to avoid. Here are some of the most common snacks that contain pork:
1. Gelatin-based treats: Jell-O, gummy bears, and other gelatin-based snacks often contain pork-derived gelatin.
2. Chips: Some brands of chips, such as Doritos and Cheetos, use pork enzymes in their flavorings.
3. Candy: Many types of candy, including fruit snacks and marshmallows, contain gelatin made from pork.
4. Baked goods: Some baked goods, such as donuts and cookies, may contain pork-derived ingredients like lard or animal fats.
5. Dairy products: Some dairy products, such as cheese spreads and whipped cream, may contain gelatin or rennet made from pork.
6. Toothpaste: Some toothpaste brands use glycerin derived from animal fats, including pork.
7. Instant soup: Some instant soup seasonings may contain traces of bacon.
Gelatin: The Surprising Pork-Derived Ingredient In Many Snacks
One of the most surprising sources of pork in snacks is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from the collagen in cow or pig bones, skin, and connective tissues. It is often used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in a variety of snacks, including Jell-O, gummy bears, marshmallows, and fruit snacks. Additionally, gelatin is commonly found in medications and supplements as a capsule exterior or tablet binder.
Demand for gelatin continues to increase, with global gelatin market projections predicting growth from 2.6 billion USD to 3.6 billion USD by 2023. However, many people are unaware that there are vegan alternatives to gelatin, such as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules or “Hypromellose.” HPMC is a chemically modified cellulose polymer that is safe for human consumption and has been successfully used as a thickening agent and binder in many products.
It can be difficult to determine the source of gelatin in snacks, as US labeling laws do not require manufacturers to cite the source of the gelatin, whether it is from bovine (cows) or porcine (pork). This lack of transparency can make it challenging for consumers who are avoiding all animal forms of gelatin or just those from pork for ethical, religious, or other reasons.
Pork Enzymes: A Common Additive In Chips And Other Savory Snacks
Pork enzymes are commonly used in the production of many savory snacks, including chips and cheese-flavored snacks. These enzymes are used to develop unique flavors in the snacks and may come from vegetable, microbial, or animal sources. Animal enzymes derived from pork, also known as “porcine enzymes,” are often used in the production of cheese-flavored snacks like Cheetos and Doritos.
It is important to note that not all snack brands use pork enzymes in their products, and some may use alternative sources of enzymes. If you are avoiding pork-related ingredients in your diet, it is essential to read the labels carefully and do your research on the specific brands and products you consume.
Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, openly states that many of their cheese-flavored crisps contain pork enzymes. This includes some popular varieties like Cheetos and Doritos. For those who wish to avoid pork-related ingredients, Frito-Lay provides a list of snacks that do not contain pork enzymes on their website.
In addition to chips, pork enzymes may also be used in other savory snacks like crackers and meat analogues. It is important to be aware of these additives and to make informed choices about the snacks you consume.
Candy And Chocolate: How Pork-Derived Ingredients Can Sneak Into Your Sweets
Candy and chocolate are some of the most beloved snacks around, but unfortunately, they can also contain pork-derived ingredients. Gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies, including gummy bears, marshmallows, and Starburst chews. Gelatin is made from the skin, bones, and tendons of cows and pigs, and is used as a thickening agent to give these candies their chewy texture. However, some candies may use gelatin derived from beef, while others use gelatin derived from pork.
It’s not just gelatin that can sneak into your sweets – some chocolate products may also contain pork-derived ingredients. For example, some chocolate bars may contain confectioner’s glaze, which is made from the resin secreted by the female lac bug. This ingredient is often used to give chocolate a shiny finish, but it can also be found in other candy products.
When it comes to identifying pork-derived ingredients in candy and chocolate, reading labels and ingredient lists is key. Look for products that are labeled as “vegan” or “vegetarian,” as these are more likely to be free of animal products. Additionally, some companies may use alternative ingredients like pectin or agar agar as a thickener instead of gelatin.
Reading Labels: How To Identify Pork-Derived Ingredients In Your Snacks
Reading labels is crucial when trying to identify pork-derived ingredients in your snacks. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Check the ingredients list: Look for words like lard, animal fat, animal glyceride, hydrolyzed animal protein, glycerin, and gelatin. These are common ingredients derived from pork.
2. Familiarize yourself with terms: Learn the terms commonly used for pork-derived ingredients. For example, cysteine is often synthesized from pig bristles and used in many baking goods.
3. Look out for collective terms: Collective terms like spices, flavors, or colors may not declare the presence of pork-derived ingredients unless components are derived from the “Big Eight” allergens.
4. Research cheese enzymes: Cheese often contains animal enzymes used to thicken milk during the cheese-making process. To avoid pork-derived enzymes, research which brands use microbial (bacteria, fungi, yeast) or vegetarian enzymes.
5. Check for carmine: Carmine is an insect-derived ingredient used to color red food and beverages and can be listed as “cochineal extract” on labels.
By following these tips and carefully examining labels, you can reduce your intake of pork-derived ingredients in your snacks. Remember to always double-check and research unfamiliar ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary preferences.
Alternatives To Pork-Derived Snacks: Delicious Options For A Pork-Free Diet
If you’re looking for alternatives to pork-derived snacks, there are plenty of delicious options available. Here are some snacks you can enjoy without worrying about pork ingredients:
1. Veggie chips and puffs: Baked veggie chips and puffs are a great alternative to traditional chips and puffs. They’re made with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, or squash that have been cut into thin slices or shredded before being baked in the oven. These snacks are usually seasoned with herbs and spices for extra flavor.
2. Plant-based snacks: Plant-based snacks such as roasted chickpeas, edamame beans, nuts or seeds can make for delicious alternatives to traditional snacks. Roasted chickpeas are especially popular because they’re high in protein and fiber while still having a satisfying crunch when you bite into them. You can also season them with your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor.
3. Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that can be used as a meat substitute in many dishes, including tacos and sandwiches. It has a texture similar to pulled pork and is packed with nutrition, including fiber, magnesium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants.
4. Homemade snacks: If you want something more creative than store-bought snacks, why not try making homemade snacks? Plenty of delicious recipes online use ingredients like tofu, tempeh, seitan (wheat gluten), black beans, or lentils, which can all be used in place of meat in many dishes.
5. Pork-free jerky: If you’re a fan of beef jerky but want to avoid pork-derived snacks, there are plenty of pork-free jerky options available. Look for brands that use high-quality beef and natural seasonings.
By choosing these alternatives to pork-derived snacks, you can still enjoy delicious and satisfying snacks without compromising your dietary restrictions.