Let's Hear it for Pork Rinds, the 'healthy' junk food now!

24Fan · 06-14-2008, 12:22 PM

from AOL's Men's Health: (06/14/08)

Pork Rinds

Why you think they're bad: These puffy snacks are literally cut from pigskin. Then they're deep-fried.

Why they're not: A 1-ounce serving contains zero carbohydrates, 17 grams (g) of protein, and 9 g fat. That's nine times the protein and less fat than you'll find in a serving of carb-packed potato chips. Even better, 43 percent of a pork rind's fat is unsaturated, and most of that is oleic acid -- the same healthy fat found in olive oil. Another 13 percent of its fat content is stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that's considered harmless, because it doesn't raise cholesterol levels.

Eat this: J&J Critters Microwave Pork Rinds ($6.50 for a 10-ounce container). Because the rinds are cooked and puffed in a microwave instead of deep-fried, each serving contains only 4 g fat -- meaning they're lower in calories and less greasy than regular pork rinds.

wifezilla · 06-14-2008, 12:25 PM

My son uses them to shovel hot salsa

somethingblue2u · 06-14-2008, 12:31 PM

Right on!

Sandi76 · 06-14-2008, 12:39 PM

I said it once and I'll say it again... MMMM pork rinds!

I used to HATE them, but have grown to love them since low carbing.

iamcrazy · 06-14-2008, 12:40 PM

YAY!! I have never tried them before, not too big in canada but i have placed an order with netrition and can't wait for them to get here!!

squeakie · 06-14-2008, 12:42 PM

I love them but can't find them here!

jacksmixedtape · 06-14-2008, 01:57 PM

With a big ol' glass of water, they're not bad! Loved 'em when starting on LC.

Charski · 06-14-2008, 02:10 PM

They are good with most ANY kind of LC dip (clam dip being a fave in this house) or as a bed for some cream cheese and a smoked oyster.

Or crushed (I use the food processor) and used as a breading - I like to mix half & half with green can Parm, or Carbquik, or all three.

And they make pretty good nachos too!

SashimiMark · 06-14-2008, 02:15 PM

I too love them, but have been having problems finding them locally as of late. I know you can buy the microwave kind at Netrition, but some of the reviews make me wary.

iamcrazy · 06-14-2008, 02:19 PM

mmmmm, using them as nachos sounds like a good idea!!

MountainGirl · 06-14-2008, 02:32 PM

Hey y'all,

Don't beat me up, but even though many of you LIKE pork rinds and you make the choice to eat them and it is your choice, they are in NO way "healthy" for your body. They are highly processed, chemical-laden junk food. It's not the fat that's the problem, it's the processing and additives.

But hey, if y'all like 'em, eat 'em!

But, to say they are "healthy"? Sorry! No way.

Froggyjean · 06-14-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainGirl

Hey y'all,

Don't beat me up, but even though many of you LIKE pork rinds and you make the choice to eat them and it is your choice, they are in NO way "healthy" for your body. They are highly processed, chemical-laden junk food. It's not the fat that's the problem, it's the processing and additives.

But hey, if y'all like 'em, eat 'em!

But, to say they are "healthy"? Sorry! No way.

Unless you get fresh ones.
Might not be a big thing anywhere else, but down here pretty much any fair, street carnival, etc will have fresh made pork rinds. They're usually sold by the same vendor doing the kettle corn. And they are yummy

24Fan · 06-14-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainGirl

Hey y'all,

Don't beat me up, but even though many of you LIKE pork rinds and you make the choice to eat them and it is your choice, they are in NO way "healthy" for your body. They are highly processed, chemical-laden junk food. It's not the fat that's the problem, it's the processing and additives.

But hey, if y'all like 'em, eat 'em!

But, to say they are "healthy"? Sorry! No way.

LOL did you notice the " " around healthy?

I was joking sorta. The article was about junk food and which choices are better is all. Wasn't implying it's actually healthy to eat them.

but still... haha to those who have made fun of our beloved pork rinds while they continue eating their chips

MountainGirl · 06-14-2008, 03:23 PM

[quote=24Fan;10454157]LOL did you notice the " " around healthy?

I was joking sorta. The article was about junk food and which choices are better is all. Wasn't implying it's actually healthy to eat them.

Quote:

but still... haha to those who have made fun of our beloved pork rinds while they continue eating their chips

Huh?
Who is making fun? And who is eating chips? Certainly not me.

As far as pork rinds go, if you want to eat 'em, it's your choice. However, they are not even remotely "healthy." Just clarifying that point in case anyone did not realize you were being facetious using the word "healthy".

Spider_Lily · 06-14-2008, 03:36 PM

I love the Curley Q Fried Pork Skins they are crunchy not the fluffy lite kind.I love them with my coffee in the morning sorta like eating crunchy bacon.They have a sprinkle of red pepper on them.

LindaSue · 06-15-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainGirl

Don't beat me up, but even though many of you LIKE pork rinds and you make the choice to eat them and it is your choice, they are in NO way "healthy" for your body. They are highly processed, chemical-laden junk food. It's not the fat that's the problem, it's the processing and additives.

They're just pork skins fried in fat and sprinkled with salt. What processing? They're just cooked. What additives and chemicals? You can't get much more real than pork rinds for a snack food.

wifezilla · 06-15-2008, 08:40 AM

I'm with Linda Sue. What is unhealthy about animal skin? Nothing.

Tooter · 06-15-2008, 08:48 AM

I Love Pork Cracklings and Pork rinds (Hated them when I first started this WOE)

They are great as a quick snack, they are wonderful in recipes and as far as processing... It's deep fried pork fat and skin. What's unhealthy about that?

Pork rinds are a "Better Choice" on the low carb lifestyle.

In fact, I am making Swedish Meatballs today, and will be using grind Pork Cracklings.

As a wise man once said...

PORK FAT RULES!!!!

24Fan · 06-15-2008, 09:17 AM

I think Mountaingirl maybe meant it's too much animal fat? I don't know. Sent her a PM to say it wasn't meant for her personally my comments about people dissing pork rinds

I was joking about non low-carbers who tease us about eating pork rinds while they eat their chips. After reading that article I just felt like yahoo! I was right!

Thanks LindaSue & Tooter, I heart pork rinds

MountainGirl · 06-15-2008, 09:25 AM

Sorry, my opinion is that pork rinds are not "real" food. I said in my first post to please not get all upset, I was just posting my opinion. I consider them unhealthy and that is my opinion. That doesn't take away from their allure and eating them is certainly something that many enjoy. I'm not trying to diss them as a LC food, but to clarify they are not a "health" food, nor are they considered "real" food. Just to be clear, again, I'm not saying not to eat them (it's not my choice what someone eats, I'm just posting my opinion), I'm saying don't be confused, they are not health-supporting, IMHO.

And no, I have nothing against animal fat. It is important for LCers.
I believe I stated that before, it was not the fat, but the processing and chemicals that make it a junk food, not a health food.

If you can, choose the brands without added chemicals, this is essential. Not all brands are good choices. See below:

Quote:

Pork Rinds

Net Wt 3oz (85g)
"Put a Little South in your Mouth"

Salt & Vinegar Ingredients: Pork Skins, salt, lactose, sodium diacetate, salt, malic acid, food starch modified, corn syrup solids, acetic acid, soybean oil, citric acid, sodium citrate.

Hot Ingredients: Pork Rinds, salt, chili peppers, parika, monosodium glutamate.

Nutrition facts: Serving size: 1/2 oz(14 grams), servings per container 6, calories 80, calories from fat 45, total fat 5g, saturated fat 2g, cholesterol 15mg, sodium 960mg, total carbohydrate 0g, protein 7g.

SashimiMark · 06-15-2008, 10:20 AM

IMO pork rinds ARE healthy. I'm not sure what your definition of a "real" food is, but what's not real about deep fried pork skin? Frankly, it sounds a lot like fat prejudice. Which I understand. It took me a long time to stop thinking of fat as something that makes you fat.

I don't eat pork rinds often, as frankly I don't enjoy the taste that much. But I do use them as an ingredient in several recipes.

HezzieLee · 06-15-2008, 10:25 AM

oh, for cryin out loud it's a pork rind! Can't we all just get along....

MountainGirl · 06-15-2008, 10:51 AM

You know, it never ceases to amaze me that opinions are welcome as long as they agree with what's posted.

Opinions to the contrary are not.

There are some wonderful, loving, caring people here who can have a discussion about differences in views and there are those who get their backs up, get defensive whenever someone DARES to post their own opinion that challenges the mass thought.

I am entitled to my opinion as much as any of you. I'm sorry if that offends any of you, but that is the bottom line.

If any of you don't like what I post, you are free to IGNORE my posts. You need not agree with me, but there is no need to make it a personal argument. My view is just as valid as anyone else's. Take it or leave it - simple!

Look at my posts, I have stated it's not about fat, but if you choose to ignore what I've said and denigrate me personally, well, that's your choice. I wonder why PORK RINDS are worth calling someone a liar and making a personal issue over a difference in opinion. That's really immature in my opinion. It's about pork rinds, not me.

I have posted some of the horrible ingredients found in some pork rinds and hopefully if ONE person reads the labels and chooses something else, my posts are worthwhile.

luv_bug · 06-15-2008, 11:03 AM

The other day I read about sprinkling cinnamine and a little splenda on them and then drizzling butter over (so it sticks to the pork rind) and baking them...
I decided to try it -- MY GOD!!! I was in heaven!!! THEY ARE INCREDIBLE?!?!?! MMMMMMM MMMMM MMM (I'll have to make a little more later for a treat)

Charski · 06-15-2008, 11:05 AM

You're right about the labels - there ARE some which have all manner of junk added to them - and then there are the ones which are pork skins and fat and that's all! Nothing wrong with those IMHO.

I don't think pork skins are inherently any less healthy than say, chicken skin or turkey skin (both of which I love BTW!) but like any "healthy" food once adulterated with additives they can most definitely become UNhealthy.

Me, I buy either the freshly-fried ones from the Mexican markets or check the ingredients listings and if there is something there offensive to me, I don't buy that brand or flavor.

I think they make a delightful snack! Again, to each his/her own and YMMV as always!

Kris T. · 06-15-2008, 11:15 AM

I think some are healthier than others..I agree with that. Some of the flavored kinds have chemicals.

I eat them in moderation (too many make my stomach feel strange) but especially like them with a bit of melted butter and Splenda & cin. Sugar.

Try them with mustard too! I have also topped them with melted cheese. Really, think of what you would put on/serve with ham.

Also, check the expiration date!

SashimiMark · 06-15-2008, 11:18 AM

MountainGirl, I have absolutely no problems with you having an opinion that differs from mine. Your previous posts just don't sound like someone who is giving their opinion.

Quote:

but to clarify they are not a "health" food, nor are they considered "real" food

See, to me, that doesn't sound like an opinion at all. And I can read you the labels from three similar products, and they can all have very different ingredients listed even though they are, for the most part, the same thing. There are plenty of pork rinds out there that are nothing more than fried pork skin. And fried pork skin IS

06-14-2008, 12:22 PM	#1
24Fan MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,461 Gallery: 24Fan WOE: Atkins	Let's Hear it for Pork Rinds, the 'healthy' junk food now! from AOL's Men's Health: (06/14/08) Pork Rinds Why you think they're bad: These puffy snacks are literally cut from pigskin. Then they're deep-fried. Why they're not: A 1-ounce serving contains zero carbohydrates, 17 grams (g) of protein, and 9 g fat. That's nine times the protein and less fat than you'll find in a serving of carb-packed potato chips. Even better, 43 percent of a pork rind's fat is unsaturated, and most of that is oleic acid -- the same healthy fat found in olive oil. Another 13 percent of its fat content is stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that's considered harmless, because it doesn't raise cholesterol levels. Eat this: J&J Critters Microwave Pork Rinds ($6.50 for a 10-ounce container). Because the rinds are cooked and puffed in a microwave instead of deep-fried, each serving contains only 4 g fat -- meaning they're lower in calories and less greasy than regular pork rinds.

06-15-2008, 10:20 AM	#21
SashimiMark MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 1,726 Gallery: SashimiMark Stats: 355/275/185 WOE: Low Carb/Carb Cycling Start Date: January 2008	IMO pork rinds ARE healthy. I'm not sure what your definition of a "real" food is, but what's not real about deep fried pork skin? Frankly, it sounds a lot like fat prejudice. Which I understand. It took me a long time to stop thinking of fat as something that makes you fat. I don't eat pork rinds often, as frankly I don't enjoy the taste that much. But I do use them as an ingredient in several recipes. Last edited by SashimiMark : 06-15-2008 at 10:30 AM.

06-15-2008, 10:51 AM	#23
MountainGirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,440 Gallery: MountainGirl Stats: 218.2/in-between/125 WOE: LC / Working towards renewed health Start Date: July 11 2007	You know, it never ceases to amaze me that opinions are welcome as long as they agree with what's posted. Opinions to the contrary are not. There are some wonderful, loving, caring people here who can have a discussion about differences in views and there are those who get their backs up, get defensive whenever someone DARES to post their own opinion that challenges the mass thought. I am entitled to my opinion as much as any of you. I'm sorry if that offends any of you, but that is the bottom line. If any of you don't like what I post, you are free to IGNORE my posts. You need not agree with me, but there is no need to make it a personal argument. My view is just as valid as anyone else's. Take it or leave it - simple! Look at my posts, I have stated it's not about fat, but if you choose to ignore what I've said and denigrate me personally, well, that's your choice. I wonder why PORK RINDS are worth calling someone a liar and making a personal issue over a difference in opinion. That's really immature in my opinion. It's about pork rinds, not me. I have posted some of the horrible ingredients found in some pork rinds and hopefully if ONE person reads the labels and chooses something else, my posts are worthwhile. Last edited by MountainGirl : 06-15-2008 at 11:13 AM.

06-15-2008, 11:05 AM	#25
Charski Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Coastal CA Posts: 9,551 Gallery: Charski Stats: 174 (WW)/130/150 goal 5'5" 54 years young WOE: ATKINS! now and always.... Start Date: 5/03	You're right about the labels - there ARE some which have all manner of junk added to them - and then there are the ones which are pork skins and fat and that's all! Nothing wrong with those IMHO. I don't think pork skins are inherently any less healthy than say, chicken skin or turkey skin (both of which I love BTW!) but like any "healthy" food once adulterated with additives they can most definitely become UNhealthy. Me, I buy either the freshly-fried ones from the Mexican markets or check the ingredients listings and if there is something there offensive to me, I don't buy that brand or flavor. I think they make a delightful snack! Again, to each his/her own and YMMV as always! __________________ Veni, Vidi, Velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck! Save the Earth - it's the only planet with chocolate! ATKINS '72 - MAINTENANCE X 5 YEARS! 2 7 10 16 31 12

06-14-2008, 12:25 PM	#2
wifezilla Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 4,911 Gallery: wifezilla Stats: 250/209/190 WOE: Read em all. Doing it my way. Start Date: May 2007	My son uses them to shovel hot salsa

06-14-2008, 12:31 PM	#3
somethingblue2u MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,434 Gallery: somethingblue2u Stats: 190/175/150 WOE: Atkins for Life Start Date: 2nd time October 2007	Right on!

06-14-2008, 12:39 PM	#4
Sandi76 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. Posts: 621 Gallery: Sandi76 Stats: 230/215/180 WOE: Atkins Start Date: May 15th 2008	I said it once and I'll say it again... MMMM pork rinds! I used to HATE them, but have grown to love them since low carbing.

06-14-2008, 12:40 PM	#5
iamcrazy Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 963 Gallery: iamcrazy Stats: 285/265/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 5, 2008	YAY!! I have never tried them before, not too big in canada but i have placed an order with netrition and can't wait for them to get here!!

06-14-2008, 12:42 PM	#6
squeakie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: berlin, germany Posts: 878 Blog Entries: 10 Gallery: squeakie Stats: 131/106/110 (5'1") WOE: low carb Start Date: January 25, 2008	I love them but can't find them here!

06-14-2008, 01:57 PM	#7
jacksmixedtape MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: going to school in NC Posts: 1,836 Gallery: jacksmixedtape Stats: 160/140ish, 5'11" WOE: gluten-free whole foods Start Date: May 2007	With a big ol' glass of water, they're not bad! Loved 'em when starting on LC.

06-14-2008, 02:10 PM	#8
Charski Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Coastal CA Posts: 9,551 Gallery: Charski Stats: 174 (WW)/130/150 goal 5'5" 54 years young WOE: ATKINS! now and always.... Start Date: 5/03	They are good with most ANY kind of LC dip (clam dip being a fave in this house) or as a bed for some cream cheese and a smoked oyster. Or crushed (I use the food processor) and used as a breading - I like to mix half & half with green can Parm, or Carbquik, or all three. And they make pretty good nachos too!

06-14-2008, 02:15 PM	#9
SashimiMark MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 1,726 Gallery: SashimiMark Stats: 355/275/185 WOE: Low Carb/Carb Cycling Start Date: January 2008	I too love them, but have been having problems finding them locally as of late. I know you can buy the microwave kind at Netrition, but some of the reviews make me wary.

06-14-2008, 02:19 PM	#10
iamcrazy Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 963 Gallery: iamcrazy Stats: 285/265/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 5, 2008	mmmmm, using them as nachos sounds like a good idea!!

06-14-2008, 02:32 PM	#11
MountainGirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,440 Gallery: MountainGirl Stats: 218.2/in-between/125 WOE: LC / Working towards renewed health Start Date: July 11 2007	Hey y'all, Don't beat me up, but even though many of you LIKE pork rinds and you make the choice to eat them and it is your choice, they are in NO way "healthy" for your body. They are highly processed, chemical-laden junk food. It's not the fat that's the problem, it's the processing and additives. But hey, if y'all like 'em, eat 'em! But, to say they are "healthy"? Sorry! No way.

06-14-2008, 03:36 PM	#15
Spider_Lily MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,142 Gallery: Spider_Lily Stats: 224/198/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: recommit 5-5-08	I love the Curley Q Fried Pork Skins they are crunchy not the fluffy lite kind.I love them with my coffee in the morning sorta like eating crunchy bacon.They have a sprinkle of red pepper on them.

06-15-2008, 08:40 AM	#17
wifezilla Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 4,911 Gallery: wifezilla Stats: 250/209/190 WOE: Read em all. Doing it my way. Start Date: May 2007	I'm with Linda Sue. What is unhealthy about animal skin? Nothing.

06-15-2008, 08:48 AM	#18
Tooter Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 9,443 Gallery: Tooter Stats: 5' 6" and 128 lbs	I Love Pork Cracklings and Pork rinds (Hated them when I first started this WOE) They are great as a quick snack, they are wonderful in recipes and as far as processing... It's deep fried pork fat and skin. What's unhealthy about that? Pork rinds are a "Better Choice" on the low carb lifestyle. In fact, I am making Swedish Meatballs today, and will be using grind Pork Cracklings. As a wise man once said... PORK FAT RULES!!!!

06-15-2008, 09:17 AM	#19
24Fan MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,461 Gallery: 24Fan WOE: Atkins	I think Mountaingirl maybe meant it's too much animal fat? I don't know. Sent her a PM to say it wasn't meant for her personally my comments about people dissing pork rinds I was joking about non low-carbers who tease us about eating pork rinds while they eat their chips. After reading that article I just felt like yahoo! I was right! Thanks LindaSue & Tooter, I heart pork rinds

06-15-2008, 10:25 AM	#22
HezzieLee Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 538 Gallery: HezzieLee Stats: 35yrs old 5'4" 180/170/155 WOE: Low carb/Low sugar- Prediabetic Start Date: March 2008	oh, for cryin out loud it's a pork rind! Can't we all just get along....

06-15-2008, 11:03 AM	#24
luv_bug Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 426 Gallery: luv_bug Stats: 265/147.5/140? WOE: Atkins Start Date: February 2007	The other day I read about sprinkling cinnamine and a little splenda on them and then drizzling butter over (so it sticks to the pork rind) and baking them... I decided to try it -- MY GOD!!! I was in heaven!!! THEY ARE INCREDIBLE?!?!?! MMMMMMM MMMMM MMM (I'll have to make a little more later for a treat)

06-15-2008, 11:15 AM	#26
Kris T. MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CA Posts: 1,170 Gallery: Kris T. Stats: Was 140, now 110 @ 5'3" WOE: Atkins-ish, limited dairy&nuts.	I think some are healthier than others..I agree with that. Some of the flavored kinds have chemicals. I eat them in moderation (too many make my stomach feel strange) but especially like them with a bit of melted butter and Splenda & cin. Sugar. Try them with mustard too! I have also topped them with melted cheese. Really, think of what you would put on/serve with ham. Also, check the expiration date!