Cooked Pulled Pork

Cooked pulled pork is a dish made from pork shoulder or butt, slow-cooked until it is very tender and can be easily shredded into strands. This cooking method typically involves simmering or roasting the meat for several hours, often with seasonings or sauces, until it reaches a fall-apart consistency.

Manufacturers add cooked pulled pork to packaged foods primarily as a protein source and for its distinct flavor and texture. It is a popular ingredient in ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, pizzas, and other entrees, providing a convenient and flavorful meat component.

Cooked pulled pork is a food ingredient, not a food additive, and is regulated by the FDA as a meat product. As a meat, it provides protein, vitamins, and minerals. Depending on preparation and cut, it can contribute to dietary intake of saturated fat; the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) advise keeping saturated fat under 10% of daily calories. JECFA and EFSA do not evaluate basic food ingredients like cooked meat for additive purposes.