Less Than 2%: Pork Fat

Pork fat is the fat rendered from a pig. It is a traditional cooking ingredient that can be solid at room temperature or liquid when melted. It is primarily composed of triglycerides.

Manufacturers add pork fat to foods for flavor, moisture, and texture. It is often used in savory dishes like beans, as a cooking oil, or in baked goods to create flaky textures. Its rich flavor enhances many traditional recipes.

Pork fat is a traditional food ingredient and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. While some studies have linked high intake of saturated fats to increased risk of heart disease, other research suggests the overall dietary pattern is more important than individual nutrients. JECFA and EFSA typically evaluate food additives, not whole food ingredients like pork fat.