What do you think of "pork rinds"?
By CanadaGal
@CanadaGal (4304)
Canada
October 30, 2008 11:57am CST
I am living the low carbohydrate lifestyle, and love it! But one thing I was missing was the "crunch" of a snack, such as potato chips. I've found myself cheating by eating potato chips, which in the end, only made me feel icky.
I had heard about pork rinds being low-carb friendly, but I'd never thought to look out for them when grocery shopping. I'm almost 36 and had never tried them before, and had no idea what they would look like either.
But the other day when shopping in walmart, I walked by an aisle display that had "frito lay" brand pork rinds for sale. They were only $1.39 a bag, so I picked up two (in case I really liked them). "Phillidelphia" cream cheese dill pickle dip was also on sale, so I bought a container of that as well, because one of my guilty pleasures is eating regular potato chips and that dip. YUM!
I tried the pork rinds as soon as I got home. I have to say, they have an interesting, and possibly acquired taste to them. However, the crunch is just like the chips I miss so much! And eating them with my dill pickle dip makes for a perfect guilty pleasures snack, without feeling guilty.. it's great!
How about you... have you ever tried pork rinds? What do you think of them? Have you heard of them before? Have you ever made your own? Do you prefer them on their own, or with a dip? If with a dip, what kind?
6 people like this
19 responses
@lipsticknladdles (814)
• Philippines
30 Oct 08
i do eat pork rinds a lot (before i was diagnosed with diabetes and hyperlipedimia). It is really yummy! I love dipping it in spicy vinegar.
in our country (Philippines), aside from munching it as is,we do a lot of stuff with it. We sometimes crush it and mixed it with sauteed lentils and shrimp and even use it as a topping for steamed vermicelli noodles with peanut sauce, boiled eggs and tofu ( it is called "palabok")
i think its a bit time consuming to make it on your own, so if i crave for one,i just get it from my regular grocery store. ( they have it in different flavors- BBQ, cheese, Salt N Vinegar)...
5 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I could see using it as a coating or topping for sure. It looks as if it will crumble like dried bread would.
1 person likes this
@tessah (6617)
• United States
30 Oct 08
pork rinds.. are exactly what the name implies.. the rind of pork.. ie.. slivers of pigs skin, deep fried. not exactly a "healthy" snack.. nor something id really wanna be trying. i`ll stick with baked tortillas or pita chips or something of the like over the oily greasey swine strips. *wretches*
4 people like this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork_rind@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I didn't like the sound of them when I first heard of them either.
Thanks for the link... there's a lot on there in reference to the Atkins diet... that's what I'm on again now, and I love it. :)
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
3 Nov 08
We've had this debate about Dr. Atkins in the past. lol. Most of my carbs are coming from my salads and veggies. But there are those times when I crave crunch, like chips, and so now I can have a few pork rinds (with dill pickle dip!) to satisfy that urge. Too many would be gross.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
30 Oct 08
I don't even have a clue what pork rinds are, not something that is native to montreal I guess unless it goes by a different name here.
4 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
yes that is exactly what it is when I looked up an image of pork rinds I say that it was les oreilles du chris or the ears of christ,
when actually they are the pig ears. Quite interesting.
2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
According to the link that Tessah shared, in Quebec they're called "Oreilles de crisse". Does that sound more familiar?
2 people like this
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
30 Oct 08
yep. They are ppular here in barbecue flavor and lime with a bit of hot chili and they are good. I am trying to avoid too many snacks because I am on a natural health food type diest now. They actyaly taste pretty good but have never tried them with dip!@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I don't like the taste on their own much it seems. But they closer resemble potato chips in my dill pickle dip, compared to the cucumber bits I'd used in the past.
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
30 Oct 08
Hi CanadaGal, 
I've definitely heard of pork rinds, but have never actually tried them. I was under the impression that they're only available in the US, but can understand why Walmart would carry them. I have the feeling I wouldn't care for them, from some of the responses I've read here. I've had a craving for potato chips for awhile now, as I haven't had any in the house for quite some time. My favourites are Miss Vicki's regular, and various types of Tostitos. Their spinach dip is so yummy, and especially if it's slightly heated. We're fortunate to have the option to choose healthier snacks these days, with all of the variety that's out there. However, nothing but the real deal will do at times, as far as these types of treats are concerned. Take care.
I've definitely heard of pork rinds, but have never actually tried them. I was under the impression that they're only available in the US, but can understand why Walmart would carry them. I have the feeling I wouldn't care for them, from some of the responses I've read here. I've had a craving for potato chips for awhile now, as I haven't had any in the house for quite some time. My favourites are Miss Vicki's regular, and various types of Tostitos. Their spinach dip is so yummy, and especially if it's slightly heated. We're fortunate to have the option to choose healthier snacks these days, with all of the variety that's out there. However, nothing but the real deal will do at times, as far as these types of treats are concerned. Take care. @someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
30 Oct 08
Thanks, Transdisc. I'll be waiting patiently to try these delicacies. 
I didn't get the chance to look for the candy corn, and I'm guessing it'll be disappearing off the shelves very soon, until next year. Surely among these three things, there will be one that I really like.
I didn't get the chance to look for the candy corn, and I'm guessing it'll be disappearing off the shelves very soon, until next year. Surely among these three things, there will be one that I really like. 2 people like this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I think Tostitos are the best, and of course the dip is a necessity. 
I too love their cheese dip, but my new all time favourite is the spinach one. As for not being low carb, that's a tough one. Hopefully, you're able to treat yourself every now and again. I don't keep chips 'here' on a regular basis anymore, but like to have them every now and again. I think everybody deserves a special food they crave, once in awhile.
I too love their cheese dip, but my new all time favourite is the spinach one. As for not being low carb, that's a tough one. Hopefully, you're able to treat yourself every now and again. I don't keep chips 'here' on a regular basis anymore, but like to have them every now and again. I think everybody deserves a special food they crave, once in awhile. 2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
Oh, I love tostitos too... I like to get the small "rounds", and dip them in the tostitos "cheese sauce" (there's another name for it, "salsa con queso"? something like that lol). The problem is that the tostitos and other things like it, aren't low in carbs. Sigh! 
2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
You made me "guffaw" out loud when I read your response. I hope I didn't set off a craving for you to endulge in some badness. However, if I did, then remember that a little goes a long way. ;)
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
3 Nov 08
I do enjoy pork rinds. Although I don't eat them too often. I prefer to have a small dish of chips. It satisfies me more than pork rinds.
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
3 Nov 08
I'm finding the opposite is true for me, in that I'm satisfied better with the pork rinds. Although I do miss the taste of chips. It's too bad they're so high in carbs.
1 person likes this
@Myrrdin (3599)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
Pork rinds are kind of nice. When I was on Atkins myself I used to eat them plain, I have also used them crushed in substitution of bread crumbs in recipes. You can make a great very low carb meat loaf with them, and they make a great crunchy crust on casseroles too.
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
A crunchy crust on casseroles eh? Yah.. that'll be great for all the cooking I do. 
I didn't think about putting them into meatloaf... that would likely be pretty good. But I did consider them as a breading of sorts... like maybe a crispy chicken coating mix with spices or something. Meh.. that's too much work.
How long were you actually on Atkins?
I didn't think about putting them into meatloaf... that would likely be pretty good. But I did consider them as a breading of sorts... like maybe a crispy chicken coating mix with spices or something. Meh.. that's too much work.
How long were you actually on Atkins?@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I knew you were on it, I just didn't realize it was for that long.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
i havent tried pork rinds. i think its more of an american thing as well as an acquired taste. also, arent pork rinds fried? i loved baked lays and harvest cheese sun chips. i dont like chips that much but love the crunch so those are a fairly healthy snack.
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I do like baked lays, but as Myrrdin suggests, they are just too high in carbs for the Atkins diet. :(
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
3 Nov 08
Sounds like you enjoyed them. :) Good to hear.
I bought more "baken-ets" and more "dill pickle dip" today. I'm all set for the next few weeks should that crunch desire come back.
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I don't know that I could handle them without the dip to be honest.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
31 Oct 08
I love pork rinds! They are one of my favorite snacks and I enjoy them greatly! I think that they are good enough plain that I have never tried them with dip. I do like the crunch of them as well as the taste. I am glad that you have found something to replace your chips and dip with.
2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
3 Nov 08
I'm glad I found something too! Especially now that Hallowe'en has just finished, so that I don't get the urge to dip into the boys' treat bags. lol!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
30 Oct 08
hi canadagal What do I think of pork rinds? yuck I hate to
think of eating the skin of any animal.yuck. I love potato'chips and lays makes baked ones that are low carb and lo fat.Pork rinds I detest and they are way too salty for me too.but lays
baked chips are really great and go with a dip just fine.
2 people like this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
Low carb potato chips? I didn't know anything potato was low carb. lol.
@SaintAnne (5453)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I didn't know pork rinds could be a healthy alternative. I grew up to pork rinds, growing up in the Philippines. I have them very rarely now. Only get to when someone else offers it to me or otherwise. I like to dip it in vinegar, actually.
I grew up to pork rinds, growing up in the Philippines. I have them very rarely now. Only get to when someone else offers it to me or otherwise. I like to dip it in vinegar, actually. 
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
30 Oct 08
You didn't have fresh ones. I have only had pork rinds a few times and that was before I knew what they were LOL Down here you can get them fresh - like right out of the fryer. I don't think I would eat them from frito-lay - or eat them at all now.
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
Fresh ones I'm sure would be much better than these bagged ones I bought. But already I know I wouldn't go out of my way to try them.
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
25 Nov 08
I had never tried them until my British step-Mom made them once after having a Pork Roast dinner. She makes them from scratch. She did not fry them. She bakes them. You cut the skin and fat together off the roast and cut it into strips. You then put them on a baking tray (I use a rack to keep them jsut out of the fat that drips off), fat side up and bake at 400 - 450 degrees Farenheit for approximately 45 mins. It will start to smoke a bit, so that is when you turn it off, before it burns. But the goal is to cook the fat to the point that it gets fluffy.
Anyway, cooked this way, I find them delicious. I cannot eat anything fried without getting a tummy ache.
I find the commercial bagged stuff very untasty, bland and very, very dry, sort of like cardboard, compared to the real stuff. Try it sometime. Once I tried it the homemade way without all the chemicals and preservatives and actual frying, I cannot eat the fake ones any more.
1 person likes this
@MizzLadyB08 (1174)
• United States
31 Oct 08
Love them especially with vinegar and hot sauce.
1 person likes this
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I'm not a hot sauce fan, but I could try vinegar sometime. White or malt?
@MizzLadyB08 (1174)
• United States
31 Oct 08
I guess malt if it is the brown vinegar.
1 person likes this
@chris_h360 (108)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
i love pork rinds. Right when you open the bag and sniff it in its not the most interesting smell but they taste good and feel good to eat. When i eat them i just think of them as pork and a chip combined. I love them and i highly recommend them unless the idea of it grosses you out
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
31 Oct 08
I haven't tried smelling them. I'm still working on the taste of them first. lol.
