Is Costco Pepperoni Pizza Pork? Here’s The Meaty Truth

Pepperoni pizza is a beloved staple for many Americans. The savory spicy flavor of pepperoni paired with gooey, melted cheese on a crispy crust simply can’t be beat. But when you’re biting into a slice of pepperoni pizza from Costco, you may find yourself wondering – is their pepperoni made with pork?

As avid Costco shoppers and pizza lovers ourselves, my team and I decided to get to the bottom of this mystery. We examined the ingredients of Costco’s pepperoni pizza did some research on how pepperoni is made and explored some non-pork pepperoni alternatives.

Here is the meaty truth on whether Costco’s famous pepperoni pizza contains pork or not. Let’s slice into this pizza puzzle together!

A Quick Look at Costco Pepperoni Pizza Ingredients

To start getting answers, we took a close look at the listed ingredients on Costco’s pepperoni pizza:

• Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
• Water
• Soybean oil
• Pepperoni made with pork, beef, salt, contains 2% or less of water, dextrose, natural flavors, paprika oleoresin, lactic acid starter culture, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite (preservative), spices, citric acid, garlic powder, sodium ascorbate, extractives of paprika.
• Low moisture part skim mozzarella cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes)
• Roasted garlic puree
• Vine-ripened fresh diced tomatoes
• Sugar
• Spices
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt
• Parsley
• Oregano
• Basil

The ingredients list clearly contains “pepperoni made with pork, beef” which answers our initial question – yes, Costco’s pepperoni pizza does contain pork! The pepperoni is made from a blend of pork and beef, along with various seasonings and preservatives.

Now that we have confirmed pork is an ingredient, let’s take a deeper look into how pepperoni is made and why pork is commonly used.

The Role of Pork in Traditional Pepperoni

Pepperoni is a form of salami that is made by fermenting and drying cured meat. While recipes can vary between brands, traditional pepperoni contains both pork and beef. Here’s an overview of the typical pepperoni production process:

• Lean cuts of beef provide flavor and a pleasant red color.

• Fatty pork (like pork shoulder) helps the pepperoni maintain a soft texture after drying out. The pork fat also helps the slices curl up into that classic cupped shape when cooked.

• Spices like paprika, fennel seed, anise seed, and garlic give pepperoni its signature spicy, savory taste.

• Curing salts (sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate) are added to prevent bacteria growth and give the meat its characteristic red color.

• After mixing the meat, fat, and spices, the mixture is stuffed into casings, allowed to ferment and cure for 1-2 weeks, then slowly air dried for up to 30 days.

• Finally, the pepperoni is sliced and ready for pizza!

As you can see, the pork plays some important functional roles in traditional pepperoni manufacture. The fatty pork contributes to that soft, cupped shape and silky texture we love in pepperoni. Replacing the pork entirely can result in a drier, denser, or more crumbly pepperoni.

Seeking Out Non-Pork Pepperoni Alternatives

While Costco sticks with the traditional pork-blend pepperoni, some pizza chains and brands offer non-pork pepperoni alternatives:

• Turkey or chicken-based pepperoni usually contains darker turkey thighs for fat/texture, while lean turkey or chicken breast provides meaty flavor.

• Beef pepperoni often relies solely on fatty beef cuts like chuck or round for richness.

• Vegetarian soy-based pepperoni mimics meaty umami flavor using soy protein, wheat gluten, and seasoning.

• Halal or kosher pepperoni swaps out the pork for beef or chicken, aligning with religious dietary laws.

No matter what meat or vegetarian ingredients they use, non-pork pepperoni brands try to recreate that signature peppery, bold flavor we love. However, some pizza connoisseurs insist the pork-beef blend still provides the best fatty, tender mouthfeel and time-tested zing.

Tips for Ordering Pepperoni Pizza at Costco

Since we’ve confirmed Costco uses a traditional pork-based pepperoni, here are some tips for ordering and customizing your Costco pepperoni pizza experience:

• Ask if they have any vegetarian or turkey pepperoni available to substitute – some locations might offer meatless options.

• Request your pizza to be made on a gluten-free crust if you have dietary restrictions. Costco carries gluten-free pizzas at select locations.

• Order it well-done to get those crispy pepperoni cups charred and curled to perfection.

• Add extra crushed red pepper flakes on top for some extra heat.

• Try swapping out the normal pizza sauce for barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy kick.

• For spicy and savory, ask for jalapeños or Italian sausage as extra toppings.

While Costco’s classic pepperoni does contain pork, a few customizations can help you enjoy their pizza your way. The next time you grab a slice, don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Perfecting Pepperoni Pizza at Home

Craving that perfect pepperoni pizza but don’t feel like heading to Costco? We’ve got you covered with a few tips for making phenomenal pepperoni pizzas at home:

Choose High Quality Ingredients

This is not the time to skimp! Splurge on the best pepperoni, cheese, sauce, and crust you can find. Here are some of our favorites:

• Pepperoni – Go for a natural uncured pepperoni free of preservatives like nitrates or nitrites. Brands like Olli and Applegate make excellent uncured pepperoni.

• Cheese – Low-moisture whole milk mozzarella offers that fine, silky melt. Shred it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded.

• Sauce – Make your own with canned San Marzano tomatoes or use a high-quality jarred pizza sauce.

• Crust – Try a pre-made fresh pizza dough from a bakery or pizza shop, or make your own at home. Let it come to room temp before rolling it out for the best stretch.

Cook at High Temperatures

To get that crispy, bubbly crust with cupped pepperoni, you need scorching hot temperatures. Invest in a pizza stone and crank your oven as high as it will go. Ideally, you want to cook at 500°F+ to properly char the crust.

Layer Toppings Carefully

Gently press pepperoni into the cheese instead of just scattering them on top. This helps them adhere and cook into delicious little grease-filled cups.

Finish with Fresh Basil

Right before serving, tear some fresh basil leaves over the pizza for a pop of color and herby flavor. This simple finishing touch really takes it to the next level!

With stellar ingredients and high heat, you can have artisan-quality pepperoni pizza anytime at home. For even more flavor, try mixing up the toppings with sausage, mushrooms, peppers, or anything else you crave.

The bottom line – no matter where you enjoy it, pepperoni pizza satisfies like nothing else. Hopefully this intel helps you get the most out of your next pepperoni pizza experience, whether it’s at Costco or in your own kitchen. Stay meaty!