Are BAKEN-ETS® Really Made from Pork Skins? Getting to the Bottom of This Long-Time Snack Favorite

For over 50 years BAKEN-ETS® pork skins have been a go-to snack for generations of Americans. These crispy, crunchy, and flavorful bites have a loyal following of fans who just can’t get enough.

But some skeptics have questioned whether these snacks are really made of pork skins as claimed. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly BAKEN-ETS® pork skins are made from and get to the bottom of this tasty mystery!

A Long History of Crunchy Goodness

BAKEN-ETS® first hit store shelves back in 1969 and quickly became popular thanks to their satisfying crunch and robust, porky flavor. The company advertises that they use only premium pork skins to create each piece.

Over the decades, fans have come to love the hearty texture and sprinkle-worthy taste of these snacks Many have fond memories of enjoying BAKEN-ETS® during family gatherings, games nights, and road trips

In fact, they’ve become a bit of a nostalgic go-to for those looking to recreate the snacking experiences of their childhood.

Made from Actual Pork Skins

So what exactly gives BAKEN-ETS® their signature crunch? The answer is in the name – these snacks are indeed made from real pork skins!

Pork skin, sometimes referred to as pork rinds, is the skin of a pig. To transform it into the BAKEN-ETS® we know and love, the skin goes through a cooking and drying process.

First, the pork skin is cooked at a high heat until it’s crispy. The fat underneath the skin renders and leaves behind the crunchy skin that we snack on.

Next, the crisped pork skin is dried out further. This removes any remaining fat and moisture, ensuring each piece will have a long shelf life and stay perfectly crisp.

Finally, seasonings like salt, spices, and powdered flavors are sprinkled on to add that signature zesty taste.

Crunchy Fried Goodness Minus the Fat

What makes pork rinds like BAKEN-ETS® extra enticing for snackers is that all the fat is rendered out during cooking. This leaves behind just the crunchy skin for a tasty, porky treat that’s low in fat and calories compared to other fried snacks.

In fact, a 1-ounce serving of BAKEN-ETS® Original Pork Skins contains:

• 90 calories
• 7 grams of fat (but just 1 gram of saturated fat and 0 grams of trans fat)
• 0 grams of carbohydrates
• 7 grams of protein

So not only are they made from real pork skins, they’re also a surprisingly healthy snack choice thanks to their lack of carbs and low fat content after frying.

Skin-sational Flavor Variety

Another reason BAKEN-ETS® have stayed popular over the decades is the array of mouthwatering flavors they offer. While the Original variety remains a top choice, fans can also get their pork rind fix in flavors like:

• Hot N’ Spicy – with a kick of chili pepper and paprika
• Salt n’ Pepper – with a classic dash of sea salt and cracked black pepper
• Chicharrones – made with a traditional Latin American pork rind recipe
• Bar-B-Q – barbecue flavor without the grill
• Red Hot Riplets – intensely spicy and flavored with vinegar

The flavor options allow fans to switch it up when snacking while still enjoying that satisfying, crave-worthy crunch.

Crunchy Snacking, Keto-Style

In recent years, BAKEN-ETS® have gained attention from followers of the keto diet. Low carb eaters appreciate pork skins for their lack of carbohydrates.

Since keto dieters have to avoid sugary and starchy foods, they’re always on the lookout for tasty low carb snacks. BAKEN-ETS® fit the bill perfectly.

Munching on these portable protein-packed snacks can help keto dieters avoid cravings and stay in ketosis. They provide salt and crunch without kicking you out of ketosis like carb-heavy crunchy snacks could.

For keto snackers, pork rinds like BAKEN-ETS® are a godsend. And they certainly beat out other low carb snack options like celery sticks!

Are They Healthy? It Depends…

While BAKEN-ETS® make for a convenient keto snack, are traditional fried pork rinds actually healthy? Well, it depends on a few factors.

On the plus side, the lack of carbs and low fat content make them healthier than many fried snacks. And the protein provides a nourishing boost.

However, the sodium content can be high in some varieties, ranging from 380-830 mg per serving. Consuming too many in one sitting could lead to excess sodium intake.

Some flavored varieties also contain added MSG and preservatives, which certain health-conscious snackers try to avoid.

Moderation is key, even when enjoying a snack marketed as keto and low carb. Stick to reasonable serving sizes.

Taste Tested and Fan Approved

What makes a snack like BAKEN-ETS® stand the test of time? At the end of the day, it comes down to consistent quality and great taste that fans love.

The world of snacks is always changing as trendy new products come and go. But generations of snackers have grown up enjoying the signature crunch of BAKEN-ETS®.

Even as new snack offerings hit the shelves, BAKEN-ETS® devotion remains strong. Fans in the 21st century are still stocking up on these pantry staple snacks just as previous generations did.

The nostalgia and consistent flavor keep snackers coming back for more. And the company’s signature cooking process ensures each bag delivers the satisfying crispiness and pork skin flavor that fans expect with every bite.

For over 50 years, the answer to “Are BAKEN-ETS® really made from pork skins?” has been a definitive yes. Here’s to another 50 years of outstanding snacking from a classic brand.