Can Eating Too Many Pork Rinds Make You Sick?

Crunchy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying, pork rinds are a favorite snack for many following low-carb or keto diets. With their crowd-pleasing crispy texture and bold pork flavor, it’s easy to overdo it on these zero-carb snacks. But is it possible to get sick from eating too many pork rinds? Let’s dig into the science and see if these irresistible chicharrones have any safety concerns.

What Exactly Are Pork Rinds?

Before examining if they can make you ill, let’s first look at what pork rinds actually are

Pork rinds, sometimes called pork skins or chicharrones, are made from the skin of a pig. To produce pork rinds, the pig skin is first cooked in hot water or steam to soften the skin and render off some of the fat.

The skin is then dried out until crispy and fried at high heat. The frying causes the skins to puff up into that characteristic light, crispy pork rind texture we know and love. Finally, pork rinds are tossed in seasoning or spice blends to add even more flavor.

Pork rinds have been popular as a snack across many cultures for ages. They especially surged in popularity in America in recent decades due to low-carb diet trends like keto and paleo.

Nutritional Profile of Pork Rinds

Let’s examine the nutritional stats of pork rinds

• Calories: 90 calories per 1 oz (28 g) serving
• Fat: 9 g per serving
• Protein: 5 g per serving
• Carbs: 0 g per serving
• Fiber: 0 g per serving
• Sodium: 270 mg per serving

As you can see pork rinds are high in protein and fat but completely devoid of carbs. This makes them very attractive for low-carb lifestyles.

However, take note of the high sodium content. Consuming too much sodium at once could potentially lead to dehydration and illness.

Can You Actually Get Sick From Eating Pork Rinds?

Now, to the main question at hand: is it possible for pork rinds to make you sick if you eat too many?

The answer is generally no – pork rinds are not likely to cause illness when consumed in normal amounts as part of a healthy diet. Here’s why:

Pork rinds are cooked at high heat

Most brands of pork rinds are cooked between 350-400°F. This extreme high heat kills any harmful bacteria, making pork rinds safe to eat.

Low moisture content

Pork rinds have an extremely low moisture content, since most of the moisture is cooked off during processing. With very little moisture, bacterial growth is unable to occur.

Prepared in sanitary commercial facilities

Reputable pork rind companies adhere to strict sanitation standards. This prevents contamination with bacteria, pathogens, or other contaminants that could cause illness.

Preservatives

Some pork rinds contain preservatives such as citric acid which help prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.

So when prepared properly under sanitary commercial conditions, pork rinds do not pose much risk for harboring dangerous microbes or bacteria.

3 Potential Safety Concerns With Overeating Pork Rinds

While pork rinds themselves are unlikely to directly cause illness, eating too many may lead to some other gastrointestinal issues or discomfort:

1. High sodium levels

Eating a very large amount of pork rinds in one sitting could potentially lead to dehydration and diarrhea due to their high sodium content. Moderation is key.

2. Lack of fiber

With zero fiber, overindulging in pork rinds could cause constipation or bloating in some people due to slower digestion.

3. Fat malabsorption

If you eat a huge amount of fatty pork rinds very quickly, your body may not be able to properly absorb all that fat, leading to diarrhea or cramps.

So while pork rinds themselves don’t directly harbor anything unsafe, exceeding moderation could indirectly cause some temporary tummy troubles.

Tips for Enjoying Pork Rinds Safely

When snacking on pork rinds, following these tips can help avoid adverse effects:

• Stick to reasonable serving sizes of 1-2 ounces max per sitting.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and counteract sodium.
• Increase fiber from other foods like veggies to promote healthy digestion.
• Read labels and know nutritional info to make informed choices.
• Store opened bags in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Overall, pork rinds make for a safe, low-carb snack when consumed mindfully alongside a balanced diet. Like most foods, problems arise when you eat them in extreme excess.

Can Homemade Pork Rinds Make You Sick?

Commercially prepared pork rinds undergo cooking at high heats that kill bacteria, making them safe. But what about homemade pork rinds? Are they at higher risk for causing food poisoning?

Homemade pork rinds can carry a slightly higher risk of foodborne illness if proper food safety isn’t followed. Here are some tips for making homemade pork rinds more safely:

• Source skin from reputable butchers or markets. Avoid diseased or damaged skin.
• Clean/disinfect countertops before and after contact with raw pork skin.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw pork products.
• Cook skins thoroughly to at least 160°F internal temperature.
• Allow cooked rinds to cool before eating. Don’t eat them hot or warm.
• Refrigerate any uneaten portions promptly.

When basic food prep safety and sanitation protocols are followed, homemade pork rinds can be a fun DIY snack. But not following proper precautions could make you sick. Ready-made rinds are likely the safer option for most people.

The Bottom Line

Moderately snacking on commercially bought pork rinds from reputable brands is highly unlikely to cause sickness or diarrhea in most healthy people.

Eating very large quantities may lead to minor stomach upset due to excess sodium, fat, or lack of fiber. But pork rinds themselves are cooked safely and don’t harbor harmful pathogens when prepared under proper industrial conditions.

Homemade pork rinds do carry a slightly higher risk if food safety principles aren’t followed carefully. But overall, pork rinds can be enjoyed guilt-free as part of a healthy low-carb lifestyle when consumed responsibly.