Headcheese, pork
FDC 171630slice (1 oz) (4" x 4" x 3/32" thick) (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 22 · +0 vs Sausage & deli meats medianHeadcheese lands at 22 of 100, a Low band score ranking it 31st of 60 in Sausage & deli meats, just past the category midpoint, with protein at 28% DV standing out among an otherwise short nutrient list.
Made by setting simmered pork scraps and broth into a firm terrine, it's traditionally sliced thin and served cold with mustard or vinegar, more of a charcuterie item than an everyday cold cut. Sodium is the number worth noting, at 941 mg per 100 g, since the curing and simmering process concentrates salt into every slice.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around headcheese, pork, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 157 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 11 g | 14% |
| Saturated fat | 3.4 g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 69 mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 941 mg | 41% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 14 g | 28% |
| Potassium | 31 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% |
| Magnesium | 9 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.25 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 44 kcal | 2% |
| Total fat | 3.1 g | 4% |
| Saturated fat | 0.95 g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 19 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 263 mg | 11% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 3.9 g | 8% |
| Potassium | 8.7 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 4.5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.42 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 2.5 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.07 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171630Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the sausage & deli meats median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Bologna, porkDensity 22 vs 22Honey roll sausage, beefDensity 23 vs 22Ham and cheese spreadDensity 23 vs 22Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Headcheese is not a cheese at all but a traditional cold cut made by simmering pork head meat with seasonings and setting the resulting broth and meat into a firm, sliceable terrine held together by natural gelatin. It is served thinly sliced and cold, often with mustard, pickles or vinegar-based condiments that cut through its rich, savory flavor, and it appears on charcuterie boards alongside other cured meats. Its texture is dense and slightly gelatinous, distinct from smoother emulsified sausages like bologna.
Keep headcheese well wrapped and refrigerated, slicing off only what is needed since exposed surfaces dry out quickly. A one-ounce slice provides 157 calories per 100 g and 13.8 grams of protein, with 28% DV protein per 100 g making it a compact protein option for a charcuterie spread or open-faced sandwich; like most cured deli meats its sodium is high at 941 mg per 100 g, so it pairs best with acidic condiments like pickles or mustard rather than additional salty sides.
Frequently asked questions about headcheese, pork
How many calories are in headcheese?
One slice (1 oz) has 157 calories per 100 g.
Is headcheese a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides about 28% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 g, or 13.8 grams.
What does headcheese pair well with?
It is traditionally served cold and thinly sliced with mustard, pickles or vinegar-based condiments.