Pork, fresh, belly, raw
FDC 167812oz (113 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 20 · -17 vs Pork medianRaw pork belly, the fatty cut used to make bacon, scores 20 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band that ranks it 44th of 60 in the Pork category. Protein is present at a good 19% DV, though fat dominates the nutrient profile here.
It's usually cured and smoked into bacon or slow-roasted whole for crackling-skinned pork belly dishes, with a 113 g portion used as the reference serving here. The caveat is saturated fat at 19.3 g per 100 g, a substantial share of its calories; the Pork category's median score sits well above this cut's 20, and cured bacon options are among the swaps that score higher.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around pork, fresh, 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 | 518 kcal | 26% |
| Total fat | 53 g | 68% |
| Saturated fat | 19 g | 97% |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 32 mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 9.3 g | 19% |
| Potassium | 185 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.52 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 4 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 3 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.39 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 585 kcal | 29% |
| Total fat | 60 g | 77% |
| Saturated fat | 22 g | 109% |
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 36 mg | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 11 g | 21% |
| Potassium | 209 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 5.6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.59 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 4.5 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.34 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 3.4 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.44 mg | 3% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167812Original 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 pork median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Pork, cured, bacon, cooked, bakedDensity 21 vs 20Pork, cured, breakfast strips, raw or unheatedDensity 22 vs 20Pork, cured, bacon, pre-sliced, cooked, pan-friedDensity 24 vs 20Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Raw pork belly is the fatty cut from the underside of the pig, the same cut used to make bacon, sold as a slab with alternating layers of fat and meat. Home cooks braise it low and slow, roast it until the skin turns crackling-crisp, or cure and smoke it into homemade bacon; it also gets cubed and simmered into stews, or sliced thin for Korean-style samgyeopsal grilled tableside. Its high fat content means it renders down during cooking, basting the meat in its own fat and producing a rich, tender result when cooked long enough to break down the connective tissue.
Buy pork belly fresh from the butcher counter and keep it refrigerated, using it within a couple of days or wrapping and freezing it for longer storage. Per 100 g it has 9.34 g of protein, reaching 19% DV, but its defining number is 53 g of fat per 100 g and 518 calories per 100 g, making it one of the richest cuts on the menu. A 4 oz (113 g) portion is best treated as an occasional indulgence cut, served in smaller portions than a leaner roast or chop given how calorie-dense it is.
Frequently asked questions about pork, fresh
How many calories are in raw pork belly?
Raw pork belly has 518 calories per 100 g, reflecting its high fat content of 53 g per 100 g.
What is pork belly typically used for?
It is the cut used to make bacon and is also braised, roasted for crackling skin, or sliced thin for grilling.
How should pork belly be stored?
Keep it refrigerated and use within a couple of days, or wrap and freeze it if you will not cook it soon.