Pork

Pork, fresh, variety meats and by-products, chitterlings, raw

FDC 168266oz (113 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 25 · -12 vs Pork median

Raw pork chitterlings score 25 of 100, a Low band placing 40th of 60 in the Pork category, well under the category median of 37. Protein reaches 15% DV, a good but not exceptional showing for this offal cut.

Chitterlings are the pig's cleaned small intestines, simmered low and slow for hours until tender, a dish rooted in Southern and soul food cooking traditions. A 4 ounce (113 g) portion is typical, and the cut carries 7.6 g of saturated fat and 154 mg of cholesterol per 100 g, notable enough that fresh pork carcass, separable lean and fat, scores meaningfully higher in the same category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around pork, fresh, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 7.6 g · 17%Carb 0 g · 0%Fat 16.6 g · 83%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories182 kcal9%
Total fat17 g21%
Saturated fat7.6 g38%
Cholesterol154 mg51%
Sodium24 mg1%
Carbohydrate0 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars0 g
Protein7.6 g15%
Potassium18 mg0%
Calcium16 mg1%
Iron1 mg6%
Magnesium6 mg1%
Vitamin C1.1 mg1%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.18 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168266

Original 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.

Protein15% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the pork median

Nutrient density25 vs 37 median
Protein / 100 g7.6 vs 18 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g24 vs 87 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Pork, cured, bacon, cooked, microwavedDensity 26 vs 25Pork, pickled pork hocksDensity 26 vs 25Pork, fresh, carcass, separable lean and fat, rawDensity 27 vs 25

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Chitterlings are pork small intestines, a variety meat that requires careful cleaning and long, slow simmering before they are ready to eat. Cooks typically boil them for hours with onion, garlic, and vinegar or citrus to soften the texture and tame the smell, then often finish them with a quick pan-fry for a crisp exterior. They are a staple of Southern and soul food cooking, usually served with hot sauce, and a close relative of the tripas used in Mexican cooking for tacos.

Because they are raw offal, chitterlings need thorough cleaning and cooking to a safe internal temperature before serving, and should be kept refrigerated or frozen until prep begins. At the raw stage measured here, a 113 g portion comes to about 206 calories with 7.64 g protein per 100 g, or 15% of the daily protein value, and only 24 mg sodium per 100 g, since the bulk of the seasoning and sodium in a finished dish comes later, from the simmering liquid, vinegar, and hot sauce added during cooking.

Frequently asked questions about pork, fresh

How many calories are in raw pork chitterlings?

A 113 g portion has about 206 calories, based on 182 calories per 100 g raw.

How do you prepare chitterlings?

They are cleaned thoroughly, then simmered for hours with aromatics like onion, garlic, and vinegar, and often finished with a quick fry.

Are raw chitterlings high in sodium?

No, they contain just 24 mg sodium per 100 g before any seasoning is added during cooking.

View the USDA source record