Snacks, pork skins, barbecue-flavor
FDC 168851oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 25 · -19 vs Snacks medianFried and seasoned pork skins are almost pure protein by weight, pushing an excellent 116% DV of protein per 100 g, yet the Nutrient Density Score still sits at 25 of 100, a Low band ranking 55 of 60 in Snacks, once sodium and fat are weighed against that protein.
A small handful straight from the bag is the standard serving, prized for a crunchy, savory bite with essentially no carbs. The barbecue seasoning brings real costs, though: 2670 mg of sodium, 11.6 g of saturated fat, and 115 mg of cholesterol per 100 g, numbers that call for treating this as an occasional snack rather than a routine one.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around snacks, pork skins, 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 | 538 kcal | 27% |
| Total fat | 32 g | 41% |
| Saturated fat | 12 g | 58% |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 2670 mg | 116% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.6 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | - | |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 58 g | 116% |
| Potassium | 180 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1 mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1.5 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 65 µg | 7% |
| Vitamin E | - |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 151 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 8.9 g | 11% |
| Saturated fat | 3.2 g | 16% |
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 748 mg | 33% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.45 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | - | |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 16 g | 32% |
| Potassium | 50 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.29 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.42 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 18 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 168851Original 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 snacks median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Snacks, granola bites, mixed flavorsDensity 25 vs 25Snacks, beef jerky, chopped and formedDensity 27 vs 25Milk and cereal barDensity 27 vs 25Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Pork skins, sometimes called chicharrones or cracklings, are made by frying pork skin until it puffs up into a light, airy, and extremely crunchy snack. The barbecue-flavored version is dusted with a smoky, sweet-and-savory spice blend after frying, giving it a similar taste profile to barbecue potato chips but with a much crispier, almost hollow bite. Beyond eating them straight from the bag, crushed pork skins are also used as a low-carb breading for fried chicken or fish, or crumbled over chili and casseroles for crunch. Some cooks blend them into a fine powder to bind meatballs or coat shrimp in place of breadcrumbs.
These are one of the most protein-dense snack foods around, with 57.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, well over the Daily Value at 116%, and only 1.6 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams, which is why they are often reached for as a chip alternative. Calories run 538 per 100 grams, mostly from 31.8 grams of fat and that high protein content. Sodium is very high at 2,670 milligrams per 100 grams between the frying process and the seasoning, so a small handful rather than the full bag is the more moderate way to enjoy them. Store the bag sealed at room temperature and reseal after opening to keep the crunch.
Frequently asked questions about snacks, pork skins
How many calories are in barbecue pork skins?
Barbecue pork skins have 538 calories per 100 grams, or about 538 in a typical ounce-based serving of 28 grams.
Are pork skins a good source of protein?
Yes, they are unusually protein-dense at 57.9 grams per 100 grams, well above 100% of the Daily Value.
How are pork skins used besides eating them plain?
They are often crushed and used as a low-carb breading for fried chicken or fish, or crumbled over chili for crunch.